Josh Allen limped, scrambled and ultimately delivered as Buffalo escaped Jacksonville with a 27-24 wild-card victory, clinching a divisional-round berth for the sixth consecutive season.
At a Glance
- Allen accounted for all three Bills touchdowns and 306 of 340 offensive yards despite multiple injuries
- Four fourth-quarter lead changes tied a playoff record
- Jacksonville averaged 6.7 yards per carry but ran only 23 times
- Why it matters: Buffalo snapped a five-game road-playoff losing streak dating to 1992 and advanced to face either Denver or the Texans-Steelers winner
The contest ended when quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s first-play interception on the Jaguars’ final drive sailed harmlessly into Buffalo hands, sealing a historic road win for the franchise.
Allen’s Superhuman Night
Foot, head, finger, knee-nothing slowed the reigning MVP. Allen completed 28 of 35 passes for 273 yards and a touchdown, adding two rushing scores, including the game-winner with 1:02 remaining.
The decisive touchdown followed a fourth-down conversion on which Allen was shoved forward 10 yards on a quarterback sneak, setting up first-and-goal at the 1. He punched it in two plays later.
Most analysts entering the matchup viewed Jacksonville as the more complete roster, yet conceded Allen was the single best player on the field. He validated the assessment, personally generating every Buffalo touchdown and more than 90 percent of total offense.
Jacksonville’s Run Game Left Unused
The Jaguars gashed Buffalo’s injury-riddled front for 6.7 yards per rush but abandoned the approach in critical moments. Rookie Bhayshul Tuten produced 51 yards on four carries, while Travis Etienne logged 67 yards on 10 attempts.
Instead, offensive coordinators placed the outcome on Lawrence’s right arm. The quarterback responded with 207 passing yards and three touchdowns, yet tossed two interceptions-the second sealing defeat on the final drive’s opening snap.
Had Jacksonville continued pounding the ball, the strategy would have simultaneously kept Allen off the field and exploited Buffalo’s depleted defensive personnel. The imbalance will likely fuel offseason questions.
Bills’ Medical Report Grows
Buffalo survived, but the roster took additional hits. Wide receiver Gabe Davis (knee) and safety Jordan Poyer (hamstring) exited and never returned. Receiver-special teams standout Tyrell Shavers re-entered after a brief knee scare, yet depth concerns persist.
Allen, though battered, finished the contest. His status, along with that of teammates, will be monitored as the Bills await their next opponent.
Divisional-Road Map
The victory, Buffalo’s first postseason road win since the 1992 AFC Championship, positions the club for another away game next weekend.
- If New England defeats the Los Angeles Chargers, Buffalo travels to Denver
- If the Chargers win, Buffalo visits the winner of Houston-Pittsburgh
Either way, the Bills will prepare on a short week with medical staff working overtime.
Key Takeaways
- Allen’s dual-threat dominance overcame roster limitations
- Jacksonville’s play-calling down the stretch invited scrutiny
- Buffalo’s mounting injuries could impact the divisional round
- The franchise’s 32-year road-playoff victory drought is over
