Broncos Survive Overtime Classic, Eliminate Bills and Return to AFC Championship Game

Broncos defeat the Bills 33–30 and return to the AFC Championship Game for the first time in 10 years.

DENVER — In one of the most dramatic playoff games in franchise history, the Denver Broncos defeated the Buffalo Bills 33–30 in overtime Saturday night, punching their ticket to the AFC Championship Game for the first time in a decade.

The game’s defining moment came early in overtime when Ja'Quan McMillian intercepted a deep throw from Josh Allen at Denver’s 20-yard line. The pick—Denver’s fifth takeaway of the night—denied Buffalo a near-certain game-winning field goal and sent Empower Field at Mile High into chaos.

From there, rookie quarterback Bo Nix showed poise beyond his years. Nix calmly led the Broncos downfield, capitalizing on penalties and timely completions to move Denver into scoring range. Wil Lutz ended the thriller with a 24-yard walk-off field goal, sealing one of the biggest wins of the Broncos’ modern era.

A Game of Wild Momentum Swings

Regulation ended in dramatic fashion. Former Broncos kicker Matt Prater drilled a 50-yard field goal with just five seconds remaining to tie the game at 30, moments after Nix had given Denver a late lead with a 26-yard touchdown strike to Marvin Mims Jr..

Denver’s defense was relentless all night. Allen, who entered the game without a turnover in his previous six playoff appearances, threw two interceptions and lost two fumbles on strip-sacks by Nik Bonitto. P.J. Locke added another interception, snapping Allen’s streak of 204 consecutive postseason completions.

Road Ahead

The Broncos (15–3) will host the AFC Championship Game next Sunday at Empower Field, facing either New England or Houston. Denver has now won 14 of its last 15 games at home, turning Mile High once again into one of the NFL’s toughest postseason environments.

For Buffalo (13–6), the loss marks another painful postseason exit. Despite a clear path without familiar AFC roadblocks, the Bills head into the offseason still searching for what it will take to finally reach the Super Bowl.

For Denver fans, Saturday night felt familiar—in the best way. The Broncos will host their first AFC Championship Game since the legendary “No Fly Zone” defense powered the franchise to a Super Bowl 50 title.

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