Bills Escape Jacksonville with 27-24 Wild Card Victory Behind Josh Allen's Heroics

Wild Card Weekend: Bills Stun Jaguars in Instant Classic

In a thrilling contest during the AFC Wild Card round, the Buffalo Bills achieved a nail-biting 27–24 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The match remained fiercely contested throughout the afternoon, culminating in a dramatic fourth quarter that featured four lead changes, before Buffalo ultimately secured the win with a last-minute interception.

First Quarter: Defense Sets the Tone (Bills 3, Jaguars 0)

Both squads entered the game with a degree of caution. The offenses exchanged punts as the defenses established their dominance. Midway through the quarter, Buffalo capitalized on an early turnover committed by the Jaguars. The Bills advanced into scoring range and converted a field goal, taking a 3–0 lead. That score persisted through the conclusion of the first quarter.

Second Quarter: Bills Strike, Jaguars Answer (Bills 10, Jaguars 7)

Buffalo found the end zone early in the second quarter when quarterback Josh Allen executed a powerful 1-yard rushing touchdown, extending the Bills' lead to 10–0.

However, Jacksonville was quick to respond. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence orchestrated a touchdown drive that ended with a scoring pass to Brian Thomas Jr. Following a chaotic sequence that included a fumbled kickoff recovered by the Jaguars, Buffalo still managed to maintain a narrow halftime advantage at 10–7.

Third Quarter: Field Goals Only (Bills 13, Jaguars 10)

The third quarter was characterized by a physical style of play and limited scoring opportunities. Each team managed only a single field goal. Buffalo clung to a slight lead at 13–10, but Jacksonville’s rushing attack, fueled by Travis Etienne Jr., began to gain traction, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.

Early Fourth Quarter: Jaguars Take Their First Lead (Jaguars 17, Bills 13)

In a pivotal moment early in the fourth quarter, Jacksonville seized its first lead of the game. Lawrence connected with Parker Washington for a 6-yard touchdown pass, giving the Jaguars a 17–13 advantage.

The home crowd exploded with excitement, but this lead would prove to be ephemeral.

Late Fourth Quarter: Back-and-Forth Chaos (Bills 27, Jaguars 24)

Allen responded with remarkable swiftness, guiding the Bills down the field and delivering a 15-yard touchdown pass to Dalton Kincaid. Just like that, Buffalo surged back ahead at 20–17.

Jacksonville retaliated, with Lawrence leading another touchdown drive that culminated in a 14-yard scoring pass to Etienne, shifting the momentum back to the Jaguars for a 24–20 lead with less than five minutes remaining.

The defining moment of the game arrived soon thereafter. Allen orchestrated a significant 66-yard drive over nine plays. On a critical fourth down, he executed a “tush push” sneak that advanced the ball for 10 yards. With roughly a minute left on the clock, Allen plunged into the end zone on a 1-yard rushing touchdown, restoring Buffalo’s lead at 27–24.

The Final Play: Bills Defense Finishes It

Jacksonville was afforded one final opportunity. On the opening play of their drive, Lawrence’s pass was deflected by Tre’Davious White and subsequently intercepted by safety Cole Bishop. This interception not only sealed the game but also marked Buffalo’s first road playoff victory in 33 years.

A Gritty Playoff Win

Allen concluded the game with 273 passing yards, one passing touchdown, and two rushing touchdowns, showcasing remarkable resilience while leading his team. Buffalo recorded three touchdowns in total, with two by Allen and one by Kincaid, while Jacksonville countered with scores from Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, and Etienne.

In the end, the Bills prevailed by executing one more pivotal play than the Jaguars, escaping with an exhilarating 27–24 victory and advancing further into the playoffs.