Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats

On January 12, 2025, the Buffalo Bills faced off against the Denver Broncos in a thrilling NFL Wild Card playoff game at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. The Bills, led by MVP candidate Josh Allen, dominated with a final score of 31-7, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive strength. For football fans, this game was a masterclass in playoff performance, with standout plays and key stats that tell the story of the Bills’ commanding victory. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the NFL, this article breaks down the player stats, top performances, and key moments from the Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats in an easy-to-read and engaging way.

Game Overview: A Tale of Two Teams

The Buffalo Bills, the No. 2 seed in the AFC with a 13-4 regular-season record, entered the game as heavy favorites. Playing at home, where they went 8-0 during the regular season, the Bills leaned on their balanced attack and home-field advantage. The Denver Broncos, the No. 7 seed with a 10-7 record, were making their first playoff appearance since their Super Bowl win in 2015. Led by rookie quarterback Bo Nix and head coach Sean Payton, the Broncos showed promise but faced a tough challenge against a seasoned Bills squad.

The game started with a spark of hope for Denver, as Nix connected with wide receiver Troy Franklin for a touchdown on the opening drive. However, the Bills responded with 31 unanswered points, dominating in all three phases of the game—offense, defense, and special teams. Let’s dive into the player stats and performances that defined this matchup.

Team Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats: A Quick Snapshot

Before we get into individual performances, here’s a quick look at the team stats to set the stage:

Category	Denver Broncos	Buffalo Bills
Total Yards	224	471
Passing Yards	144	261
Rushing Yards	80	210
First Downs	13	26
Turnovers	0	0
Time of Possession	18:17	41:43

The Bills’ dominance is clear in their yardage (471 vs. 224) and time of possession, holding the ball for over 23 minutes longer than the Broncos. This control allowed Buffalo to dictate the game’s pace and wear down Denver’s defense.

Buffalo Bills: Key Player Performances

Josh Allen (Quarterback)

Josh Allen, a leading MVP candidate, was the star of the show. He showcased his dual-threat ability, excelling both through the air and on the ground. Allen completed 20 of 26 passes (76.9% completion rate) for 272 yards, throwing two touchdown passes and no interceptions. His key plays included:

• A 24-yard touchdown pass to running back Ty Johnson on fourth-and-1 in the third quarter, a diving catch that extended Buffalo’s lead to 21-7.

• A 55-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Curtis Samuel on the first play of the fourth quarter, effectively sealing the game at 28-7.

Allen also contributed 46 rushing yards on nine carries, picking up five first downs with his legs. His ability to spread the ball to eight different receivers kept the Broncos’ defense guessing. Allen’s performance broke a franchise record, surpassing Hall of Famer Jim Kelly for the most touchdown passes in Bills postseason history (23).

James Cook (Running Back)

Running back James Cook was a force on the ground, rushing for 120 yards on 23 carries and scoring a 5-yard touchdown in the second quarter. His performance marked the first time a Bills player rushed for over 100 yards in a playoff game since Thurman Thomas in 1995. Cook’s big runs, including a 16-yard gain, helped Buffalo control the clock and keep Denver’s defense on the field for long stretches.

Ty Johnson (Running Back)

Ty Johnson made a significant impact despite an injury scare. He rushed for 44 yards and caught a 24-yard touchdown pass from Allen in a spectacular diving play. Unfortunately, Johnson suffered an apparent head injury after a helmet-to-helmet collision in the first half but walked off the field under his own power.

Curtis Samuel (Wide Receiver)

Wide receiver Curtis Samuel delivered the dagger with a 55-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter. He finished with three receptions for 68 yards, leading the Bills’ receivers in yardage. Samuel’s ability to break a tackle and zigzag to the end zone showcased his speed and playmaking ability.

Khalil Shakir (Wide Receiver)

Khalil Shakir led the Bills in receptions, hauling in six catches for 61 yards. His reliable hands provided Allen with a consistent target, helping sustain drives and keep the offense moving.

Defensive Standouts

The Bills’ defense was relentless, limiting Denver to just one touchdown and forcing two turnovers on downs. Linebacker Matt Milano and defensive end Greg Rousseau each recorded 1.0 sacks, while linebacker Terrel Bernard led the team with six tackles. Safety Damar Hamlin nearly intercepted a pass on a fourth-down play, contributing to a turnover on downs that shifted momentum.

Special Teams

Kicker Tyler Bass was perfect, making field goals from 26, 27, and 34 yards. His contributions helped Buffalo capitalize on drives that stalled in the red zone.

Denver Broncos: Key Player Performances

Bo Nix (Quarterback)

Rookie quarterback Bo Nix showed flashes of brilliance but faced intense pressure from Buffalo’s defense. He completed 13 of 22 passes for 144 yards, including a 43-yard touchdown pass to Troy Franklin on the opening drive. Nix also scrambled for two first downs, but he was pressured on 14 of his 27 dropbacks (51.9% pressure rate), the highest of his rookie season. Denver’s offense stalled after the opening drive, punting four times and turning the ball over on downs twice.

Troy Franklin (Wide Receiver)

Wide receiver Troy Franklin, a fellow rookie and Nix’s former Oregon teammate, provided Denver’s lone highlight. He caught a 43-yard touchdown pass on the opening drive, giving the Broncos an early 7-0 lead. Franklin’s chemistry with Nix was evident, but Buffalo’s defense limited his impact after the first quarter.

Courtland Sutton (Wide Receiver)

Courtland Sutton was a key target for Nix, catching a 19-yard pass on the opening drive and an 11-yard pass on a crucial fourth-down attempt. However, he was held to limited production as Buffalo’s secondary tightened up.

Defensive Struggles

Denver’s defense, which led the NFL with 63 sacks in the regular season, managed only two sacks on Allen. Standout players like cornerback Pat Surtain II and edge rusher Nik Bonitto, both All-Pro selections, couldn’t disrupt Buffalo’s rhythm. The Bills’ lengthy drives and balanced attack kept Denver’s defense on its heels.

Special Teams Highlight

The Broncos pulled off an exciting fake punt in the second quarter, with punter Riley Dixon throwing a 15-yard pass to Marvin Mims Jr. for a first down. However, the drive fizzled, and Denver punted shortly after.

Key Moments That Shaped the Game

1. Denver’s Hot Start: The Broncos opened the game with a bang, as Bo Nix connected with Troy Franklin for a 43-yard touchdown just three minutes in. This gave Denver a 7-0 lead and raised hopes of an upset.

2. Bills’ Response: Buffalo answered with a 26-yard field goal by Tyler Bass in the first quarter and a 5-yard touchdown run by James Cook in the second, taking a 10-7 lead.

3. Missed Opportunities for Denver: At the end of the first half, Broncos kicker Wil Lutz missed a 50-yard field goal attempt that hit the upright, keeping the score at 10-7. Denver also failed to convert on two fourth-down attempts in the second half, stalling potential comebacks.

4. Fourth-and-1 Heroics: In the third quarter, facing fourth-and-1 at Denver’s 24-yard line, Josh Allen threw a pinpoint 24-yard touchdown pass to Ty Johnson. The diving catch gave Buffalo a 21-7 lead and shifted momentum decisively.

5. Curtis Samuel’s Dagger: On the first play of the fourth quarter, Allen hit Samuel for a 55-yard touchdown, putting Buffalo up 28-7 and effectively ending Denver’s chances.

6. Time of Possession Dominance: Buffalo’s 41:43 to 18:17 advantage in time of possession allowed them to control the game’s tempo and limit Denver’s offensive opportunities.

What the Stats Tell Us

Buffalo’s Balanced Attack

The Bills’ 471 total yards (210 rushing, 261 passing) highlight their ability to attack in multiple ways. Josh Allen’s precision (20/26) and ability to spread the ball to eight receivers kept Denver’s defense off balance. James Cook’s 120 rushing yards and the team’s 210 total rushing yards show how Buffalo leaned on the ground game to control the clock.

Denver’s Struggles

Denver’s 224 total yards and 13 first downs reflect their inability to sustain drives after the opening touchdown. Bo Nix’s 144 passing yards were respectable, but the 51.9% pressure rate he faced disrupted the offense. The Broncos’ running game managed only 80 yards, unable to find traction against Buffalo’s defense.

Standout Performances

• Josh Allen: 272 passing yards, 2 TDs, 46 rushing yards.

• James Cook: 120 rushing yards, 1 TD.

• Curtis Samuel: 68 receiving yards, 1 TD.

• Bo Nix: 144 passing yards, 1 TD.

• Troy Franklin: 43 receiving yards, 1 TD.

Why the Bills Won

The Bills’ victory came down to three key factors:

1. Josh Allen’s Mastery: Allen’s ability to make big plays, both passing and running, overwhelmed Denver’s defense. His record-breaking performance underscored his status as an MVP contender.

2. Dominant Run Game: James Cook and Ty Johnson combined for 164 rushing yards, helping Buffalo control the clock and wear down the Broncos.

3. Defensive Pressure: Buffalo’s defense pressured Bo Nix on over half his dropbacks, limiting Denver’s offense after the opening drive.

What’s Next for Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats Both Teams?

Buffalo Bills

The Bills advance to the AFC Divisional Round to face the Baltimore Ravens on January 19, 2025. This matchup is a rematch of a Week 4 game where Baltimore dominated Buffalo 35-10. With Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, two 2018 first-round picks, facing off, this game promises to be a battle of MVP candidates. The Bills will need to maintain their balanced attack and shore up their defense to compete with the Ravens’ high-powered offense.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos’ season ends with a 10-8 record, but there’s plenty to build on. Bo Nix’s promising rookie campaign, including 29 touchdown passes in the regular season, suggests he could be the franchise quarterback Denver has sought since Peyton Manning’s retirement. With All-Pro players like Pat Surtain II and Nik Bonitto, the defense remains a strength. Coach Sean Payton will look to bolster the roster in the offseason to close the gap with AFC powerhouses like the Chiefs and Bills.

Final Thoughts

The Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats was a showcase of Buffalo’s dominance and Denver’s potential. Josh Allen’s dual-threat brilliance, James Cook’s breakout performance, and a suffocating Bills defense overwhelmed a young Broncos team. For Denver, Bo Nix and Troy Franklin provided a glimpse of a bright future, but the Bills’ experience and execution proved too much.