Key Takeaways
- The Winner: Josh Allen’s touchdown pass with seconds remaining capped a 27-23 comeback victory.
- The Streak Ends: Jacksonville’s eight-game winning streak snapped as Trevor Lawrence fell short in his playoff return.
- Moving On: Buffalo advances to the AFC Divisional Round after securing their first road playoff win of the season.
JACKSONVILLE, FL — Josh Allen refused to go home. With the season on the line and seconds ticking away at EverBank Stadium, the Buffalo Bills quarterback scrambled, shrugged off a defender, and fired a laser into the end zone to secure a 27-23 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday night.
The Battle at EverBank
The Jaguars entered the postseason as the AFC’s hottest team, boasting a 13-4 record and an eight-game winning streak. Early on, the Jacksonville defense looked every bit the part. They swarmed Allen from the opening whistle, recording a massive sack [01:22] that stalled Buffalo’s first real threat. Despite the pressure, the Bills struck first when Allen found his target for a spectacular diving touchdown catch [01:58] that ignited the Buffalo sideline.
The momentum swung violently in the third quarter. A tipped pass fell right into the hands of the Jaguars’ secondary for a game-changing interception [02:55]. Jacksonville capitalized instantly, punching in a touchdown to take their first lead of the day. The stadium shook as the Jags took a 23-20 advantage into the final minutes, but they left too much time for Buffalo’s “Playoff Josh.”
| Key Stats | Buffalo Bills (12-5) | Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4) |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 27 | 23 |
| Total Yards | 385 | 342 |
| Passing TDs | 3 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 1 |
What They Said
“We knew it would be a dogfight. When they got that pick in the third, the crowd got loud, but we’ve been in these spots before. I just told the guys to give me a chance in the last two minutes. We didn’t come here to play it safe; we came here to win.” — Josh Allen, Bills QB
“It’s a bitter pill to swallow. We had the lead and the momentum after the interception. You can’t give a guy like Josh Allen a crack in the door, because he’ll kick it down. We let this one slip away.” — Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars QB
Playoff Implications: Buffalo Marches On
This victory isn’t just another win for Buffalo; it’s a statement. By toppling the scorching-hot Jaguars on their own turf, the Bills have established themselves as the team no one wants to see in the Divisional Round. For Jacksonville, a brilliant season ends in heartbreak. Despite a 13-win campaign, their inability to contain Allen’s legs on that final drive [04:04] proved to be the difference between a deep run and an early exit.
The Bills now wait to see their next opponent, but one thing is certain: as long as number 17 is under center, Buffalo is never out of it.
Watch the full highlights here: Bills vs Jaguars 2026 Wild Card Highlights
