The Buffalo Payments entered the 2025 NFL playoffs hoping to make it to the NFL divisional spherical for a fifth consecutive yr. Mission achieved.
The Payments defeated the Denver Broncos 31-7 within the AFC’s No. 2 vs. No. 7-seed matchup to arrange a divisional spherical date with the Baltimore Ravens.
Bo Nix and the Broncos bought off to a sizzling begin, scoring a landing on the primary drive of the sport and shifting the ball properly by means of the air in opposition to the Payments. Denver’s protection additionally did a superb job holding Buffalo in test, limiting them to 10 factors within the first half and holding the sport inside one rating deep into the third quarter.
Nevertheless, Josh Allen and the Payments lastly opened the floodgates after deciding to go for it on a fourth-and-1 on Denver’s 24-yard line. A area purpose would have prolonged Buffalo’s result in 9; as a substitute, Allen managed to search out Ty Johnson for a spectacular landing that gave the Payments a 14-point lead.
WATCH:Josh Allen hits Ty Johnson for highlight-reel TD in Payments vs. Broncos
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Allen loved a powerful efficiency in the course of the contest, finishing 20-of-26 passes for 272 yards and two touchdowns whereas including 46 yards on eight carries. His dashing counterpart James Cook dinner additionally had an enormous outing. He racked up 120 yards and a landing on 23 carries. Each have been capable of get off his ft late within the blowout win.
Sean Payton’s Broncos will now return to the drafting board, however not less than they know they’ve one thing in Nix. He completed his first playoff sport finishing 13-of-22 passes for 144 yards and a landing whereas main the staff with 43 dashing yards on 4 carries.
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Ty Johnson runs for first down to finish sport
After forcing the Broncos right into a turnover on downs, the Payments wanted only one first right down to run out the remainder of the clock. They managed to get that on a carry from Johnson, who took on main working tasks alongside quarterback Mitch Trubisky for Buffalo’s remaining sequence of the sport.
The Payments will now have the ability to finish the sport by taking a knee thrice. That may give them a 31-7 wild-card win.
Payments prolong result in 24 with late area purpose
The Payments managed to eat practically seven minutes of the remaining clock on their most up-to-date drive and bought into scoring vary. Tyler Bass nailed the 34-yard area purpose to cap it off and add to the margin in what’s trying like a decisive Buffalo victory.
Payments get key fourth-down cease of Broncos
The Payments let Bo Nix and the Broncos transfer the ball down the sphere methodically after going up three scores. Nevertheless, Buffalo ultimately bowed up and compelled Denver right into a fourth-and-2 on the 14-yard line.
The Broncos went for it, however Nix’s dump-off to Jaleel McLaughlin did not enable the working again to get past the road to realize. That gave the ball again to the Payments, who’re main by 21 with 11:32 left in regulation.
Curtis Samuel breaks deal with, speeds to finish zone oBills prolong result in 24 with late area purpose
The Payments managed to eat practically seven minutes of the remaining clock on their most up-to-date drive and bought into scoring vary. Tyler Bass nailed the 34-yard area purpose to cap it off and add to the margin in what’s trying like a decisive Buffalo victory.n TD catch
The Payments are beginning to pour it on.
The Payments opened up a 21-point lead because of a landing go from Josh Allen to Curtis Samuel early within the fourth quarter, placing the Broncos firmly behind the 8-ball. Samuel broke a deal with and took it to the home for the 55-yard rating. Payments 28, Broncos 7
Josh Allen finds Ty Johnson for miraculous 24-yard landing on fourth-down
The Payments determined to go for it on fourth-and-1 slightly than kick a area purpose to go up 9.
Allen gave the impression to be in bother on the play initially. He needed to run the ball to his proper when no receiver was open, however the Broncos have been disciplined and denied him a working lane.
Ultimately, Allen noticed Johnson within the end-zone and heaved up a prayer to him. The veteran working again made the sliding seize and someway saved each of his ft and legs from hitting the back-line within the end-zone.
The rating assured the Payments could be up two touchdowns. Their 2-point conversion was good, making it a 14-point sport.
Ray Davis damage replace
Josh Allen tried to feather a wheel route go to Davis out of the backfield, however he put it only a bit too far in entrance of the rookie working again. Sadly, that left Davis in a weak place as Broncos security Brandon Jones slammed into him.
Jones’ shoulder hit Davis instantly within the helmet, and the working again went down instantly. He laid on his again together with his palms within the air as Payments gamers motioned for the medical workers to are likely to Davis.
The officers whistled Jones, who appeared apologetic after the play, for a 15-yard private foul penalty for a success to the pinnacle.
Josh Allen seen chatting with referee Invoice Vinovich after no-call
The officers within the Payments vs. Broncos sport appeared to overlook an apparent holding name within the end-zone on a third-and-goal. That compelled Buffalo to aim a area purpose slightly than get one other set of goal-to-go downs.
CBS cameras caught referee Invoice Vinovich speaking to Josh Allen on the bench after the play. It appeared like he may be taking duty for the missed name based mostly on his gestures in the course of the dialog.
Broncos go three-and-out to begin second half
Denver wanted to get off to a superb begin within the second half, if solely to stem Buffalo’s important benefit in time of possession. As a substitute, they went three-and-out after Bo Nix and Troy Franklin failed to attach on a third-and-5 go early within the drive.
Riley Dixon had an ideal 48-yard punt to the Payments, however the Broncos’ drive ate up simply 1:10 of the third quarter. That may give Buffalo, main by six, an opportunity to proceed to run on Denver’s protection and attempt to put on it down
James Cook dinner stats in the present day
Cook dinner is having one in every of his most interesting video games as a professional in opposition to the Broncos. He has repeatedly ripped off chunk features for the Payments and has racked up 111 yards and a landing on 18 carries to date.
There’s nonetheless 10:03 left within the third quarter, so Cook dinner could possibly problem his career-high in dashing yards, which at the moment stands at 179.
Josh Allen sacked in red-zone forcing Tyler Bass chip shot
Allen tried to increase a play on third-and-goal in opposition to the Broncos however no one might shake free within the end-zone earlier than Denver introduced down the quarterback for a second sack. Patrick Surtain bought away with an apparent maintain within the end-zone, however nonetheless, the Broncos compelled the Payments right into a area purpose, which Bass nailed with ease.
Buffalo now leads 13-7 however Denver continues to be inside putting distance. Bo Nix and Co. may have an opportunity to make the most of the defensive cease once they get the ball for the primary time of the second half.
What’s 5280 on Broncos helmets?
The determine references town of Denver’s elevation of 5,280 ft. That is additionally the origin of the Broncos’ “Mile Excessive” Stadium (which is presently often known as Empower Subject at Mile Excessive).
Broncos stats vs. Payments at halftime
Bo Nix has comported himself properly in his first profession playoff sport. He was on hearth to begin the sport earlier than hitting a mid-half lull. Nevertheless, he did properly within the two-minute drill to place the Broncos into area purpose vary as time expired. Wil Lutz simply missed the kick.
Beneath is a take a look at the Broncos’ stats from the primary half:
- Bo Nix: 8-of-12 passing, 102 yards, 1 TD, 120.8 ranking
- Javonte Williams: 5 carries, 22 yards
- Courtland Sutton: 3 catches, 51 yards
- Troy Franklin: 1 catch, 43 yards, 1 TD
- Zach Allen: 2 tackles, 1 sack
Payments stats vs. Broncos at halftime
Josh Allen hasn’t accomplished as a lot by means of the air by means of half-hour. As a substitute, the Payments have typically had six offensive linemen on the sphere and have been working the ball typically. That is why they’re outgaining Denver 128-44 on the bottom at halftime.
Beneath is a take a look at the BIlls’ stats from the primary half:
- Josh Allen: 9-of-12 passing, 69 yards, 88.5 ranking, 6 carries, 35 yards
- James Cook dinner: 13 carries, 78 yards, 1 TD
- Khalil Shakir: 3 catches, 34 yards
- Matt Milano: 4 tackles, 1 sack
Wil Lutz doinks 50-yard area purpose as Payments retain 10-7 halftime lead
Bo Nix led the Broncos to factors on his first drive of the half. He practically did on his remaining drive of the half as properly.
Denver marched the ball methodically on its remaining drive of the half earlier than a Nix-to-Courtland Sutton completion put the Broncos into area purpose vary. Lutz was known as on to aim the 50-yarder, but it surely simply curled proper and hit off the best upright, denying Denver factors as time expired within the half.
In consequence, the Payments stay forward of the Broncos 10-7, thanks largely to a powerful dashing effort. Buffalo has 128 yards and a landing on 22 carries, as James Cook dinner and Josh Allen have generated loads of powerful yards in opposition to a high quality Denver run protection.
The Payments are solely outgaining the Broncos 189-161 however they’re profitable the time of possession battle by 9:20. Buffalo will get the ball to begin the second half. One other lengthy drive might begin to tire out Denver’s protection, however so long as the Broncos are inside putting distance, the Payments cannot get too snug.
Marvin Mims known as for private foul penalty after being leveled by Mack Hollins
Punts have been eventful in the course of the Payments vs. Broncos sport. This time, Sam Martin uncorked one which Hollins timed up completely. The veteran receiver slammed into Mims proper when he caught the punt, stopping a return and placing an enormous hit on the 5-11 speedster.
Mims did not take kindly to a Payments lengthy snapper Reid Ferguson attempting to tear the ball out of his palms after he went down. He bought up and bought in Ferguson’s face, drawing a flag from the officers.
In consequence, Denver will likely be backed up because it seems to be to attain within the two-minute drill.
Broncos sack Josh Allen, pressure Payments punt at two-minute warning
Allen was sacked simply as soon as in six video games main as much as the playoffs, however the Broncos managed to convey him down after Zach Allen beat David Andrews on a second-and-13.
The Payments checked the ball down on a third-and-21 and now must punt with two minutes left within the half. That may give the Broncos one other probability to attain earlier than halftime, trailing 10-7.
Broncos really punt, pin Payments at 1-yard line
Denver’s pretend punt did not find yourself netting the Broncos any factors, but it surely did internet them bettere area place. Riley Dixon launched an ideal punt that checked up simply contained in the 1-yard line. Marvin Mims managed to corral it to pin Buffalo deep for its third drive of the sport.
The play was the second sturdy one for Dixon and Mims on the drive. The 2 linked on the pretend punt go that helped the Broncos cross midfield.
Broncos pretend punt, Riley Dixon completes first-down go to Marvin Mims
The Broncos appeared poised to punt for the second consecutive possession, however they as a substitute faked the punt. Dixon deked out the protection and lofted an ideal go to Mims, who introduced it in to proceed Denver’s possession.
Denver is now on the cusp of area purpose vary. We’ll see if Sean Payton’s gamble pays off, very like his shock onside kick in Tremendous Bowl 44.
Are James Cook dinner and Dalvin Cook dinner brothers?
Sure, they’re. The extra attention-grabbing factor about them, nevertheless, is their center names.
Dalvin Cook dinner’s full identify is “Dalvin James Cook dinner.” James Cook dinner’s full identify is “James Dalvin Cook dinner.”
James Cook dinner punches in 5-yard landing to place Payments forward
Cook dinner has began the sport with some hard-nosed, bodily runs. That included his 5-yard carry to cap off a 13-play, 81-yard landing drive that put the Payments forward 10-7, after Tyler Bass’ further level.
Cook dinner now has 60 yards and a landing on 9 carries. The Payments have 100 whole dashing yards with 12:57 left within the second quarter. Payments 10, Broncos 7
Broncos main Payments 7-3 after first quarter
Denver bought off to an ideal begin with their first drive on the highway in Buffalo, as Bo Nix hit Troy Franklin for a 43-yard landing to present them an early lead. Since then, the Payments have constantly moved the ball on the Broncos however have not but managed to get into the end-zone.
Nix is not trying like a rookie, as he accomplished 3-of-3 passes for 64 yards and the landing within the first quarter. That provides him an ideal 158.3 passer ranking.
Comparatively, Josh Allen had a few misfires within the end-zone. In any other case, he has been stable, going 6-of-9 passing for 45 yards with 19 yards on the bottom.
The Payments are outgaining the Broncos 124-75 and are threatening to attain for a second consecutive drive. They may have the ball on Denver’s 21-yard line going through a first-and-10 to begin the second quarter.
Taron Johnson damage replace
Excellent news for the Payments: CBS Sports activities’ Tracy Wolfson experiences that Johnson, the staff’s star nickel again, has cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Nevertheless, Johnson stays within the locker room and is being evaluated for a neck damage. His return is questionable.
Are the Payments constructing a brand new stadium?
Sure, the Payments are planning to construct a brand new stadium. The staff launched new renderings of the world, which is ready to open in July of 2026, forward of their playoff run.
Payments pressure three-and-out regardless of Taron Johnson damage
The Broncos unfold out the sphere on third-and-5 hoping to make the most of Johnson’s absence. As a substitute, Bo Nix tried to scramble to the best facet of the sphere however was chased down by Buffalo linebacker Matt Milano for no achieve.
Riley Dixon punted the ball again to the Payments, who will begin at their very own 19-yard line.
Taron Johnson damage replace
Johnson suffered an obvious damage on the Payments’ second drive of the sport after a helmet-to-helmet collision with Broncos working again Javonte Williams. Johnson remained down on the sphere as Buffalo’s medical workers got here to are likely to him.
Johnson was capable of get off the sphere underneath his personal energy however was taken to the blue medical, presumably to be evaluated for a head damage. The seventh-year cornerback was an All-Professional second teamer in 2023 and is without doubt one of the finest slot corners within the NFL.
Payments accept area purpose after Josh Allen overshoots Amari Cooper
The Payments drove the ball with ease on their first drive of the sport however bought slowed down within the red-zone. Allen took a few photographs on the end-zone however misfired on a throw to a large open Dawson Knox on the run earlier than crusing a throw to Cooper out of the again of the end-zone.
Tyler Bass nails the chip shot to chop Denver’s result in 7-3 within the first quarter.
Payments-Broncos rating: Bo Nix, Denver strike first with lengthy TD
Giddy up.
Denver took the ball to begin the matchup, they usually took it to the top zone lower than three minutes into the sport. After a third-down conversion, quarterback Bo Nix discovered receiver Troy Franklin deep for a 43-yard landing go for six. The Broncos are up early, 7-0.
Payments vs. Broncos begin time
The Payments and Broncos kick off Sunday wild-card motion at 1 p.m. ET. The Broncos journey to Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. to tackle the Payments.
Payments inactives vs. Broncos
No surprises on the Payments inactives listing, as they enter the playoffs as one of many NFL’s healthiest groups. Here is the inactives listing for the wild-card matchup:
Broncos inactives vs. Payments
The Broncos as soon as once more shuffle their backfield, with Audric Estime hitting the inactives listing vs. the Payments. Zach Wilson is the emergency QB in the present day.
NFL finest bets in the present day: Payments vs. Broncos playoffs
Seeking to make in the present day’s Payments vs. Broncos sport extra attention-grabbing? Listed here are among the finest bets for the matchup:
- Josh Allen OVER 41.5 dashing yards (-115)
- Bo Nix OVER 26.5 dashing yards (-115)
- Mack Hollins anytime TD (+340)
Payments vs. Broncos odds, moneyline, over/underneath
The Payments are favored to defeat the Broncos, per to the BetMGM NFL odds. Not on this sport? Try knowledgeable picks and finest bets for each NFL sport this week.
- Unfold: Payments (+9)
- Moneyline: Payments (-550); Broncos (+400)
- Over/underneath: 48
Payments vs. Broncos dwell stream
- Stay stream: Fubo, Paramount+, NFL+
For twine cutters in search of a dwell stream for the matchup, you may flip to Fubo. Fubo carries NBC, in addition to CBS, FOX, NFL Community and the ESPN household of networks.
CBS’ personal streaming service, Paramount+, may also carry the sport, as will the NFL’s streaming service NFL+.
What NFL playoff video games are this weekend?
There are six NFL playoff video games for the league’s wild-card weekend. Here is the schedule:
AFC wild-card video games
NFC wild-card video games
Sean Payton playoff document
Payton is within the playoffs for the primary time because the Broncos’ head coach after reaching the postseason 9 occasions over 15 years in New Orleans. Here is how he is fared every time he is made the playoffs plus his cumulative document:
- 2006: 1-1
- 2009: 3-0 (Tremendous Bowl championship)
- 2010: 0-1
- 2011: 1-1
- 2013: 1-1
- 2017: 1-1
- 2018: 1-1
- 2019: 0-1
- 2020: 1-1
- Total: 9-8
Sean McDermott playoff document
McDermott is again within the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season and his seventh time in eight years because the Payments’ head coach. Here is how he is fared every time he is made the postseason:
- 2017: 0-1
- 2019: 0-1
- 2020: 2-1
- 2021: 1-1
- 2022: 1-1
- 2023: 1-1
- Total: 5-6
Payments vs. Broncos TV channel
CBS will broadcast the Payments vs. Broncos matchup. Jim Nantz and Tony Romo will likely be on the decision with Tracy Wolfson offering updates from the sideline. Jay Feely will present kicking perception.
Payments vs. Broncos predictions, picks
- Lorenzo Reyes: Payments 34, Broncos 20
- Tyler Dragon: Payments 28, Broncos 20
- Jordan Mendoza: Payments 31, Broncos 20