Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats

The Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats off in an electrifying Wild Card playoff game on January 12, 2025, at Highmark Stadium. The Bills dominated with a final score of 31-7, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive strength. This article dives into the player stats from this thrilling matchup, breaking down key performances in a way that’s easy to understand for fans of all ages. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just curious about the game, we’ll walk you through the standout players, their contributions, and what made this game a memorable one.

Game Overview: Bills Dominate the Broncos

The Buffalo Bills, led by MVP candidate Josh Allen, came into the game as heavy favorites. Playing at home, where they boasted an 8-0 record during the regular season, the Bills lived up to expectations. After a strong start by the Denver Broncos, who scored a touchdown on their opening drive, Buffalo took control, scoring 31 unanswered points to secure a convincing victory. The Broncos, powered by rookie quarterback Bo Nix, showed flashes of potential but struggled to keep up with Buffalo’s balanced attack.

Let’s break down the key player performances from both teams, focusing on passing, rushing, receiving, and defensive stats. We’ll also include a table summarizing the top performers for quick reference.

Buffalo Bills: Key Player Stats

Josh Allen Shines as the Star Quarterback

Josh Allen was the standout performer, proving why he’s in the conversation for the NFL MVP award. The Bills’ quarterback was surgical in his passing, completing 20 of 26 attempts for 272 yards and two touchdowns. His completion percentage of 76.9% showed his accuracy under pressure, and he avoided turnovers, a key factor in Buffalo’s dominance. Allen also contributed on the ground, rushing for 46 yards on nine carries and picking up five first downs. His ability to extend plays with his legs and make precise throws was on full display.

One of Allen’s highlight plays came on a fourth-and-1 in the third quarter. Facing a tight situation at the Denver 24-yard line, Allen scrambled to buy time and delivered a pinpoint 24-yard touchdown pass to running back Ty Johnson, who made a diving catch in the end zone. This play gave Buffalo a 21-7 lead and shifted the momentum firmly in their favor. Allen also connected with wide receiver Curtis Samuel for a 55-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, showcasing his deep-ball accuracy.

James Cook Powers the Run Game

Running back James Cook was another key contributor for the Bills, racking up 120 yards on 23 carries and scoring a 5-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter. This was Cook’s first career playoff game with over 100 rushing yards, a testament to his growing role in Buffalo’s offense. His longest run of the game was a 16-yard scamper, and he consistently found gaps in the Denver defense, helping the Bills control the clock. Buffalo’s 210 total rushing yards overwhelmed the Broncos, who struggled to stop the run.

Curtis Samuel and the Receiving Corps

The Bills’ passing game was a team effort, with Allen spreading the ball to eight different receivers. Curtis Samuel led the way with three receptions for 68 yards, including the 55-yard touchdown that put Buffalo up 28-7 in the fourth quarter. Samuel’s ability to break tackles and turn a short pass into a long score was a game-changer. Wide receiver Khalil Shakir was also a reliable target, catching six passes for 61 yards, leading the team in receptions. Tight end Dawson Knox added a 25-yard reception, while running back Ty Johnson contributed a 24-yard touchdown catch.

Defensive Standouts: Milano, Rousseau, and Bernard

Buffalo’s defense was relentless, holding the Broncos to just one touchdown and forcing a turnover on downs in the fourth quarter. Linebacker Matt Milano and defensive end Greg Rousseau each recorded 1.0 sack, disrupting Denver’s offensive rhythm. Linebacker Terrel Bernard led the team with six tackles, anchoring the defense against Denver’s early momentum. Safety Damar Hamlin nearly had an interception in the fourth quarter, though the pass was ruled incomplete. The Bills’ defense limited Denver to 144 passing yards and kept their rushing attack in check, showcasing their ability to dominate in all phases.

Special Teams: Tyler Bass Adds Points

Kicker Tyler Bass was perfect on the day, converting field goals from 26, 27, and 34 yards. His accuracy helped Buffalo capitalize on drives that stalled in the red zone, ensuring they maintained their lead. The Bills’ special teams also played a role in field position, with Ty Johnson returning a kickoff 33 yards to start the second half.

Denver Broncos: Key Player Stats

Bo Nix’s Promising Playoff Debut

Rookie quarterback Bo Nix started strong, leading the Broncos to a touchdown on their opening drive. He completed a 43-yard touchdown pass to fellow rookie Troy Franklin, giving Denver an early 7-0 lead. Nix finished the game with 13 completions on 22 attempts for 144 yards and one touchdown. He also showed his mobility, scrambling for two first downs. However, the Bills’ defense adjusted after the first drive, limiting Nix’s options and forcing him into tougher situations. On a critical fourth-and-2 in the fourth quarter, Nix’s pass to running back Jaleel McLaughlin fell short, resulting in a turnover on downs.

Despite the loss, Nix’s performance was a bright spot for Denver. His poise in his first playoff start, combined with his ability to make big plays, signals a promising future for the 2024 first-round pick.

Troy Franklin and the Receiving Game

Rookie wide receiver Troy Franklin, a former college teammate of Nix at Oregon, made an immediate impact with his 43-yard touchdown catch on the opening drive. Franklin’s speed and route-running gave the Bills’ secondary trouble early on, but Buffalo’s defense tightened up, limiting him to just one more catch for the game. Wide receiver Courtland Sutton was another key target, hauling in an 11-yard pass on a crucial drive, though he couldn’t convert on a fourth-down play late in the game. The Broncos’ passing game struggled after the first quarter, managing only 144 total yards.

Denver’s Run Game Struggles

The Broncos’ rushing attack was stifled by Buffalo’s defense. Denver’s running backs couldn’t find consistent room to run, and the team leaned heavily on Nix’s passing to move the ball. Jaleel McLaughlin was involved in the passing game but gained no yards on a critical fourth-down play in the fourth quarter. The lack of a balanced attack put extra pressure on Nix and the passing game, which the Bills exploited.

Defensive Efforts: Surtain and Bonitto

Denver’s defense, one of the league’s best during the regular season, couldn’t slow down Buffalo’s balanced attack. Cornerback Pat Surtain II, a first-team All-Pro, and edge rusher Nik Bonitto, a second-team All-Pro, were notable performers, but the Bills’ offensive line limited their impact. Denver’s pass rush struggled to get to Allen, who was sacked only once despite facing pressure. The Broncos’ defense allowed 471 total yards, including 210 on the ground, a rare off day for a unit that ranked in the top three in yards per play allowed during the regular season.

Special Teams: A Fake Punt and a Missed Kick

The Broncos attempted to spark momentum with a fake punt in the second quarter. Punter Riley Dixon threw a 15-yard pass to wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr., converting a fourth-and-8 and keeping a drive alive. However, the drive ended in a punt, and the play didn’t lead to points. Kicker Wil Lutz missed a 50-yard field goal attempt at the end of the first half, hitting the upright, which proved costly as Buffalo maintained their 10-7 lead going into halftime.

Key Moments That Shaped the Game

• Broncos’ Hot Start: Denver opened the game with a bang, as Bo Nix connected with Troy Franklin for a 43-yard touchdown just 2:24 into the first quarter. This gave the Broncos an early 7-0 lead and set the tone for a potential upset.

• Bills’ Response: Buffalo answered with a 5-yard rushing touchdown by James Cook in the second quarter, taking a 10-7 lead. The Bills’ ability to respond quickly showed their resilience.

• Fourth-Down Magic: Josh Allen’s 24-yard touchdown pass to Ty Johnson on fourth-and-1 in the third quarter was a turning point, giving Buffalo a 21-7 lead and deflating Denver’s defense.

• Samuel’s Big Play: Curtis Samuel’s 55-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter put the game out of reach, as Buffalo extended their lead to 28-7.

• Defensive Stops: The Bills’ defense forced a turnover on downs in the fourth quarter, stopping Denver’s final attempt to rally. This sealed Buffalo’s dominant performance.

Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats Table

Here’s a quick-reference table summarizing the top performers from the Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats:

Player	Team	Stats
Josh Allen (QB)	Bills	20/26, 272 passing yards, 2 TDs; 46 rushing yards, 5 first downs
James Cook (RB)	Bills	23 carries, 120 rushing yards, 1 TD
Curtis Samuel (WR)	Bills	3 receptions, 68 yards, 1 TD
Khalil Shakir (WR)	Bills	6 receptions, 61 yards
Ty Johnson (RB)	Bills	44 rushing yards, 1 TD catch (24 yards)
Bo Nix (QB)	Broncos	13/22, 144 passing yards, 1 TD; 2 rushing first downs
Troy Franklin (WR)	Broncos	2 receptions, 45 yards, 1 TD
Courtland Sutton (WR)	Broncos	1 reception, 11 yards
Matt Milano (LB)	Bills	1.0 sack
Greg Rousseau (DE)	Bills	1.0 sack
Terrel Bernard (LB)	Bills	6 tackles
Tyler Bass (K)	Bills	3/3 FGs (26, 27, 34 yards)
Wil Lutz (K)	Broncos	0/1 FG (missed 50 yards)

Why the Bills Won

The Bills’ victory came down to their balanced offensive attack and stout defense. Josh Allen’s dual-threat ability kept Denver’s defense guessing, while James Cook’s strong running game controlled the clock. Buffalo’s defense adjusted after Denver’s opening touchdown, shutting down the Broncos’ offense and limiting their big plays. The Bills also capitalized on key moments, like the fourth-down touchdown to Ty Johnson and the long score to Curtis Samuel, which broke the game open.

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

For the Bills, the win sets up a highly anticipated divisional round matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on January 19, 2025. With Josh Allen playing at an MVP level and the team firing on all cylinders, Buffalo looks poised for a deep playoff run. For the Broncos, the loss ends a resurgent 2024 season that saw them return to the playoffs for the first time since 2015. Bo Nix’s promising rookie campaign gives Denver hope for the future, and with stars like Pat Surtain II and Nik Bonitto, the Broncos are building a strong foundation.

Conclusion

The Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats was a showcase of Josh Allen’s brilliance and Buffalo’s dominance. While Bo Nix and the Broncos showed flashes of potential, the Bills’ balanced attack and defensive adjustments proved too much to handle. From Allen’s pinpoint passes to Cook’s powerful runs, Buffalo’s key players delivered when it mattered most. This game will be remembered as a statement win for the Bills as they march toward a potential Super Bowl run.