Buffalo Bills vs Denver Broncos Match Player Stats

The buffalo bills vs denver broncos match player stats from the AFC Divisional Playoffs on January 18, 2026 tell the story of one of the most competitive postseason games of the season. Denver Broncos defeated the Buffalo Bills 33-30 in overtime, but the final score only reveals part of what made the game so important. Josh Allen produced 283 passing yards and three touchdown passes while also adding 66 rushing yards. Bo Nix answered with 279 passing yards and three touchdowns of his own. James Cook III rushed for 117 yards, Dalton Kincaid caught six passes for 83 yards and a touchdown, and Marvin Mims Jr. led Denver with 93 receiving yards and a touchdown.

The game was a strong example of how playoff football can be decided by small differences rather than one dominant statistical category. Buffalo produced 183 rushing yards and did not punt, while Denver recorded three sacks, created two interceptions and finished with ten quarterback hits. Those details help explain why a game that looked evenly matched for long stretches ultimately ended with Denver winning in overtime.

Buffalo Bills vs Denver Broncos Match Player Stats at a Glance

The matchup featured two teams entering the AFC Divisional Playoffs with impressive regular-season records. Buffalo finished 12-5 overall and 5-3 on the road. Denver entered the game at 14-3 overall and an excellent 8-1 at home.

The final score was:

Denver Broncos 33, Buffalo Bills 30

Denver won the game in overtime after the teams were tied at 30 points through regulation.

Final Score by Quarter

Quarter	Buffalo Bills	Denver Broncos
1st	7	3
2nd	3	17
3rd	7	3
4th	13	7
Overtime	0	3
Final	30	33

The scoring pattern is particularly revealing. Buffalo started faster, but Denver produced a huge second quarter. Buffalo then responded after halftime and scored 13 points in the fourth quarter to force overtime.

That comeback element is one of the most important parts of the game when reviewing the player statistics. The numbers should not be viewed separately from the situation in which they were produced.

Josh Allen’s Passing Performance

Josh Allen finished the game with:

• 25 completions on 39 attempts
• 283 passing yards
• 7.3 yards per attempt
• 3 touchdown passes
• 2 interceptions
• 3 sacks for 17 yards
• 47.6 QBR
• 90.0 passer rating

Allen completed 25 of his 39 attempts, giving him a completion rate of approximately 64.1 percent.

His 283 passing yards were tied with Buffalo’s receiving total because the Bills completed 25 passes for 283 yards. More importantly, he produced three passing touchdowns in a playoff environment and remained a major part of Buffalo’s offensive production throughout the contest.

However, the two interceptions were significant.

In a close playoff game, turnovers can carry more weight than raw yardage. Allen’s 283 yards and three touchdown passes demonstrate strong production, but the two interceptions created opportunities for Denver and added pressure to an offense that was already operating in a difficult postseason environment.

The three sacks also mattered. Denver’s defense recorded three sacks overall, while Buffalo recorded none against Bo Nix.

This creates an important contrast in the quarterback comparison. Allen produced considerable yardage and added 66 rushing yards, but Denver’s defense was more successful at creating negative plays against him.

Bo Nix’s Passing Performance

Bo Nix delivered a highly productive playoff performance despite completing a lower percentage of his attempts than Allen.

His numbers were:

• 26 completions on 46 attempts
• 279 passing yards
• 6.1 yards per attempt
• 3 touchdown passes
• 1 interception
• 0 sacks
• 64.6 QBR
• 87.1 passer rating

Nix completed approximately 56.5 percent of his passes.

His 279 yards were only four fewer than Allen’s 283. That narrow difference is important because it shows how closely the quarterbacks matched each other in total passing production.

The larger distinction was protection.

Nix was not sacked in the game, while Allen was sacked three times. Denver’s ability to keep its quarterback upright allowed Nix to continue operating despite throwing 46 passes.

Nix also threw three touchdown passes and only one interception. That combination gave Denver a better turnover profile at the quarterback position.

His performance was not perfect. The 46 attempts and 6.1 yards per attempt show that Denver’s passing attack relied heavily on volume rather than consistently producing explosive gains. Still, in a playoff game that went to overtime, avoiding sacks and limiting interceptions proved valuable.

Josh Allen vs Bo Nix: Quarterback Comparison

Statistic	Josh Allen	Bo Nix
Completions	25	26
Attempts	39	46
Passing Yards	283	279
Yards per Attempt	7.3	6.1
Touchdowns	3	3
Interceptions	2	1
Sacks	3	0
QBR	47.6	64.6
Passer Rating	90.0	87.1

This comparison shows why simply looking at passer rating would not provide the complete picture.

Allen averaged more yards per attempt and recorded the higher passer rating. Nix, however, had the higher QBR in the supplied data, threw one fewer interception and avoided being sacked.

Allen was more efficient on a per-pass basis, while Nix handled a heavier passing workload without taking a sack.

That balance was crucial in a game where the difference between winning and losing came down to overtime.

James Cook III Leads Buffalo’s Rushing Attack

James Cook III was Buffalo’s leading rusher.

He finished with:

• 24 carries
• 117 rushing yards
• 4.9 yards per carry
• 0 rushing touchdowns
• 24-yard long run

Cook’s 117 rushing yards were a major part of Buffalo’s offensive success. He averaged nearly five yards every time he carried the football and provided consistent production alongside Allen.

The Bills finished with 36 rushing attempts for 183 yards, an average of 5.1 yards per carry.

That is one of the strongest team-level statistics from the game.

Buffalo did not depend entirely on its quarterback to generate offense. Cook’s workload gave the Bills a reliable rushing option and helped create balance around Allen’s passing game.

Josh Allen’s Rushing Contribution

Allen also contributed significantly on the ground.

He recorded:

• 12 carries
• 66 rushing yards
• 5.5 yards per carry
• 0 rushing touchdowns
• 26-yard long run

His 66 rushing yards were especially important because they came from only 12 carries. His 5.5-yard average was even better than Cook’s 4.9-yard average.

Combined, Cook and Allen accounted for 183 rushing yards, which represented the entire Buffalo team rushing total listed in the supplied data.

That production demonstrates how much of Buffalo’s offensive identity rested on its two most important ball carriers.

Denver’s Rushing Attack

Denver’s rushing numbers were considerably lower.

The Broncos finished with:

• 22 carries
• 70 rushing yards
• 3.2 yards per carry
• 0 rushing touchdowns
• 13-yard longest run

Bo Nix led Denver in rushing volume with 12 carries for 29 yards.

Jaleel McLaughlin added four carries for 21 yards, averaging 5.3 yards per carry.

RJ Harvey finished with six carries for 20 yards, averaging 3.3 yards per carry.

The contrast with Buffalo was substantial.

Buffalo rushed for 183 yards, while Denver produced only 70. That gave the Bills a 113-yard advantage on the ground.

Ordinarily, such a large rushing advantage would make the winning team difficult to identify. Yet Denver still won.

That is exactly why playoff analysis should never focus on one statistical category alone.

Buffalo’s Receiving Leaders

Dalton Kincaid was Buffalo’s leading receiver.

He recorded:

• 6 receptions
• 83 receiving yards
• 13.8 yards per reception
• 1 touchdown
• 25-yard long reception
• 6 targets

Kincaid was particularly effective because his 83 yards came on only six receptions. His 13.8-yard average indicates that his contributions were not limited to short completions.

Khalil Shakir also had a strong performance:

• 7 receptions
• 75 yards
• 10.7 yards per reception
• 9 targets
• 46-yard long reception
• 0 touchdowns

Shakir’s 46-yard reception was Buffalo’s longest receiving play listed in the supplied data.

Buffalo Receiving Production

Player	REC	YDS	AVG	TD	LONG	TGTS
Dalton Kincaid	6	83	13.8	1	25	6
Khalil Shakir	7	75	10.7	0	46	9
Ray Davis	2	33	16.5	0	24	2
Dawson Knox	3	32	10.7	0	13	5
James Cook III	2	24	12.0	0	24	3
Brandin Cooks	2	20	10.0	0	15	6
Keon Coleman	1	10	10.0	1	10	3
Team Total	25	283	11.3	3	46	39

The distribution is notable.

Buffalo did not rely on one receiver for the entire passing game. Kincaid and Shakir were the two primary contributors, but several other players added useful production.

The team also averaged 11.3 yards per reception, which indicates that Buffalo generated meaningful yardage when it completed passes.

Dalton Kincaid’s Impact

Kincaid’s touchdown made his performance particularly important.

Six receptions for 83 yards is already strong production, but the touchdown gave Buffalo an additional scoring weapon in a game where every possession mattered.

His 13.8 yards per reception also show that he was not merely used as a short-yardage safety valve.

The combination of receptions, yardage and scoring production makes Kincaid one of the most important offensive players to examine when evaluating Buffalo’s performance.

Denver’s Receiving Leaders

Marvin Mims Jr. was Denver’s leading receiver.

He recorded:

• 8 receptions
• 93 yards
• 11.6 yards per reception
• 1 touchdown
• 27-yard long reception
• 8 targets

Mims led Denver in both receptions and receiving yards.

Courtland Sutton added:

• 4 receptions
• 53 yards
• 13.3 yards per reception
• 0 touchdowns
• 25-yard long reception
• 9 targets

RJ Harvey contributed five receptions for 46 yards, while Lil’Jordan Humphrey recorded two receptions for 33 yards and one touchdown.

Denver Receiving Production

Player	REC	YDS	AVG	TD	LONG	TGTS
Marvin Mims Jr.	8	93	11.6	1	27	8
Courtland Sutton	4	53	13.3	0	25	9
RJ Harvey	5	46	9.2	0	24	6
Lil’Jordan Humphrey	2	33	16.5	1	29	5
Pat Bryant	3	32	10.7	0	15	3
Team Total	26	279	10.7	3	29	42

Denver completed one more reception than Buffalo, 26 compared with 25.

Buffalo averaged slightly more yards per reception, 11.3 compared with Denver’s 10.7. However, Denver’s passing game distributed the ball effectively across several players.

Mims was the standout performer, but Sutton, Harvey, Humphrey and Bryant all contributed.

Marvin Mims Jr. Emerges as a Major Offensive Factor

Mims’ 93 receiving yards were the highest total by any Denver receiver.

His eight receptions also gave him a high-volume role in the passing attack. The touchdown added further value to his performance.

One useful way to evaluate this production is to compare volume with efficiency.

Mims was targeted eight times and caught all eight passes according to the supplied statistics. That made him a highly reliable part of the Denver passing game.

His 11.6 yards per reception also provided enough efficiency to turn repeated completions into meaningful offensive gains.

In a game where Denver’s rushing attack produced only 70 yards, this type of receiving production was especially important.

Buffalo’s Offensive Advantage on the Ground

The most obvious statistical advantage belonged to Buffalo’s rushing attack.

Buffalo:

183 rushing yards

Denver:

70 rushing yards

That is a 113-yard difference.

Buffalo averaged 5.1 yards per rushing attempt, compared with Denver’s 3.2.

James Cook’s 117 yards and Allen’s 66 yards were the primary reasons for this advantage.

Yet Denver still won.

This provides an important lesson for anyone studying football statistics. A team can dominate a major category and still lose because football games are determined by the combined effect of turnovers, explosive plays, defensive pressure, field position and scoring efficiency.

Denver’s Defensive Pressure Changed the Game

Denver recorded:

• 81 total tackles
• 54 solo tackles
• 3 sacks
• 4 tackles for loss
• 2 passes defended
• 10 quarterback hits

Buffalo recorded:

• 63 total tackles
• 37 solo tackles
• 0 sacks
• 5 tackles for loss
• 7 passes defended
• 3 quarterback hits

The difference in quarterback pressure stands out immediately.

Denver recorded 10 quarterback hits and three sacks.

Buffalo recorded only three quarterback hits and no sacks.

This is one of the clearest statistical advantages Denver had.

Allen’s ability to extend plays and create rushing yardage made him difficult to contain, but Denver’s front still generated enough pressure to affect the quarterback over the course of the game.

Nix, meanwhile, was not sacked.

That does not mean Denver completely controlled Buffalo’s offense. Buffalo still generated 30 points and 183 rushing yards. But Denver’s ability to pressure Allen without allowing Nix to absorb a sack was a meaningful part of the overall result.

Turnovers Were a Critical Difference

Turnovers were another major factor.

Buffalo recorded:

• 5 fumbles
• 3 fumbles lost
• 2 fumbles recovered
• 2 interceptions thrown by Josh Allen

Denver recorded:

• 1 fumble
• 0 fumbles lost
• 4 recoveries
• 1 interception thrown by Bo Nix

Defensively, Buffalo recorded one interception through Deone Walker.

Denver recorded two interceptions:

• P.J. Locke: 1 interception, 30 return yards
• Ja’Quan McMillian: 1 interception, 0 return yards

The interception margin favored Denver by one, while Buffalo also lost three fumbles.

This is a major distinction between the teams.

Buffalo’s offense produced excellent yardage and three touchdown passes, but the turnover burden made it harder to convert that production into a win.

Denver’s offense also committed a turnover, but the Broncos protected the ball better overall.

Deone Walker’s Interception

Deone Walker recorded Buffalo’s lone interception.

His interception resulted in three return yards and no touchdown.

While the return distance was limited, the takeaway itself was important because it gave Buffalo a defensive opportunity in a game where possessions were extremely valuable.

However, Denver’s defense ultimately produced two interceptions of its own.

Denver’s Defensive Takeaways

P.J. Locke recorded an interception and returned it 30 yards.

Ja’Quan McMillian also intercepted Josh Allen.

Those two plays contributed directly to Denver’s ability to offset Buffalo’s offensive yardage advantage.

When reviewing the game through a statistical lens, the defensive takeaway battle is one of the first areas worth examining after the rushing numbers.

Special Teams and Kicking Performance

Both kickers were perfect on field goals.

Matt Prater of Buffalo made:

• 3 of 3 field goals
• 3 of 3 extra points
• Long field goal: 50 yards
• 12 total points

Wil Lutz of Denver made:

• 4 of 4 field goals
• 3 of 3 extra points
• Long field goal: 50 yards
• 15 total points

Lutz scored three more points than Prater.

Both kickers delivered from distance, with each making a 50-yard field goal.

In a three-point overtime game, perfect kicking was essential.

Neither side left field-goal opportunities on the table according to the supplied statistics.

Kick Return Production

Buffalo’s kick return unit produced 152 yards on six returns.

Ray Davis led Buffalo with:

• 5 returns
• 130 yards
• 26.0 yards per return
• 28-yard long return

Mecole Hardman Jr. added one return for 22 yards.

Denver recorded 136 kick return yards on six returns.

Jaleel McLaughlin had three returns for 59 yards.

Marvin Mims Jr. added two returns for 50 yards, while Tyler Badie had one return for 27 yards.

Buffalo therefore held a 16-yard advantage in total kick return yardage.

Again, this was not enough to determine the winner, but it contributed to Buffalo’s overall statistical profile.

No Punt Returns Were Recorded

Neither team recorded a punt return.

Buffalo did not punt during the game according to the supplied data, while Denver’s Jeremy Crawshaw punted four times.

Crawshaw finished with:

• 4 punts
• 188 total punt yards
• 47.0-yard average
• 1 touchback
• 2 punts inside the 20
• 65-yard long punt

The 65-yard punt was one of Denver’s notable special teams plays.

Buffalo’s Unusual No-Punt Profile

One of the most interesting statistical details is that Buffalo did not record a punt.

That means every Buffalo offensive possession ended through another outcome rather than a traditional punt.

While this can indicate offensive aggressiveness and sustained possession, it does not automatically mean every drive was successful.

The Bills still lost the turnover battle, and Denver’s defense produced the pressure and takeaways that helped compensate for Buffalo’s offensive yardage.

This is an important distinction when interpreting advanced-looking statistics from a box score.

The Fourth Quarter Comeback

Buffalo entered the fourth quarter trailing after Denver’s strong second quarter.

The scoring breakdown shows:

Buffalo fourth quarter: 13 points

Denver fourth quarter: 7 points

That fourth-quarter surge helped Buffalo erase the remaining deficit and send the game into overtime.

The comeback demonstrated the Bills’ ability to continue producing under postseason pressure.

Allen’s passing production, Cook’s rushing contribution and Buffalo’s receiving group all played a role in keeping the offense competitive.

The game therefore cannot be described as a one-sided defensive victory for Denver. Buffalo scored 30 points and forced overtime.

Overtime Decided the Game

The teams were tied at 30 after regulation.

Denver scored three points in overtime.

Buffalo scored zero.

That produced the final result:

Denver Broncos 33, Buffalo Bills 30

The overtime period illustrates how small the final margin was.

Buffalo’s offensive production was strong enough to reach 30 points, but Denver ultimately made the decisive scoring play in the extra period.

What the Numbers Say About Buffalo

Buffalo’s statistical profile was built around offensive production.

The Bills produced:

• 283 passing yards
• 183 rushing yards
• 466 combined passing and rushing yards based on the supplied totals
• 3 passing touchdowns
• 3 field goals
• 25 completions
• 36 rushing attempts

The 183 rushing yards were especially impressive.

Cook averaged 4.9 yards per carry, while Allen averaged 5.5.

Buffalo also produced 283 receiving yards from 25 receptions, with Kincaid and Shakir leading the group.

The biggest concerns were turnovers and defensive pressure.

Allen threw two interceptions, Buffalo lost three fumbles, and the defense did not record a sack.

Those weaknesses became more significant because Denver’s offense was able to stay close enough for the game to reach overtime.

What the Numbers Say About Denver

Denver’s statistical profile was more balanced in several key areas.

The Broncos produced:

• 279 passing yards
• 70 rushing yards
• 349 combined passing and rushing yards based on the supplied totals
• 3 passing touchdowns
• 4 field goals
• 26 receptions
• 3 sacks
• 10 quarterback hits
• 2 interceptions

Denver’s rushing attack was less productive than Buffalo’s, but its passing volume and defensive pressure compensated for that weakness.

Nix attempted 46 passes and completed 26.

The Broncos also protected him effectively, allowing zero sacks.

Defensively, Denver generated three sacks and two interceptions while recording ten quarterback hits.

That combination was a major part of the winning formula.

Why Buffalo Lost Despite Stronger Rushing Numbers

This is perhaps the most useful question when interpreting the game.

Buffalo had:

• 113 more rushing yards
• A higher yards-per-carry average
• More total offensive yardage
• No punts
• Strong receiving production

Yet Denver won.

The primary explanation is that football is not decided by total yardage alone.

Buffalo’s five fumbles, three lost fumbles and two interceptions created a significant turnover problem.

Denver also generated more defensive pressure.

The Broncos recorded three sacks and ten quarterback hits compared with zero sacks and three quarterback hits for Buffalo.

Denver also made two interceptions compared with Buffalo’s one.

Therefore, Denver’s victory can be understood as a case where defensive efficiency and turnover creation outweighed Buffalo’s superior rushing production.

The Most Important Player Performances

Several players deserve special attention when ranking the strongest individual performances.

Josh Allen

Allen produced 283 passing yards, three passing touchdowns and 66 rushing yards.

His two interceptions were costly, but his total offensive workload was substantial.

James Cook III

Cook’s 117 rushing yards were the highest rushing total in the game.

His 4.9-yard average showed consistent production.

Dalton Kincaid

Kincaid caught six passes for 83 yards and a touchdown.

He was Buffalo’s leading receiver.

Bo Nix

Nix threw for 279 yards and three touchdowns.

His most important statistical advantage was avoiding sacks while throwing one fewer interception than Allen.

Marvin Mims Jr.

Mims led all Denver receivers with 93 yards and eight receptions.

He also scored a touchdown.

Wil Lutz

Lutz was perfect on four field-goal attempts and three extra points, producing 15 points.

His consistency was valuable in a game decided by three points.

Buffalo Bills vs Denver Broncos Match Player Stats: Key Takeaways

The buffalo bills vs denver broncos match player stats reveal a game that was much closer than the final score alone suggests.

Here are the biggest statistical takeaways:

1. Denver won 33-30 in overtime.
2. Josh Allen and Bo Nix both threw three touchdown passes.
3. Allen produced 283 passing yards compared with Nix’s 279.
4. James Cook led the game in rushing with 117 yards.
5. Buffalo rushed for 183 yards, compared with Denver’s 70.
6. Dalton Kincaid led Buffalo in receiving with 83 yards and one touchdown.
7. Marvin Mims Jr. led Denver with 93 receiving yards and one touchdown.
8. Denver recorded three sacks while Buffalo recorded none.
9. Denver recorded two interceptions while Buffalo recorded one.
10. Buffalo lost three fumbles.
11. Both kickers were perfect on field goals.
12. Denver scored the only points in overtime.

These numbers show that the Broncos did not win because they dominated every statistical category. They won because their defensive pressure, turnover creation and late-game execution compensated for Buffalo’s substantial rushing advantage.

How to Read Player Stats More Effectively

A box score is most useful when the numbers are connected.

For example, looking only at rushing statistics makes Buffalo appear clearly superior.

Looking only at passing yards makes the quarterbacks appear almost identical.

Looking at defensive pressure gives Denver a clear advantage.

Looking at turnovers gives Denver another important advantage.

Looking at the final score confirms that those differences were enough to determine the result.

This is why serious player-stat analysis should combine offensive production, efficiency, turnovers, defensive pressure and scoring.

Raw yardage tells you what happened.

Context helps explain why it happened.

A Simple Framework for Evaluating Future NFL Games

When analyzing similar playoff matchups, five statistical categories are especially useful.

1. Quarterback Efficiency

Start with completions, attempts, passing yards, touchdowns, interceptions and sacks.

Then compare efficiency metrics such as yards per attempt and passer rating.

2. Rushing Efficiency

Look beyond total rushing yards.

Compare carries, yards per carry and long runs.

A team with fewer total rushing yards can still be more efficient if it receives fewer attempts.

3. Turnover Margin

Turnovers often change the entire shape of a game.

Interceptions, fumbles lost and defensive takeaways should always be reviewed together.

4. Defensive Pressure

Sacks alone do not tell the complete story.

Quarterback hits and tackles for loss can reveal whether a defense consistently disrupted the passing game.

5. Scoring Efficiency

Finally, compare touchdowns, field goals and extra points.

The team with more yards does not necessarily score more points.

The 33-30 result between Denver and Buffalo is a clear example.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the Buffalo Bills vs Denver Broncos game?

The Denver Broncos defeated the Buffalo Bills 33-30 in overtime on January 18, 2026, in the AFC Divisional Playoffs.

How many passing yards did Josh Allen have?

Josh Allen completed 25 of 39 passes for 283 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.

How many rushing yards did James Cook have?

James Cook III rushed 24 times for 117 yards, averaging 4.9 yards per carry.

How did Bo Nix perform against Buffalo?

Bo Nix completed 26 of 46 passes for 279 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. He was not sacked.

Who was Denver’s leading receiver?

Marvin Mims Jr. led Denver with eight receptions for 93 yards and one touchdown.

Why did Denver win despite Buffalo rushing for more yards?

Denver overcame Buffalo’s rushing advantage through stronger defensive pressure, more takeaways and the decisive three points in overtime. Buffalo also lost three fumbles and threw two interceptions.

Conclusion

The buffalo bills vs denver broncos match player stats from January 18, 2026 provide a strong example of why football analysis requires more than looking at total yardage.

Buffalo had the stronger rushing attack by a wide margin. James Cook rushed for 117 yards, Josh Allen added 66, and the Bills finished with 183 rushing yards. Allen also threw for 283 yards and three touchdowns, while Dalton Kincaid and Khalil Shakir provided important receiving production.

Denver answered with a different statistical profile. Bo Nix threw for 279 yards and three touchdowns without taking a sack. Marvin Mims Jr. led the receiving group with 93 yards and a touchdown. Denver’s defense created three sacks, ten quarterback hits and two interceptions.

The turnover difference was also important. Buffalo lost three fumbles and Allen threw two interceptions, while Denver lost no fumbles and Nix threw one interception.

Ultimately, the game came down to execution in a tightly contested playoff environment. Buffalo’s offensive production was enough to force overtime, but Denver scored the only points in the extra period to secure a 33-30 victory.

The most useful lesson from these statistics is that no single category explains the result. Buffalo controlled the ground game, while Denver produced more defensive pressure and generated more takeaways. When those numbers are viewed together, the final outcome becomes much easier to understand.