Buffalo Bills secure a 27-25 playoff win against the Baltimore Ravens, fueled by defense, resilience, and Josh Allen’s leadership. Up next: Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game.
Josh Allen heard the chants of “MVP! MVP!” echoing through the stands, but the Buffalo Bills quarterback shifted the praise to his teammates after their narrow 27-25 victory over the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional playoffs.
This season, many doubted the Bills’ depth on both offense and defense. However, Sunday night’s win demonstrated a full team effort, breaking Buffalo’s streak of three consecutive losses at this playoff stage.
The win sets up a showdown against the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game next Sunday.
“What a complete win,” Allen said. “All year, this team has heard we don’t have the talent or size to compete. We just worked hard. I’m so proud of our defense, offense, and special teams.”
Allen accounted for two rushing touchdowns, but his overall numbers were modest—127 passing yards and 20 rushing yards.
Buffalo’s offense totaled 273 yards, highlighted by rookie Ray Davis’s 1-yard touchdown run.
Defense Steps Up
The Bills’ defense, often criticized this season, delivered under pressure.
While they allowed 176 rushing yards and 416 total yards, they forced three crucial turnovers.
This marked a significant improvement from their Week 4 matchup, where Baltimore rushed for 271 yards in a 35-10 blowout.
“We were motivated all week,” linebacker Terrel Bernard said after forcing and recovering a fumble by Mark Andrews, which led to Tyler Bass’s decisive 21-yard field goal. “Seeing our hard work pay off means everything.”
Buffalo also capitalized on Baltimore’s mistakes, including a pivotal missed 2-point conversion when a wide-open Andrews dropped a pass with 1:33 left.
The Ravens had one last chance with an onside kick, but Buffalo cornerback Rasul Douglas secured the ball, sealing the win.
Bills vs. Chiefs: A Familiar Challenge
Buffalo now heads to Kansas City, where their playoff runs ended twice in recent years.
Allen acknowledged the significance of facing the Chiefs, saying, “They’re the standard in the NFL. To move forward, we’ve got to get past them.”
The Bills remain undefeated at home this season (10-0), including a crucial Week 11 win over the Chiefs.
However, the memory of their heartbreaking 42-36 overtime loss in Kansas City three years ago still lingers.
Ravens Fall Short
The Ravens, led by Lamar Jackson, couldn’t overcome critical mistakes despite a strong offensive showing.
Jackson threw for 254 yards and two touchdowns but committed two turnovers—a fumble and an interception.
“We’re right there, but it’s not enough,” Jackson said. “I’m tired of falling short. We need to finish.”
Jackson fell to 3-5 in the playoffs, drawing increased scrutiny of his postseason performances.
The Ravens’ divisional round record now stands at 5-8, with a 1-4 mark in their last five appearances.
Complementary Football Wins the Day
The Bills’ success came from a balanced approach.
Their offense matched a franchise record with 13 regular-season wins and became the first NFL team to score 30 touchdowns both passing and rushing.
Defensively, they led the league with a +24 turnover differential.
Coach Sean McDermott praised his team’s resilience, saying, “These guys believed and found a way. It’s about mindset, and this team has it.”
Buffalo’s next test will be a high-stakes battle against the Chiefs, as they aim to continue their march toward a Super Bowl title.
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