If you're frantically checking your phone to see what's the score of the Bills game right now, you can finally breathe. It’s over. The Buffalo Bills just pulled off one of the gutsiest, "heart-attack-inducing" wins in recent memory, taking down the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-24 in the AFC Wild Card round.
It wasn't pretty. Honestly, for about three quarters, it felt like the same old story of road playoff heartbreak for Buffalo. But Josh Allen did what Josh Allen does—he put the team on his back, took some absolute punishing hits, and somehow found a way to win. This marks the first time in 33 years that the Bills have actually won a playoff game on the road. Let that sink in for a second. The last time this happened, the internet was barely a thing and the Buffalo 0-5 road streak under Sean McDermott was nowhere on the radar.
How the Bills game score ended at 27-24
The game was a literal see-saw. Buffalo struck first with a 50-yard field goal from Matt Prater, but Jacksonville's Trevor Lawrence answered back with a 3-yard strike to Brian Thomas. It felt like every time Buffalo moved the needle, the Jags had an answer.
By the fourth quarter, things looked bleak. The Jaguars held a 17-13 lead after Parker Washington caught a 6-yard touchdown. But then, the switch flipped. Josh Allen orchestrated a drive that ended with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Dalton Kincaid, reclaiming a 20-17 lead.
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Jacksonville didn't quit. Travis Etienne broke free for a 14-yard score with about four minutes left, putting Buffalo down 24-20. The tension in EverBank Stadium was thick enough to cut with a knife.
The final drive that saved the season
With the season on the line, Josh Allen went full "Superman" mode. He completed 28 of 35 passes on the day for 273 yards, but his most important play was a 36-yard bomb to Brandin Cooks just before the two-minute warning. That set the stage.
With 1:04 remaining on the clock, Allen took the snap and lowered his shoulder for a 1-yard touchdown run. The Jags basically let him in to save time on the clock, but it didn't matter. Matt Prater’s extra point made it 27-24 Bills.
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The defensive stand you'll be talking about all week
Most Bills fans were probably hiding behind their couches when Trevor Lawrence got the ball back with a minute left. He’s dangerous in those spots. But the Buffalo defense, which has been criticized for being "soft" in late-game playoff scenarios, finally stood tall.
Lawrence tried to zip a pass down the middle. Tre’Davious White—who has been a monster since returning to form—tipped the ball into the air. Rookie safety Cole Bishop was right there to snag it. Game over. Interception. Buffalo wins.
Bills vs Jaguars: Key stats from the box score
- Josh Allen: 28/35, 273 passing yards, 1 TD; 33 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs.
- Khalil Shakir: 12 catches for 82 yards (basically the safety blanket all day).
- Trevor Lawrence: 207 passing yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs.
- Travis Etienne: 67 rushing yards, 1 receiving TD.
The Bills actually lost the total yardage battle (340 to 359) and the time of possession battle, but they won where it mattered. They were 2-for-2 on 4th down conversions, including a crucial "tush push" style sneak by Allen that kept a scoring drive alive earlier in the game.
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What this means for the Buffalo Bills next week
Now that the what's the score of the Bills game right now question is settled, the focus shifts immediately to the Divisional Round. Buffalo doesn't get to go home yet. They are headed to Denver.
This is a rematch from last year’s Wild Card weekend where the Bills absolutely dismantled the Broncos 31-7. But don't expect a repeat of that blowout. Denver is the #1 seed for a reason, and playing at Empower Field at Mile High is a different beast entirely.
The Bills are already preparing for the altitude. Reports from the training center suggest offensive tackle Dion Dawkins and others have been training in altitude chambers this week. "I'm in there running like I'm in a Nike commercial with the mask on," Dawkins told reporters. They know that if they run out of gas in the fourth quarter in Denver, their season is finished.
Actionable steps for Bills fans heading into the Divisional Round
If you're planning on following the next game or traveling to Denver, here’s what you need to know:
- Check the kickoff time: The Bills play at Denver on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 4:30 PM ET.
- Watch the injury report: Keep a close eye on the status of the offensive line. They took some dings in Jacksonville, and Allen can’t afford to be sacked more than once like he was against the Jags.
- Budget for tickets: If you're looking to go, tickets are currently starting at around $502 on secondary markets. Prices are expected to climb as the week progresses.
- Prepare for the Mile High factor: If you're betting or just analyzing, remember that Buffalo's conditioning will be the "X-factor." The Broncos are used to the thin air; the Bills have five days to get their lungs ready.
Buffalo has finally cleared the road-playoff hurdle. Whether they can handle the thin air and a rested Broncos team remains to be seen, but for now, Mafia can celebrate a 27-24 victory.