Josh Allen’s Demons Return in Crushing Playoff Loss

A controversial overtime interception stripped the Buffalo Bills of their Super Bowl dreams in the AFC Divisional Round, extending their seven-year championship drought. The 33-30 loss to the Denver Broncos was compounded by four critical turnovers from quarterback Josh Allen, igniting fierce debate over NFL officiating standards and leaving the franchise to face another painful offseason, questioning whether their current core can finally break through.

Story Highlights

Bills eliminated from playoffs after Josh Allen threw four turnovers in 33-30 overtime loss
Disputed interception call saw Ja’Quan McMillian strip the ball from Brandin Cooks on the ground
82% of fans polled disagreed with the officials’ ruling, sparking widespread criticism
Buffalo’s championship drought continues despite Allen’s 283 yards and 3 touchdowns

Allen’s Turnover Troubles Sink Buffalo

Josh Allen’s playoff demons returned with vengeance during the AFC Divisional Round at Denver’s Empower Field. The Bills quarterback committed four costly turnovers—two fumbles and two interceptions—snapping his remarkable streak of 204 consecutive completions without a turnover across six previous playoff games. Allen’s miscues directly contributed to 10 Broncos points, undermining an otherwise strong performance that included 283 passing yards and three touchdowns.

In this period the Bills have lost one playoff game to a non-Chiefs team. All the road loses are to the Chiefs. The one in 2019 was Allen’s first playoff game and lost in OT

They haven’t been able to beat the Chiefs. Everything you’re hearing is that same narrative repackaged https://t.co/fi7Gz9B1Cl pic.twitter.com/J7kDVYIM9Z

— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) January 10, 2026

Controversial Overtime Call Decides Fate

The game’s decisive moment arrived on third-and-11 from Buffalo’s 36-yard line in overtime. Allen launched a deep pass to receiver Brandin Cooks, who appeared to secure possession before hitting the ground. However, Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian wrestled the ball away during their ground tussle, with officials upholding the interception after replay review. CBS rules analyst Gene Steratore defended the call, stating Cooks never established firm control before McMillian’s strip.

Fan outrage erupted immediately, with 82% of 7,700 poll respondents disagreeing with the official ruling. Social media exploded with criticism, as many viewed the play as clear evidence of possession by Cooks. The controversial decision allowed Denver to drive 75-80 yards, aided by 48 yards in Bills pass interference penalties, setting up Matt Prater’s game-winning 50-yard field goal.

Bills’ Championship Window Narrows Further

This devastating loss marks Buffalo’s seventh consecutive playoff appearance without reaching the Super Bowl, earning them comparisons to the mythical Sisyphus for their repeated heartbreak. Allen’s postseason struggles continue to haunt a franchise desperate for championship glory. His accuracy issues against wide-open receivers and tendency for critical turnovers in big moments raise concerns about his ability to lead Buffalo to the promised land.

Denver advances to host the AFC Championship game for the first time since their Super Bowl 50 victory a decade ago. The Broncos’ dominant home record of 14-1 in their last 15 games at Empower Field proved decisive. Meanwhile, Buffalo faces another painful offseason questioning whether their current core can finally break through, as Allen emotionally declared he “let my teammates down” in his postgame comments.

Watch the report: Josh Allen reacts to Bills’ season-ending loss: ‘Feel like I let my teammates down’ | NFL on ESPN