The tension at Empower Field at Mile High is basically vibrating through the TV screen right now. If you're frantically refreshing your phone to find out what is the score of Broncos game, you aren't alone. As of late in the fourth quarter, the Denver Broncos lead the Buffalo Bills 30-27.
It has been a wild one.
Denver fans have waited since 2015 to see a home playoff game this big, and Sean Payton’s squad is delivering, even if they're making everyone’s heart rate spike in the process. Bo Nix has been efficient, the defense has been opportunistic, and Josh Allen is doing Josh Allen things—both the incredible and the head-scratching.
The Current Situation: What is the Score of Broncos Game?
Honestly, this game has been a tale of two halves. Denver went into the locker room at halftime feeling pretty good with a 20-10 lead, but Buffalo isn't a team that just rolls over. By the end of the third quarter, things got tight at 23-17.
Right now, the score stands at 30-27 in favor of the Broncos.
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We just saw a massive swing. Buffalo actually clawed back to take a lead earlier in the fourth, but Denver responded with a methodical drive. The atmosphere in Denver is legendary, and you can hear the "Incompleeeeeete" chant through the broadcast every time Allen misses a target.
Quick Scoring Breakdown
- First Quarter: Buffalo jumped out early 7-3.
- Second Quarter: Denver dominated, outscoring the Bills 17-3 to take a 20-10 halftime lead.
- Third Quarter: A defensive slugfest ended with Denver up 23-17.
- Fourth Quarter: Chaos. Lead changes. High drama. Currently 30-27 Broncos.
Why This Game is Living Up to the Hype
Most people thought the Bills would come in and bully the younger Broncos, especially after Buffalo thrashed Denver 31-7 in the playoffs last year. But this isn't that same Denver team. They finished the regular season 14-3 for a reason.
The Broncos' defense has been the real story of the 2025-2026 season. They led the league with 68 sacks. Today, they've been all over Josh Allen. Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper are playing like men possessed.
Still, you can't ever count out the Bills. Even with a depleted receiving corps—Tyrell Shavers and Joshua Palmer are both out—Allen has been leaning heavily on Dalton Kincaid. It's kinda crazy how often they go to the tight end when the chips are down.
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Key Turnovers and Momentum Shifts
Denver's defense, which didn't actually have a ton of takeaways during the regular season, has somehow come up with four today. P.J. Locke grabbed a huge interception late in the third quarter that really took the wind out of Buffalo's sails just as they were gaining momentum.
Bo Nix, on the other hand, has been "boring" in the best way possible. He’s not trying to win the game on every single snap. He’s taking what the defense gives him, which is exactly what Sean Payton wants. He did have one ugly pick to Deone Walker, but he hasn't let it rattle him.
What’s at Stake for Denver?
If the Broncos hold on to this lead, they head to the AFC Championship game. That’s huge. It’s the furthest they’ve been in a decade.
Being the No. 1 seed comes with a lot of pressure, but it also means the road to the Super Bowl goes through the thin air of Colorado. We've seen how much that affects visiting teams in the fourth quarter. The Bills players look gassed.
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Watching the Finish
If you're looking for the game, it's currently airing on CBS. You can also stream it on Paramount+. If you're stuck at work or away from a screen, the live updates are showing a game that is likely going down to the very last possession.
The weather is chilly but clear—perfect playoff football weather.
Actionable Insights for the Final Minutes
If you're betting or just watching closely, keep an eye on these specific factors as the clock winds down:
- The Run Game: Denver needs to burn clock. Look for Jaleel McLaughlin or RJ Harvey to get heavy touches to keep the chains moving and the clock running.
- Josh Allen's Legs: When the Bills are in a "must-have-it" situation, Allen stops looking for receivers and starts running. Denver’s spy (likely Alex Singleton) has to stay disciplined.
- Wil Lutz: He’s been perfect today (4-for-4 on field goals in the regular season finale and clutch today). This might come down to his leg.
- Field Position: In a 3-point game, a bad punt is a death sentence. Watch the special teams play closely.
The winner of this matchup will face the winner of tomorrow’s Texans vs. Patriots game. For now, all eyes are on the scoreboard at Mile High to see if Denver can finally exorcise their Buffalo demons.
Check your local listings for the post-game press conferences, as the fallout from this Divisional Round classic is going to be talked about all week in the sports world.