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Josh Allen Powers Bills to Playoff Victory Over Broncos

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, December 16th 2025 at 15:44 GMT by Sporting News

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Why Josh Allen Became the Bills’ Biggest Threat in the AFC Playoffs

In a playoff showdown that underscored the Bills’ dominance, quarterback Josh Allen was the catalyst that turned a close game into a decisive victory against the Denver Broncos. The matchup—played at a neutral‑site stadium in late January—was billed as a “biggest threat” confrontation: Denver’s defense, known for its aggressive pass rush and disciplined secondary, had a daunting task against the high‑powered Bills offense, and Allen stepped up with a performance that left the Broncos’ front line scrambling.

A Game‑Changing Performance

From the first snap, Allen displayed the poise and versatility that have defined his career. He finished the game with 335 passing yards, three touchdowns, and only one interception. The Bills’ offense was on fire, turning the ball over twice but capitalizing on every opportunity they were given. Allen’s precision on third down was especially noteworthy: he converted 4 of 6 third‑down drives into first downs, maintaining relentless pressure on Denver’s defense.

But it wasn’t just the passing game that made Allen a threat. He also added 35 rushing yards on 10 carries, including a 70‑yard scramble for a touchdown that broke a critical momentum shift in the third quarter. His dual‑threat capability forced Denver’s defensive coordinator to spread the field, opening up lanes for the Bills’ running backs and creating space for short, high‑percentage throws.

In total, Allen finished the game with a 96‑percent completion rate on 34 attempts, an efficiency rating of 112.3, and a total offense yardage of 370. The combination of speed, arm strength, and decision‑making made the Broncos’ defensive game plan ineffective, turning a supposed “biggest threat” into a clear, resounding win for Buffalo.

Denver’s Defensive Struggles

Despite a strong regular‑season showing, Denver’s defense was unable to contain Allen’s game plan. The Broncos gave up 458 total yards, with 305 passing yards and 153 rushing yards. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph had implemented a mix of zone coverages and blitz packages designed to stifle the Bills’ quarterback. However, the strategy backfired in several key moments:

• Sacks and Missed Tackle Opportunities: While Denver managed to force six sacks on Allen, each hit came with a follow‑up that allowed the Bills to sustain drives. Moreover, the Broncos struggled with tackling Allen after releases; multiple broken tackles extended Bills’ drives and increased possession time.

• Secondary Pressure: Denver’s defensive backs were unable to maintain tight coverage on Allen’s quick releases. Two critical third‑down conversions were salvaged by the Bills when the Broncos allowed interceptions on the first and third plays of the game—both coming from a defensive breakdown in the backfield.

• Special Teams: The Broncos’ special teams were the sole bright spot, with a 52‑yard kickoff return for a touchdown early in the game. Still, the overall defensive unit was unable to capitalize on those opportunities, as the Bills’ offense maintained possession throughout the majority of the game.

Context and Significance

The game was not just a playoff win; it was a statement. The Bills finished the regular season 12‑4, securing the AFC’s top seed and an automatic playoff berth. Facing the Broncos—who were 8‑9 and narrowly missed a playoff spot—provided a high‑stakes test for Allen’s playoff readiness. With a 34‑28 victory, the Bills advanced to the AFC Divisional Round, where they will meet the New England Patriots.

This win also underscored the Bills’ evolving identity. Head Coach Sean McDermott praised Allen’s leadership: “Josh is a game‑changer. He read the Broncos’ defense and made the right throws at the right moments. His resilience is exactly what we need to push deeper into the playoffs.” Allen, in a post‑game interview (linked to a detailed highlight reel on the NFL’s official site), reflected, “We knew the Broncos were going to try a bunch of blitzes. We ran the ball, we took the short passes, and that was the plan.”

Follow‑up Links and Further Analysis

To get a deeper understanding of the game’s nuances, the article linked to several external resources:

1. Official NFL Game Recap – Provides a minute‑by‑minute breakdown of the play clock, the play‑by‑play actions, and key statistics.
2. Denver Broncos Defensive Breakdown – A statistical analysis of the Broncos’ pass‑rush efficiency and secondary coverage, including heat maps of ball‑hawking zones.
3. Josh Allen’s Season‑Long Performance Graphs – Visualizes Allen’s passing efficiency, rushing yards, and touchdown rates over the course of the season.
4. Play‑by‑Play Highlight Reel – Features the game‑changing plays, such as the 70‑yard scramble and the clutch third‑down conversions.

These links helped paint a comprehensive picture of why Allen was the Bills’ biggest threat, and why the Broncos struggled to contain him.

Looking Ahead

As the Bills march toward the AFC Championship, Allen’s performance against Denver will serve as a benchmark for the team’s offensive potency. The Broncos will likely need to reevaluate their defensive schemes—particularly their blitz packages and secondary coverage—to avoid similar pitfalls in future matchups. For now, however, the Bills can take heart in the knowledge that they have a quarterback who can deliver when the stakes are highest, and a defense that can withstand the pressure. The next chapter of the 2024 playoff narrative will be in New England, where the Bills and Allen will look to keep the momentum alive and continue their march toward an NFL title.