Wow. That’s all I can say after watching the game. The Denver Broncos, after hosting their first playoff game since the 2015 season, are heading back to the AFC Championship. They defeated the Buffalo Bills in the best game of the 2025 playoffs, 33-30. However, it was a costly win for Denver. Let’s dive into last night’s win, and what went right and wrong for both teams.

Broncos’ Costly Win

Denver has punched their ticket back to the AFC Championship game for the first time since 2016. This should have been a triumphal achievement. However, after the game, the skies were filled with grim. Head Coach Sean Payton told reporters that Bo Nix had suffered a fracture in his right ankle and will require surgery, ending his season. As a football fan, that was a punch in the stomach. You have an incredible season, and to lose your franchise quarterback in the Divisional round is heartbreaking.

Jared Stidham will be the starting QB next week against the Patriots, but were talking about their game against the Bills. I want to spotlight Denver’s defense. Did they give up 30? Yes, but if you want to talk about timely turnovers, No Fly Zone 2.0 forced them, three fumbles and two fumbles. When it looked like the Bills were about to jump out to a 14-3 lead, Alex Singleton forced a James Cook fumble, then Ja’Quan McMillian’s interception in overtime that led to the game-winning field goal.

Bills’ Miscues

This team or organization just can’t seem to get out of its own way. It seems like every time they are about to break through and finally get back to the Super Bowl or make a deep playoff run, something avoidable happens. At the end of the first half, the Broncos took a 17-10 lead. Instead of kneeling the ball and taking it to halftime, Josh Allen tries to be aggressive and fumbles. Denver picks up the loose ball and leads 20-10 at the half.

Then, in overtime, you get the ball, needing just a field goal to punch your ticket to the AFC Championship. Buffalo picks up a 3rd & 5, then a 3rd & 7, but on 3rd & 10, Josh Allen throws the ball 44 yards down the field, and it is intercepted. The pick would set up the eventual game-winning field goal, as previously mentioned.

What’s Next for Both Teams?

For the Broncos, it’s survive and advance now. With it being Stidham under center for Denver, he has a tall task ahead of them. The Patriots looked impressive against the Texans. It’ll take a Nick Foles 2.0 run out of Stidham to overcome the loss of Nix. As for the Bills, it’s another offseason of pain and misery. Another year where Allen’s prime is slowly getting used up for missed opportunity after missed opportunity. They may never have an easier path.

Final Thoughts

This was an all-time game between two of the best teams in the NFL this season. There could be major changes in Buffalo next season, maybe even a new head coach. Do you think the Bills’ championship window has closed? Do you think the Denver Broncos can get past New England and make the Super Bowl?

As always, thank you so much for checking out my thoughts on the Denver Broncos defeating the Buffalo Bills 33-30 and what it means for the rest of the season and moving forward. Be sure to check out our other amazing content here at New Leaf News! We hope you’re enjoying your day and look forward to seeing you again soon.