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Bills win, set playoff date with Ravens

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5 hours ago

January 16, 2025

The Buffalo Payments entered the 2025 NFL playoffs hoping to make it to the NFL divisional spherical for a fifth consecutive yr. Mission completed.

The Payments defeated the Denver Broncos 31-7 within the AFC’s No. 2 vs. No. 7-seed matchup to arrange a divisional spherical date with the Baltimore Ravens.

Bo Nix and the Broncos acquired off to a scorching begin, scoring a landing on the primary drive of the sport and shifting the ball properly by the air in opposition to the Payments. Denver’s protection additionally did an excellent job holding Buffalo in examine, limiting them to 10 factors within the first half and holding the sport inside one rating deep into the third quarter.

Nevertheless, Josh Allen and the Payments lastly opened the floodgates after deciding to go for it on a fourth-and-1 on Denver’s 24-yard line. A subject aim would have prolonged Buffalo’s result in 9; as an alternative, Allen managed to search out Ty Johnson for a spectacular landing that gave the Payments a 14-point lead.

WATCH:Josh Allen hits Ty Johnson for highlight-reel TD in Payments vs. Broncos

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The most recent NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and extra.

Allen loved a powerful efficiency through the contest, finishing 20-of-26 passes for 272 yards and two touchdowns whereas including 46 yards on eight carries. His dashing counterpart James Prepare dinner additionally had an enormous outing. He racked up 120 yards and a landing on 23 carries. Each had been in a position to get off his toes late within the blowout win.

Sean Payton’s Broncos will now return to the drafting board, however a minimum of they know they’ve one thing in Nix. He completed his first playoff recreation finishing 13-of-22 passes for 144 yards and a landing whereas main the staff with 43 dashing yards on 4 carries.

USA TODAY Sports activities offered dwell updates, highlights and extra beneath. All instances are Japanese.

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Ty Johnson runs for first down to finish recreation

After forcing the Broncos right into a turnover on downs, the Payments wanted only one first right down to run out the remainder of the clock. They managed to get that on a carry from Johnson, who took on main operating duties alongside quarterback Mitch Trubisky for Buffalo’s remaining sequence of the sport.

The Payments will now have the ability to finish the sport by taking a knee 3 times. That may give them a 31-7 wild-card win.

Payments lengthen result in 24 with late subject aim

The Payments managed to eat practically seven minutes of the remaining clock on their most up-to-date drive and acquired into scoring vary. Tyler Bass nailed the 34-yard subject aim to cap it off and add to the margin in what’s wanting like a decisive Buffalo victory.

Payments get key fourth-down cease of Broncos

The Payments let Bo Nix and the Broncos transfer the ball down the sphere methodically after going up three scores. Nevertheless, Buffalo finally bowed up and compelled Denver right into a fourth-and-2 on the 14-yard line.

The Broncos went for it, however Nix’s dump-off to Jaleel McLaughlin did not permit the operating again to get past the road to achieve. That gave the ball again to the Payments, who’re main by 21 with 11:32 left in regulation.

Curtis Samuel breaks deal with, speeds to finish zone oBills lengthen result in 24 with late subject aim

The Payments are beginning to pour it on.

The Payments opened up a 21-point lead because of a landing go from Josh Allen to Curtis Samuel early within the fourth quarter, placing the Broncos firmly behind the 8-ball. Samuel broke a deal with and took it to the home for the 55-yard rating. Payments 28, Broncos 7

Josh Allen finds Ty Johnson for miraculous 24-yard landing on fourth-down

The Payments determined to go for it on fourth-and-1 relatively than kick a subject aim to go up 9.

Allen seemed to be in hassle on the play initially. He needed to run the ball to his proper when no receiver was open, however the Broncos had been disciplined and denied him a operating lane.

Ultimately, Allen noticed Johnson within the end-zone and heaved up a prayer to him. The veteran operating again made the sliding seize and someway saved each of his toes and legs from hitting the back-line within the end-zone.

The rating assured the Payments can be up two touchdowns. Their 2-point conversion was good, making it a 14-point recreation.

Ray Davis harm replace

Josh Allen tried to feather a wheel route go to Davis out of the backfield, however he put it only a bit too far in entrance of the rookie operating again. Sadly, that left Davis in a susceptible place as Broncos security Brandon Jones slammed into him.

Jones’ shoulder hit Davis straight within the helmet, and the operating again went down instantly. He laid on his again together with his palms within the air as Payments gamers motioned for the medical employees to are inclined to Davis.

The officers whistled Jones, who appeared apologetic after the play, for a 15-yard private foul penalty for a success to the top.

Josh Allen seen chatting with referee Invoice Vinovich after no-call

The officers within the Payments vs. Broncos recreation appeared to overlook an apparent holding name within the end-zone on a third-and-goal. That compelled Buffalo to try a subject aim relatively than get one other set of goal-to-go downs.

CBS cameras caught referee Invoice Vinovich speaking to Josh Allen on the bench after the play. It regarded like he could be taking accountability for the missed name primarily based on his gestures through the dialog.

Broncos go three-and-out to begin second half

Denver wanted to get off to an excellent begin within the second half, if solely to stem Buffalo’s vital benefit in time of possession. As an alternative, they went three-and-out after Bo Nix and Troy Franklin failed to attach on a third-and-5 go early within the drive.

Riley Dixon had an excellent 48-yard punt to the Payments, however the Broncos’ drive ate up simply 1:10 of the third quarter. That may give Buffalo, main by six, an opportunity to proceed to run on Denver’s protection and attempt to put on it down

James Prepare dinner stats at the moment

Prepare dinner is having one in every of his most interesting video games as a professional in opposition to the Broncos. He has repeatedly ripped off chunk good points for the Payments and has racked up 111 yards and a landing on 18 carries up to now.

There’s nonetheless 10:03 left within the third quarter, so Prepare dinner might be able to problem his career-high in dashing yards, which at the moment stands at 179.

Josh Allen sacked in red-zone forcing Tyler Bass chip shot

Allen tried to increase a play on third-and-goal in opposition to the Broncos however no person might shake unfastened within the end-zone earlier than Denver introduced down the quarterback for a second sack. Patrick Surtain acquired away with an apparent maintain within the end-zone, however nonetheless, the Broncos compelled the Payments right into a subject aim, which Bass nailed with ease.

Buffalo now leads 13-7 however Denver continues to be inside hanging distance. Bo Nix and Co. could have an opportunity to benefit from the defensive cease once they get the ball for the primary time of the second half.

What’s 5280 on Broncos helmets?

The determine references town of Denver’s elevation of 5,280 toes. That is additionally the origin of the Broncos’ “Mile Excessive” Stadium (which is presently referred to as Empower Area at Mile Excessive).

Broncos stats vs. Payments at halftime

Bo Nix has comported himself properly in his first profession playoff recreation. He was on fireplace to begin the sport earlier than hitting a mid-half lull. Nevertheless, he did properly within the two-minute drill to place the Broncos into subject aim vary as time expired. Wil Lutz simply missed the kick.

Beneath is a have a look at the Broncos’ stats from the primary half:

Bo Nix: 8-of-12 passing, 102 yards, 1 TD, 120.8 ranking
Javonte Williams: 5 carries, 22 yards
Courtland Sutton: 3 catches, 51 yards
Troy Franklin: 1 catch, 43 yards, 1 TD
Zach Allen: 2 tackles, 1 sack

Payments stats vs. Broncos at halftime

Josh Allen hasn’t accomplished as a lot by the air by half-hour. As an alternative, the Payments have usually had six offensive linemen on the sphere and have been operating the ball usually. That is why they’re outgaining Denver 128-44 on the bottom at halftime.

Beneath is a have a look at the BIlls’ stats from the primary half:

Josh Allen: 9-of-12 passing, 69 yards, 88.5 ranking, 6 carries, 35 yards
James Prepare dinner: 13 carries, 78 yards, 1 TD
Khalil Shakir: 3 catches, 34 yards
Matt Milano: 4 tackles, 1 sack

Wil Lutz doinks 50-yard subject aim as Payments retain 10-7 halftime lead

Bo Nix led the Broncos to factors on his first drive of the half. He practically did on his remaining drive of the half as properly.

Denver marched the ball methodically on its remaining drive of the half earlier than a Nix-to-Courtland Sutton completion put the Broncos into subject aim vary. Lutz was known as on to try the 50-yarder, nevertheless it simply curled proper and hit off the proper upright, denying Denver factors as time expired within the half.

In consequence, the Payments stay forward of the Broncos 10-7, thanks largely to a powerful dashing effort. Buffalo has 128 yards and a landing on 22 carries, as James Prepare dinner and Josh Allen have generated loads of powerful yards in opposition to a top quality Denver run protection.

The Payments are solely outgaining the Broncos 189-161 however they’re profitable the time of possession battle by 9:20. Buffalo will get the ball to begin the second half. One other lengthy drive might begin to tire out Denver’s protection, however so long as the Broncos are inside hanging distance, the Payments cannot get too snug.

Marvin Mims known as for private foul penalty after being leveled by Mack Hollins

Punts have been eventful through the Payments vs. Broncos recreation. This time, Sam Martin uncorked one which Hollins timed up completely. The veteran receiver slammed into Mims proper when he caught the punt, stopping a return and placing an enormous hit on the 5-11 speedster.

Mims did not take kindly to a Payments lengthy snapper Reid Ferguson attempting to tear the ball out of his palms after he went down. He acquired up and acquired in Ferguson’s face, drawing a flag from the officers.

In consequence, Denver shall be backed up because it appears to attain within the two-minute drill.

Broncos sack Josh Allen, pressure Payments punt at two-minute warning

Allen was sacked simply as soon as in six video games main as much as the playoffs, however the Broncos managed to carry him down after Zach Allen beat David Andrews on a second-and-13.

The Payments checked the ball down on a third-and-21 and now must punt with two minutes left within the half. That may give the Broncos one other likelihood to attain earlier than halftime, trailing 10-7.

Broncos really punt, pin Payments at 1-yard line

Denver’s faux punt did not find yourself netting the Broncos any factors, nevertheless it did web them bettere subject place. Riley Dixon launched an ideal punt that checked up simply contained in the 1-yard line. Marvin Mims managed to corral it to pin Buffalo deep for its third drive of the sport.

The play was the second sturdy one for Dixon and Mims on the drive. The 2 linked on the faux punt go that helped the Broncos cross midfield.

Broncos faux punt, Riley Dixon completes first-down go to Marvin Mims

The Broncos appeared poised to punt for the second consecutive possession, however they as an alternative faked the punt. Dixon deked out the protection and lofted an ideal go to Mims, who introduced it in to proceed Denver’s possession.

Denver is now on the cusp of subject aim vary. We’ll see if Sean Payton’s gamble pays off, very similar to his shock onside kick in Tremendous Bowl 44.

Are James Prepare dinner and Dalvin Prepare dinner brothers?

Sure, they’re. The extra fascinating factor about them, nevertheless, is their center names.

Dalvin Prepare dinner’s full identify is “Dalvin James Prepare dinner.” James Prepare dinner’s full identify is “James Dalvin Prepare dinner.”

James Prepare dinner punches in 5-yard landing to place Payments forward

Prepare dinner has began the sport with some hard-nosed, bodily runs. That included his 5-yard carry to cap off a 13-play, 81-yard landing drive that put the Payments forward 10-7, after Tyler Bass’ further level.

Prepare dinner now has 60 yards and a landing on 9 carries. The Payments have 100 complete dashing yards with 12:57 left within the second quarter. Payments 10, Broncos 7

Broncos main Payments 7-3 after first quarter

Denver acquired off to an excellent begin with their first drive on the street in Buffalo, as Bo Nix hit Troy Franklin for a 43-yard landing to offer them an early lead. Since then, the Payments have constantly moved the ball on the Broncos however have not but managed to get into the end-zone.

Nix is not wanting like a rookie, as he accomplished 3-of-3 passes for 64 yards and the landing within the first quarter. That offers him an ideal 158.3 passer ranking.

Comparatively, Josh Allen had a few misfires within the end-zone. In any other case, he has been stable, going 6-of-9 passing for 45 yards with 19 yards on the bottom.

The Payments are outgaining the Broncos 124-75 and are threatening to attain for a second consecutive drive. They may have the ball on Denver’s 21-yard line going through a first-and-10 to begin the second quarter.

Taron Johnson harm replace

Excellent news for the Payments: CBS Sports activities’ Tracy Wolfson experiences that Johnson, the staff’s star nickel again, has cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol.

Nevertheless, Johnson stays within the locker room and is being evaluated for a neck harm. His return is questionable.

Are the Payments constructing a brand new stadium?

Sure, the Payments are planning to construct a brand new stadium. The staff launched new renderings of the world, which is ready to open in July of 2026, forward of their playoff run.

Payments pressure three-and-out regardless of Taron Johnson harm

The Broncos unfold out the sphere on third-and-5 hoping to benefit from Johnson’s absence. As an alternative, Bo Nix tried to scramble to the proper facet of the sphere however was chased down by Buffalo linebacker Matt Milano for no acquire.

Riley Dixon punted the ball again to the Payments, who will begin at their very own 19-yard line.

Taron Johnson harm replace

Johnson suffered an obvious harm on the Payments’ second drive of the sport after a helmet-to-helmet collision with Broncos operating again Javonte Williams. Johnson remained down on the sphere as Buffalo’s medical employees got here to are inclined to him.

Johnson was in a position to get off the sphere underneath his personal energy however was taken to the blue medical, presumably to be evaluated for a head harm. The seventh-year cornerback was an All-Professional second teamer in 2023 and is without doubt one of the greatest slot corners within the NFL.

Payments accept subject aim after Josh Allen overshoots Amari Cooper

The Payments drove the ball with ease on their first drive of the sport however acquired slowed down within the red-zone. Allen took a few pictures on the end-zone however misfired on a throw to a large open Dawson Knox on the run earlier than crusing a throw to Cooper out of the again of the end-zone.

Tyler Bass nails the chip shot to chop Denver’s result in 7-3 within the first quarter.

Payments-Broncos rating: Bo Nix, Denver strike first with lengthy TD

Giddy up.

Denver took the ball to begin the matchup, and so they took it to the top zone lower than three minutes into the sport. After a third-down conversion, quarterback Bo Nix discovered receiver Troy Franklin deep for a 43-yard landing go for six. The Broncos are up early, 7-0.

Payments vs. Broncos begin time

The Payments and Broncos kick off Sunday wild-card motion at 1 p.m. ET. The Broncos journey to Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. to tackle the Payments.

Payments inactives vs. Broncos

No surprises on the Payments inactives listing, as they enter the playoffs as one of many NFL’s healthiest groups. This is the inactives listing for the wild-card matchup:

Broncos inactives vs. Payments

The Broncos as soon as once more shuffle their backfield, with Audric Estime hitting the inactives listing vs. the Payments. Zach Wilson is the emergency QB at the moment.

NFL greatest bets at the moment: Payments vs. Broncos playoffs

Seeking to make at the moment’s Payments vs. Broncos recreation extra fascinating? Listed here are among the greatest bets for the matchup:

Josh Allen OVER 41.5 dashing yards (-115)
Bo Nix OVER 26.5 dashing yards (-115)
Mack Hollins anytime TD (+340)

Payments vs. Broncos odds, moneyline, over/underneath

The Payments are favored to defeat the Broncos, per to the BetMGM NFL odds. Not on this recreation? Take a look at skilled picks and greatest bets for each NFL recreation this week.

Unfold: Payments (+9)
Moneyline: Payments (-550); Broncos (+400)
Over/underneath: 48

Payments vs. Broncos dwell stream

Reside stream: Fubo, Paramount+, NFL+

For twine cutters on the lookout for a dwell stream for the matchup, you may flip to Fubo. Fubo carries NBC, in addition to CBS, FOX, NFL Community and the ESPN household of networks.

CBS’ personal streaming service, Paramount+, can even carry the sport, as will the NFL’s streaming service NFL+.

What NFL playoff video games are this weekend?

There are six NFL playoff video games for the league’s wild-card weekend. This is the schedule:

AFC wild-card video games

NFC wild-card video games

Sean Payton playoff document

Payton is within the playoffs for the primary time because the Broncos’ head coach after reaching the postseason 9 instances over 15 years in New Orleans. This is how he is fared every time he is made the playoffs plus his cumulative document:

2006: 1-1
2009: 3-0 (Tremendous Bowl championship)
2010: 0-1
2011: 1-1
2013: 1-1
2017: 1-1
2018: 1-1
2019: 0-1
2020: 1-1
General: 9-8

Sean McDermott playoff document

McDermott is again within the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season and his seventh time in eight years because the Payments’ head coach. This is how he is fared every time he is made the postseason:

2017: 0-1
2019: 0-1
2020: 2-1
2021: 1-1
2022: 1-1
2023: 1-1
General: 5-6

Payments vs. Broncos TV channel

CBS will broadcast the Payments vs. Broncos matchup. Jim Nantz and Tony Romo shall be on the decision with Tracy Wolfson offering updates from the sideline. Jay Feely will present kicking perception.