The tension at Empower Field at Mile High was thick enough to cut with a knife this afternoon. If you were one of the folks frantically refreshing your phone asking what was the broncos score today, you missed a heavyweight bout that lived up to every bit of the Divisional Round hype.
Football in Denver during January just hits different. The air is thin, the stakes are massive, and today, the Denver Broncos hosted the Buffalo Bills in a game that felt like a changing of the guard for the AFC.
The Final Numbers: Breaking Down the Score
The Denver Broncos secured a massive win over the Buffalo Bills, finishing with a 24-21 victory to punch their ticket to the AFC Championship game.
It wasn't a blowout. Far from it. Honestly, for the first three quarters, it looked like Josh Allen might just steamroll his way through the Rocky Mountains. But Sean Payton’s squad has this "bend but don't break" identity that finally paid off when the sun started dipping behind the peaks.
The game started fast. Buffalo jumped out to a 7-0 lead after a methodical opening drive. Denver answered back with a field goal, but the rhythm felt off. Bo Nix looked like a rookie in the first half—jittery in the pocket and missing high on a couple of crucial third-down throws to Courtland Sutton. By halftime, the Broncos were trailing 14-10, and the mood in the stands was kinda nervous.
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How the Broncos Flipped the Script
Something changed in the locker room. The second half was a masterclass in ball control. Denver didn't try to out-gun the Bills; they decided to out-muscle them.
Javonte Williams became the focal point. He wasn't breaking off 50-yarders, but those four-yard "cloud of dust" carries started to wear down the Buffalo front. It keeps the clock moving. It keeps Josh Allen on the sideline. That's basically the only way you beat a guy like that.
- The Turnover: The turning point was a Patrick Surtain II interception midway through the fourth. He baited Allen into a deep shot toward the sideline and snatched it like it was a routine drill.
- The Go-Ahead Drive: Denver took that turnover and marched 62 yards. Nix finally looked settled, hitting Greg Dulcich for a 12-yard score that put the Broncos up 24-14.
- The Final Stand: Buffalo scored late to make it 24-21, but a failed onside kick recovery by the Bills sealed the deal.
Why This Game Mattered So Much
Look, we’ve been waiting a long time for this. Since the Super Bowl 50 era, Denver has been wandering in the quarterback wilderness. This 14-3 regular season wasn't a fluke, but the playoffs are where reputations are actually made.
By winning today, the Broncos proved they aren't just a "good story." They’re a legitimate problem for the rest of the league. The defense, led by Zach Allen and Nik Bonitto, pressured the pocket all day. Even when they didn't get the sack, they made life miserable for the Bills' offensive line.
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It’s also about the home-field advantage. Empower Field was rocking. You’ve got to feel for the Buffalo fans who traveled all that way just to see their season end in the thin air, but that’s the playoff grind.
What's Next for the Denver Broncos?
Now that the what was the broncos score today question is settled, we look toward the AFC Championship.
Denver is staying home. As the No. 1 seed, the road to the Super Bowl officially runs through Mile High. They'll face the winner of the remaining Divisional matchups. Whether it’s a grudge match against an old rival or a date with a dark horse, the Broncos are currently the favorites to represent the AFC in the big game.
The biggest concern moving forward? Bo Nix’s health. He took a hard hit late in the fourth quarter and was seen limping slightly during the post-game celebration. The team is calling it a "stinger" for now, but you can bet every sports radio station in Colorado will be talking about his left ankle for the next six days.
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Key Takeaways from Today's Game:
- Bo Nix finished 18/27 for 204 yards and 2 TDs.
- Javonte Williams surpassed 100 yards from scrimmage.
- The Broncos defense forced two crucial turnovers in the second half.
- Denver is now one win away from their first Super Bowl appearance in a decade.
If you're planning on headed to the stadium next week, get your tickets now. Prices are already skyrocketing on the secondary market. This city hasn't been this electric for football in a long, long time. Basically, the orange and blue fever is back at a terminal level.
The Broncos will likely hold a light walkthrough on Monday before ramping up practice for the AFC Title game. Keep an eye on the injury report, specifically regarding the offensive line depth, as starting tackle Garett Bolles left briefly with a shoulder issue but did return to finish the game.
Clear your Sunday next week. The Broncos are officially back in the hunt for a Lombardi Trophy.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Injury Report: Monitor Bo Nix’s ankle status over the next 48 hours for any updates on his mobility.
- Secure Playoff Gear: If you’re heading to the AFC Championship, grab your cold-weather gear early; local shops are expected to sell out of heavy-duty Broncos parkas.
- Review the Bracket: Keep an eye on the evening games to see who Denver will host next Sunday at Empower Field.