Posted on Jan 18

Bills fall to Broncos in overtime, extending Super Bowl drought despite Allen's strong performance

Posted Jan 18, 2026

The Buffalo Bills season ended in heartbreak once again, succumbing to the Denver Broncos in a thrilling overtime loss during the AFC Divisional Round.

Why it matters: This defeat marks the fourth time in five seasons that the Bills have fallen short in the playoffs, extending their streak of Super Bowl absences since their four consecutive losses from 1990 to 1993.
The emotional toll on star quarterback Josh Allen is palpable, as he grapples with the weight of expectations and the disappointment of another missed opportunity.

What’s new: In a game characterized by dramatic highs and lows, the Bills managed to tie the score late in regulation before ultimately falling 33-30.

Allen completed 25 of 39 passes for 283 yards and three touchdowns but also recorded four turnovers, including two lost fumbles and two interceptions.
The team's resilience was evident as they rallied from a 13-point halftime deficit, showcasing Allen's dual-threat capability with 66 rushing yards on 12 carries.

Yes, but: While Allen's performance was a mixed bag, his teammates firmly believe that he should not shoulder the blame for the loss.

Right tackle Spencer Brown asserted, "We know we wouldn't have a shot in hell to win a football game without him there."
Left tackle Dion Dawkins echoed this sentiment, stating, "He didn't let us down," emphasizing the collective responsibility of the team.

Our thought bubble: The pressure on Allen continues to mount as he becomes the quarterback with the most playoff wins (eight) and starts (15) without a Super Bowl appearance in the Super Bowl era.

His emotional response after the game was telling, as he expressed, "It's extremely difficult... I feel like I let my teammates down tonight."

Between the lines: Coach Sean McDermott defended Allen, reflecting the team's belief in his capabilities: "No. It's not on [Allen]. We had opportunities, all of us, and I'm extremely proud of him."

This highlights the culture within the Bills’ locker room, where accountability is shared, and players rally around one another during adversity.

The bottom line: As the Bills look ahead to next season, they must address their postseason shortcomings while leaning on the leadership and talent of Allen.

With a record of 91 wins over the last seven seasons without a Super Bowl appearance, the franchise stands at a crossroads, needing both reflection and resolution to break through in the coming years.

Bills fall to Broncos in overtime, extending Super Bowl drought despite Allen's strong performance

Alex Parker

Posted Jan 18, 2026

The Buffalo Bills season ended in heartbreak once again, succumbing to the Denver Broncos in a thrilling overtime loss during the AFC Divisional Round.

What’s new: In a game characterized by dramatic highs and lows, the Bills managed to tie the score late in regulation before ultimately falling 33-30.

Allen completed 25 of 39 passes for 283 yards and three touchdowns but also recorded four turnovers, including two lost fumbles and two interceptions.

The team's resilience was evident as they rallied from a 13-point halftime deficit, showcasing Allen's dual-threat capability with 66 rushing yards on 12 carries.

Yes, but: While Allen's performance was a mixed bag, his teammates firmly believe that he should not shoulder the blame for the loss.

Right tackle Spencer Brown asserted, "We know we wouldn't have a shot in hell to win a football game without him there."

Left tackle Dion Dawkins echoed this sentiment, stating, "He didn't let us down," emphasizing the collective responsibility of the team.

His emotional response after the game was telling, as he expressed, "It's extremely difficult... I feel like I let my teammates down tonight."

This highlights the culture within the Bills’ locker room, where accountability is shared, and players rally around one another during adversity.

The bottom line: As the Bills look ahead to next season, they must address their postseason shortcomings while leaning on the leadership and talent of Allen.

With a record of 91 wins over the last seven seasons without a Super Bowl appearance, the franchise stands at a crossroads, needing both reflection and resolution to break through in the coming years.