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Allen’s Late Heroics Sink Jaguars as Bills Advance in Wild Card Thriller

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Published: Jan 12, 2026
kyle juszczyk visibly emotional talking
kyle juszczyk visibly emotional talking
  • The Big Result: The Buffalo Bills defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-24 to advance to the AFC Divisional Round.
  • The Turning Point: Josh Allen willed his way into the end zone on a 1-yard “tush push” with just 1:00 remaining on the clock.
  • Injury Alert: Bills RB Ray Davis left the game with a lower-body injury after a collision with a teammate on a kickoff return.

BUFFALO — Josh Allen didn’t just lead a drive; he dragged the Buffalo Bills into the next round of the playoffs. In a game that saw four lead changes in the second half, the Bills survived a 27-24 scare from the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday night. The victory, sealed by a late interception, keeps Buffalo’s Super Bowl hopes alive while sending Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars home in heartbreak.

The Tush Push Heard ‘Round Orchard Park

Trailing 24-20 with the season on the line, Buffalo turned to its most reliable weapon. Despite being evaluated for a head injury earlier in the game, Josh Allen returned to orchestrate a 12-play, 75-yard masterpiece. The Bills’ offensive line provided the surge needed for Allen to punch in the go-ahead score from the 1-yard line with 60 seconds left. The stadium shook as the 70,000+ fans in attendance erupted.

Jacksonville had one final chance, but the Buffalo defense held firm. Trevor Lawrence, who threw for three touchdowns on the night, saw his final pass tipped at the line of scrimmage. Rookie safety Cole Bishop tracked the ball and hauled in the game-ending interception, sparking a celebration in the end zone that lasted long after the final whistle.

Team 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Final
Jaguars 7 0 10 7 24
Bills 7 6 7 7 27

What They Said

“Whoever wins this game has a shot at going to the Super Bowl. This game is that close. It’s just a great defensive play by [Tre’Davious] White ending Jacksonville’s season.” — Tony Romo, CBS Sports Analyst [16:55]

“Buffalo is back in front with a minute to go… Allen not to be denied, he’s still going! A full thoroughbred.” — Jim Nantz, CBS Sports Play-by-Play [16:15]

Playoff Implications: The Road Ahead

The Bills move on, but the victory came with a steep price. The loss of Ray Davis on special teams leaves the backfield thin heading into the Divisional Round. However, the connection between Allen and Dalton Kincaid, who caught a pivotal second-half touchdown, looks more dangerous than ever. For Jacksonville, Lawrence proved he belongs on the big stage with a 3-TD performance, but two critical interceptions ultimately doomed the Jaguars’ comeback efforts. Buffalo now awaits the winner of the remaining Wild Card matchups to determine their next opponent.

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Ryan Mitchell

Ryan Mitchell is a US-based sports analyst dedicated to bringing fans closer to the gridiron through precision reporting and expert flair. Known for his ability to decode complex game strategies, Ryan provides in-depth articles that go beyond the scoreboard. From identifying breakout stars to providing detailed match previews, his mission is to keep the global sports community ahead of the curve. A passion for data-driven storytelling defines his work at nhanfl.com.

 

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