ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The excitement in the stadium was palpable as fans chanted “MVP! MVP!” for Josh Allen, but the Buffalo Bills’ quarterback was quick to shift the focus away from himself after a tough win in the divisional playoff round.
Many had underestimated the Bills this season, suggesting they lacked depth on both defense and offense. However, it wasn’t just a single player that propelled Buffalo to a 27-25 triumph over the Baltimore Ravens, led by quarterback Lamar Jackson. This victory has allowed the Bills to break a streak of three consecutive losses at this playoff stage and advance to face the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game next Sunday.
“What a complete win,” Allen said about the team’s performance. “All year long, people have told us we’re lacking talent, too small, unable to stop the run, or that we simply aren’t good enough. We’ve kept our heads down and put in the hard work. I take great pride in our defense, offense, and special teams.”
During the game, Allen contributed significantly, with rushing touchdowns of 1 and 4 yards, although he threw for only 127 yards and rushed for an additional 20. The Bills amassed 273 yards in total offense, with rookie Ray Davis adding a touchdown on a 1-yard run.
The defensive unit, often criticized for allowing 271 rushing yards during a prior 35-10 loss to Baltimore in Week 4, made a commendable comeback. On Sunday, they allowed 176 rushing yards and a total of 416 yards but were able to balance it out by forcing three turnovers.
Linebacker Terrel Bernard expressed the team’s motivation leading into the game, highlighting his forced and recovered fumble of Mark Andrews that set up Tyler Bass’s 21-yard field goal to secure a lead. “We committed a lot of effort throughout the week,” Bernard shared. “It feels great to see our hard work coming together.”
The Bills managed to make fewer errors than their opponents despite challenging snow-slicked conditions. A critical moment unfolded when Andrews dropped a two-point conversion pass from Jackson late in the game, allowing the opportunity to slip away from the Ravens as time ticked down. Ultimately, Jackson connected with Isaiah Likely for a 24-yard touchdown, giving Baltimore a chance to tie.
As the Ravens attempted an onside kick, cornerback Rasul Douglas intercepted the ball, sealing the game for Buffalo. This victory at home ensured the Bills finished their season undefeated at 10-0, which included a notable win against the previously undefeated Chiefs earlier in the season.
Heading to Kansas City, the Bills confront a substantial challenge, having faced elimination there in two of the past four years. Allen remarked on the Chiefs’ reputation, stating, “They’re the standard of success in the NFL. To move forward, you must be able to defeat them. For now, we’ll relish our victory.”
The Ravens, after exhibiting what was one of the NFL’s most efficient offenses during the regular season, fell short of reaching the conference title game again, a match they lost to the Chiefs last year. Jackson’s performance in playoffs became a topic of scrutiny as he recorded a 3-5 postseason record.
“We have to push through this; we’re so close,” Jackson commented post-game, reflecting on his challenges in the playoffs. “I’m tired of being on the brink. We need to secure that win.”
The Ravens dropped to a disappointing 5-8 in divisional playoff rounds, including a troubling 1-4 record in their last five attempts. Jackson’s stats showcased his capabilities: he completed 18 of 25 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns. However, the key turnovers, including one interception and one fumble, proved costly.
“Those turnovers are not typical for us. There were definitely moments to avoid them,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said. “You must adapt and recover during the game, but you can’t take those missed opportunities back.”
Following a disappointing moment for Andrews, who was not available for comments, his teammates stood by him. Safety Kyle Hamilton stated, “One missed play doesn’t define a person. He’s our all-time leading touchdown receiver and has consistently driven our success.”
For Buffalo, the game represented a culmination of their complementary football approach, mirroring a franchise record of 13 regular-season wins. They became the first team in NFL history to achieve at least 30 passing and rushing touchdowns in a single season without a receiver exceeding 900 receiving yards. Their defense ended the regular season strong, boasting a league-leading plus-24 turnover differential.
“It’s all about the mindset,” head coach Sean McDermott emphasized. “The guys knew they could win and played to find a way to triumph.”
The Bills managed to limit star running back Derrick Henry to just 84 yards and a touchdown over 16 carries, especially impressive after his explosive 199-yard game against them in Week 4. Allen’s pivotal 1-yard touchdown run in the second quarter marked the turning point for the Bills, giving them a definitive lead at 14-7.
That touchdown was strategically set up after Jackson’s fumble following a high snap, which safety Damar Hamlin capitalized on by tackling him, resulting in a turnover recovered by Von Miller.
The Ravens failed twice on two-point conversion attempts during the game, with exceptional defensive plays preventing any successful conversions after their score, leaving the Bills poised for their upcoming rematch.
Buffalo now gears up for a clash with the Chiefs, revisiting the memories of their AFC Championship Game loss three seasons ago, when they allowed a stunning comeback in the last moments of regulation.
