Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats

The denver broncos vs buffalo bills 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 defeated Buffalo 33-30 in overtime, but the final score alone does not explain why the game was so difficult to separate. The numbers reveal a contest shaped by quarterback production, Buffalo’s stronger rushing attack, Denver’s pass protection, defensive pressure, turnovers, and several individual performances that kept the game alive until overtime.

The Buffalo Bills entered the matchup with a 12-5 record, including a 5-3 road record. The Denver Broncos arrived at 14-3 and had been particularly strong at home with an 8-1 record. Those records already suggested that Denver’s home-field advantage and Buffalo’s ability to travel well would be important factors. The final result confirmed that neither team was going to win simply through one statistical category.

Josh Allen finished with 25 completions on 39 attempts for 283 passing yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. Bo Nix completed 26 of 46 passes for 279 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Allen produced more passing yards, while Nix completed one more pass and avoided being sacked. That contrast became one of the most interesting statistical elements of the game.

The rushing numbers were even more revealing. Buffalo produced 183 rushing yards on 36 attempts, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. Denver managed only 70 rushing yards on 22 attempts, averaging 3.2 yards per carry. James Cook III led Buffalo with 117 rushing yards, while Allen added another 66 yards on the ground.

Yet Denver still won.

That is the central statistical lesson from this game. Buffalo was more productive on the ground, while Denver generated more defensive pressure and protected its quarterback better. Denver’s defense recorded three sacks and 10 quarterback hits compared with Buffalo’s zero sacks and three quarterback hits.

The game ultimately became a study in how different statistical strengths can collide in a playoff environment.

denver broncos vs buffalo bills match player stats: The Complete Overview

Before examining individual performances, it helps to understand the major numbers that shaped the game.

Category	Buffalo Bills	Denver Broncos
Final Score	30	33
Passing Yards	283	279
Passing TDs	3	3
Interceptions Thrown	2	1
Rushing Yards	183	70
Rushing Attempts	36	22
Rushing Average	5.1	3.2
Sacks Allowed	3	0
Team Touchdowns Through Passing	3	3
Field Goals	3	4
Defensive Sacks	0	3
Defensive Interceptions	1	2
Quarterback Hits	3	10
Fumbles	5	1
Fumbles Lost	3	0

The table immediately shows why the matchup was so difficult to predict from one category.

Buffalo dominated the rushing battle by 113 yards. The Bills also had more total passing yards by a small margin. However, Denver won several high-impact areas.

The Broncos had:

• Three defensive sacks.
• Ten quarterback hits.
• Two defensive interceptions.
• Four field goals compared with Buffalo’s three.
• No lost fumbles.
• Zero sacks allowed.

These details matter because postseason games are often decided by a small number of high-leverage plays rather than overall yardage alone.

Buffalo accumulated plenty of production, but Denver was more efficient at turning certain defensive opportunities into game-changing moments.

Josh Allen’s Performance: Production With Pressure

Josh Allen’s final passing line was 25 completions on 39 attempts for 283 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions.

His 7.3 yards per attempt showed that Buffalo was not simply relying on short throws. Allen averaged meaningful yardage whenever the Bills completed passes, and his three passing touchdowns helped keep Buffalo in position throughout the game.

His passer rating was 90.0, while his QBR was listed at 47.6.

The most important part of Allen’s statistical profile, however, may have been the pressure he faced.

Allen was sacked three times for a total loss of 17 yards. Denver also registered 10 quarterback hits. That means the Broncos were consistently able to make Allen deal with pressure even when they did not bring him down.

For a quarterback as physically talented as Allen, pressure does not automatically mean poor performance. In fact, his rushing production demonstrated how he could compensate.

Allen carried the ball 12 times for 66 yards, averaging 5.5 yards per carry. His longest run was 26 yards.

That rushing contribution was significant. Buffalo finished with 183 rushing yards as a team, and Allen accounted for 66 of them.

When combined with James Cook’s 117 yards, those two players produced 183 yards themselves, matching the entire Buffalo team rushing total.

This tells us something important about Buffalo’s offensive structure. The Bills were not dependent on a traditional running back committee to create their ground game. Cook provided the primary running production, while Allen added a major second dimension.

Bo Nix’s Statistical Profile

Bo Nix completed 26 of 46 passes for 279 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.

His completion percentage was approximately 56.5 percent, while Allen completed approximately 64.1 percent of his attempts.

That gives Allen a clear advantage in completion rate.

However, Nix’s performance cannot be evaluated simply by comparing completion percentages.

The Denver quarterback was not sacked at all.

That is a major difference in a playoff game.

Nix attempted 46 passes, four more than Allen, yet Buffalo failed to record a sack. Denver’s offensive line therefore prevented Buffalo’s pass rush from turning pressure into drive-ending plays.

Nix’s 279 passing yards were only four fewer than Allen’s 283. He also threw three touchdowns, matching Allen’s total.

His listed passer rating was 87.1, with a QBR of 64.6.

The numbers therefore present an interesting contrast.

Allen was more accurate and produced slightly more passing yards. Nix, however, operated behind a protection unit that allowed him to finish without a sack and gave Denver enough passing volume to keep attacking.

Nix also carried the ball 12 times for 29 yards. His 2.4 yards per carry was considerably lower than Allen’s 5.5.

That difference reflects one of Buffalo’s advantages. Allen was able to create meaningful yardage as a runner, while Nix’s rushing contribution was much more limited.

James Cook III Was Buffalo’s Leading Rusher

James Cook III produced one of the strongest individual statistical performances of the game.

He carried the ball 24 times for 117 yards.

That works out to 4.9 yards per carry, with a long run of 24 yards.

Cook was responsible for 117 of Buffalo’s 183 rushing yards. That means he accounted for roughly 64 percent of the Bills’ rushing yardage.

His production gave Buffalo a reliable source of offense even when the passing game encountered defensive pressure.

Cook also contributed in the passing game, recording two receptions for 24 yards on three targets.

That gave him 141 combined rushing and receiving yards.

His impact was therefore not limited to traditional rushing production. He remained part of Buffalo’s offensive output when the ball moved through the air.

The most significant takeaway is that Buffalo’s running game was not merely present. It was highly productive.

A team averaging 5.1 yards per carry in a playoff game normally has a strong foundation for controlling offensive possessions. Denver’s ability to overcome that disadvantage is one reason the final result is more interesting than the score suggests.

Buffalo’s Receiving Production Was Well Distributed

Dalton Kincaid led Buffalo’s receiving group with six receptions for 83 yards and one touchdown.

He averaged 13.8 yards per reception and produced a long gain of 25 yards.

Kincaid’s six receptions were also the highest total among Buffalo’s receivers alongside Khalil Shakir, who had seven catches.

Shakir finished with 75 yards on nine targets, averaging 10.7 yards per reception. His longest reception was 46 yards, making him particularly important as a source of explosive passing production.

Ray Davis recorded two receptions for 33 yards, averaging 16.5 yards per catch.

Dawson Knox added three receptions for 32 yards.

Brandin Cooks finished with two catches for 20 yards, while Keon Coleman caught one pass for 10 yards and a touchdown.

Mecole Hardman Jr. also scored a receiving touchdown despite catching only one pass for four yards.

That is an unusual statistical line but an important reminder that touchdown production and overall yardage are different measurements.

A player can have limited yardage while still making a decisive contribution in the scoring area.

Buffalo’s receiving statistics therefore show a relatively broad distribution of offensive involvement rather than one receiver dominating every category.

Dalton Kincaid’s 83 Yards Stand Out

Kincaid’s 83 receiving yards were the highest total among Buffalo’s pass catchers.

His six catches on six targets produced a perfect catch-to-target conversion in the supplied statistics.

His 13.8 yards per reception also indicates that his production was not limited to short checkdowns.

The touchdown made his performance even more significant.

Kincaid was therefore one of the clearest examples of a Buffalo player who combined volume, efficiency, yardage, and scoring impact.

His contribution was especially valuable because Buffalo needed consistent passing production while Denver’s defense generated pressure on Allen.

Khalil Shakir Provided Explosive Ability

Khalil Shakir finished with seven receptions for 75 yards on nine targets.

His average of 10.7 yards per catch was solid, but the 46-yard long reception is the statistic that immediately catches attention.

That play accounted for more than half of his total receiving yardage.

This illustrates why long completions can have an outsized effect on playoff games. A receiver can accumulate steady short gains, but one explosive play can change field position, extend a drive, or create a scoring opportunity.

Shakir did not score, but his 75 yards represented a substantial part of Buffalo’s passing output.

Denver’s Marvin Mims Jr. Led the Broncos in Receiving

Marvin Mims Jr. was Denver’s leading receiver.

He caught eight passes for 93 yards and one touchdown on eight targets.

That means every target recorded in the supplied statistics resulted in a reception.

His average was 11.6 yards per reception, with a long gain of 27 yards.

Mims accounted for approximately one-third of Denver’s passing yardage.

That is significant because Denver’s passing production was distributed across several players, but Mims still emerged as the most productive individual receiver.

His combination of volume and efficiency made him one of the most important offensive players for the Broncos.

Courtland Sutton Remained a Major Part of the Passing Game

Courtland Sutton finished with four receptions for 53 yards.

He received nine targets, which was more than any Denver player other than the overall target distribution suggests from the individual lines.

His average was 13.3 yards per reception, with a long reception of 25 yards.

The important point is that Sutton’s production was not simply based on a high number of short completions.

His catches produced meaningful yardage.

However, his nine targets resulted in four receptions, meaning Denver’s passing game had to work through incomplete attempts as well.

That fits with Nix’s overall 26-for-46 passing line.

Denver’s Supporting Receivers Added Important Touchdowns

Denver did not rely solely on Mims and Sutton.

Lil’Jordan Humphrey caught two passes for 33 yards and a touchdown. His long reception was 29 yards, meaning nearly all of his yardage came from two meaningful plays.

Frank Crum caught one pass for seven yards and a touchdown.

Those numbers demonstrate how touchdown scoring was spread among the Broncos.

Mims scored once, Humphrey scored once, and Crum scored once.

Denver therefore matched Buffalo’s three passing touchdowns through three different receiving contributors.

That balance matters because it makes an offense more difficult to defend if the scoring burden is not concentrated in one player.

The Rushing Battle Was Heavily in Buffalo’s Favor

The rushing statistics were perhaps the biggest numerical advantage for the Bills.

Buffalo:

• 36 carries
• 183 yards
• 5.1 yards per carry
• 0 rushing touchdowns
• 26-yard longest run

Denver:

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

The difference was 113 rushing yards.

Buffalo also averaged nearly two yards more per carry.

That is a substantial advantage.

James Cook’s 117 yards formed the foundation, while Allen’s 66 rushing yards added another major layer.

Denver, by comparison, received 29 rushing yards from Nix, 21 from Jaleel McLaughlin, and 20 from RJ Harvey.

No Denver runner reached 30 rushing yards.

Yet Denver did not need its running game to dominate.

The Broncos compensated through passing volume, protection, defensive pressure, takeaways, and kicking production.

This is an important lesson when interpreting box scores: the team that wins the most obvious yardage category does not always win the game.

Denver’s Defense Created the Difference

Denver’s defense recorded 81 total tackles, including 54 solo tackles.

The unit produced:

• 3 sacks
• 4 tackles for loss
• 2 passes defended
• 10 quarterback hits
• 2 interceptions

Buffalo’s defense recorded 63 tackles, including 37 solo tackles.

The Bills produced:

• 0 sacks
• 5 tackles for loss
• 7 passes defended
• 3 quarterback hits
• 1 interception

The contrast in quarterback hits is especially notable.

Denver recorded 10.

Buffalo recorded 3.

That is a seven-hit difference.

The Broncos also generated three sacks while allowing none.

This combination gave Denver a major advantage in quarterback disruption.

Buffalo’s defense did record seven passes defended compared with Denver’s two, suggesting the Bills were capable of disrupting passing lanes. But they did not convert that coverage disruption into sacks at the same level.

Denver’s Turnover Advantage

Turnovers are another major part of the story.

Buffalo recorded five fumbles and lost three.

Denver recorded one fumble and lost none.

That means Buffalo committed three lost fumbles while Denver did not lose a fumble.

In addition, Denver recorded two interceptions, while Buffalo recorded one.

Denver’s interceptions came from P.J. Locke and Ja’Quan McMillian.

P.J. Locke returned his interception 30 yards.

Ja’Quan McMillian recorded an interception with no return yardage.

Buffalo’s Deone Walker recorded the Bills’ interception and returned it three yards.

The defensive takeaway totals therefore favored Denver.

This does not mean every turnover had the same value, because field position and game situation matter. But a three-to-one advantage in interceptions plus lost fumbles is significant when explaining how Denver could win despite being outgained on the ground.

The Fumble Statistics Need Special Attention

Buffalo’s five fumbles and three lost fumbles are among the most revealing team statistics in the game.

A fumble does not necessarily become a turnover. The offense can recover its own fumble.

That distinction matters here because Buffalo recovered two of its five fumbles.

Denver, meanwhile, recorded one fumble and did not lose it.

The raw fumble numbers therefore do not tell the complete story.

The more useful statistic is lost fumbles.

Buffalo: 3.

Denver: 0.

That difference gave Denver extra opportunities and prevented the Broncos from giving Buffalo the same kind of short-field opportunities.

In a game decided in overtime, those extra possessions become particularly important.

Special Teams Quietly Supported Denver

Denver kicker Wil Lutz was perfect.

He converted all four field-goal attempts and all three extra points.

That gave him 15 points.

His longest field goal was 50 yards.

Buffalo kicker Matt Prater also delivered a perfect performance, converting all three field-goal attempts and all three extra points for 12 points.

His longest field goal was also 50 yards.

The difference was three points in field-goal production.

Denver made one additional field goal.

That directly accounts for three points of the final scoring difference.

In a 33-30 overtime game, that is not a minor detail.

It demonstrates how special teams can become one of the deciding components even when the headline discussion focuses on quarterbacks and offensive skill players.

Denver’s Punting Performance

Jeremy Crawshaw punted four times for Denver for 188 total yards.

His average was 47.0 yards per punt, with a long of 65 yards.

He recorded one touchback and two punts inside the 20-yard line.

Those numbers indicate strong field-position work, especially with two punts placed inside the opponent’s 20.

Buffalo had no punts listed in the supplied data.

That is another unusual feature of the statistical profile.

Why Denver Won Despite Buffalo’s Rushing Advantage

This is probably the most important question raised by the box score.

Buffalo ran for 183 yards.

Denver ran for 70.

Buffalo averaged 5.1 yards per carry.

Denver averaged 3.2.

Buffalo also had slightly more passing yards.

So why did Denver win?

The answer is that the Broncos had several advantages in high-impact categories.

1. Denver protected Bo Nix

Nix was not sacked.

Allen was sacked three times.

That gave Denver a major advantage in avoiding negative passing plays.

2. Denver generated more quarterback pressure

Denver produced 10 quarterback hits compared with Buffalo’s three.

Pressure affected the game even when it did not result in a sack.

3. Denver won the interception battle

Denver recorded two interceptions.

Buffalo recorded one.

4. Buffalo lost three fumbles

Denver lost none.

That turnover difference is extremely important.

5. Denver made four field goals

Buffalo made three.

Lutz’s perfect 4-for-4 performance produced 15 points.

6. Denver matched Buffalo’s passing touchdown total

Both quarterbacks threw three touchdown passes.

That meant Buffalo’s rushing advantage did not translate into a decisive scoring advantage.

The final result was therefore not a contradiction of the box score.

It was a product of which parts of the box score mattered most.

A Closer Look at Efficiency

One useful way to understand the game is to separate volume from efficiency.

Allen completed 25 of 39 passes.

Nix completed 26 of 46.

Allen’s completion rate was higher.

However, Nix attempted seven more passes than his completion total difference might initially suggest.

The Broncos were willing to throw frequently.

That passing volume allowed Denver to compensate for the lack of rushing production.

On the ground, Buffalo was clearly more efficient.

Cook averaged 4.9 yards per carry.

Allen averaged 5.5.

The Denver rushing attack was much less efficient.

Nix averaged 2.4 yards per carry.

McLaughlin averaged 5.3, but he had only four attempts.

Harvey averaged 3.3 on six carries.

The Broncos therefore could not rely on consistent rushing efficiency.

Their offense had to find answers through the passing game.

Total Offensive Yardage Was Surprisingly Close

Despite the enormous rushing difference, the passing totals were almost identical.

Buffalo passing: 283 yards.

Denver passing: 279 yards.

The four-yard difference is tiny.

When combined with the rushing figures, however, the overall offensive picture changes dramatically.

Buffalo’s listed offensive yardage from passing and rushing was 466 yards.

Denver’s was 349 yards.

That is a 117-yard advantage for Buffalo.

And yet Denver won by three points.

This is one of the strongest statistical reminders that yardage alone does not determine football games.

Turnovers, sacks, field goals, red-zone execution, and the timing of big plays can outweigh raw yardage.

The Quarterback Comparison

Statistic	Josh Allen	Bo Nix
Completions	25	26
Attempts	39	46
Completion Rate	64.1%	56.5%
Passing Yards	283	279
Yards per Attempt	7.3	6.1
Passing TDs	3	3
Interceptions	2	1
Sacks	3	0
Sack Yards Lost	17	0
QBR	47.6	64.6
Passer Rating	90.0	87.1
Rushing Yards	66	29

At first glance, Allen appears to have the stronger traditional passing profile.

He completed a higher percentage of his passes and averaged more yards per attempt.

But Nix had fewer interceptions and avoided sacks entirely.

The QBR figure supplied for Nix was also substantially higher.

That is why quarterback evaluation should not depend on one statistic.

Allen produced more explosive overall athletic value, particularly as a runner, while Nix’s performance was supported by ball security and pass protection.

Receiving Comparison

Buffalo’s leading receiver was Dalton Kincaid with 83 yards.

Denver’s leading receiver was Marvin Mims Jr. with 93 yards.

The Broncos therefore had a 10-yard advantage between their top individual receiving performances.

However, Buffalo’s second-leading receiver, Khalil Shakir, produced 75 yards.

That gave Buffalo two players with at least 75 receiving yards.

Denver had only Mims above that threshold.

This suggests Buffalo had a strong top-end receiving combination, while Denver relied more heavily on Mims as its leading producer.

The Role of Touchdowns

Both teams recorded three passing touchdowns.

That is important because it means the difference in offensive touchdown production did not come from the passing game.

Instead, the final scoring difference was shaped by field goals and the absence of rushing touchdowns.

Buffalo scored:

• Three passing touchdowns.
• Three field goals.

Denver scored:

• Three passing touchdowns.
• Four field goals.

Neither team recorded a rushing touchdown in the supplied statistics.

Therefore, Denver’s seven scoring plays through passing and kicking generated the decisive scoring structure.

What the Stats Say About Buffalo

Buffalo’s statistical profile suggests a team capable of producing offense in several ways.

The Bills:

• Ran for 183 yards.
• Averaged 5.1 yards per carry.
• Produced 283 passing yards.
• Scored three passing touchdowns.
• Had two receivers with at least 75 yards.
• Had James Cook exceed 100 rushing yards.
• Had Josh Allen contribute 66 rushing yards.

That is a productive offensive profile.

The biggest problems were turnovers and defensive pressure.

Five fumbles with three lost, combined with two interceptions thrown, created too many opportunities for Denver.

The Bills’ defense also failed to record a sack.

That allowed Nix to attempt 46 passes without being brought down.

For Buffalo, the game demonstrates how offensive production can be undermined by possession mistakes and a lack of pass-rush impact.

What the Stats Say About Denver

Denver’s statistical profile was almost the opposite.

The Broncos did not run the ball well.

They were less efficient on the ground.

They gained fewer total yards.

Their quarterback completed a lower percentage of his passes.

Yet they were stronger in several high-leverage areas.

Denver:

• Allowed zero sacks.
• Recorded three sacks.
• Recorded 10 quarterback hits.
• Intercepted Allen twice.
• Lost zero fumbles.
• Made four field goals.
• Had three passing touchdowns.

The Broncos therefore played a more disruptive and mistake-resistant game.

That combination was enough to overcome Buffalo’s large rushing advantage.

Individual Players Who Stood Out

Several players deserve attention when reviewing the numbers.

James Cook III

Cook was Buffalo’s leading rusher with 117 yards on 24 carries.

His 4.9-yard average demonstrated strong efficiency.

Josh Allen

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

His 349 combined passing and rushing yards made him one of the game’s most productive individual offensive players.

Dalton Kincaid

Kincaid produced six catches for 83 yards and one touchdown.

He was Buffalo’s top receiver by yardage.

Khalil Shakir

Shakir added seven receptions for 75 yards and produced Buffalo’s longest reception of 46 yards.

Marvin Mims Jr.

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

Courtland Sutton

Sutton contributed four receptions for 53 yards and nine targets.

Wil Lutz

Lutz converted all four field goals and all three extra points for 15 points.

P.J. Locke

Locke intercepted Allen and returned the ball 30 yards.

Ja’Quan McMillian

McMillian added Denver’s second interception.

Together, these performances illustrate why the game cannot be reduced to the quarterback statistics alone.

The Most Important Statistical Takeaways

The numbers support several clear conclusions.

Buffalo won the ground game

The Bills produced 183 rushing yards to Denver’s 70.

That was the largest yardage advantage in the game.

Denver won the pressure battle

The Broncos recorded three sacks and 10 quarterback hits.

Buffalo recorded zero sacks and three quarterback hits.

Denver won the turnover battle

Buffalo lost three fumbles and threw two interceptions.

Denver lost no fumbles and threw one interception.

Passing production was almost identical

Buffalo finished with 283 passing yards.

Denver finished with 279.

The four-yard difference was negligible.

Both quarterbacks threw three touchdowns

Neither team gained an advantage in passing touchdown production.

Kicking favored Denver

Lutz made four field goals.

Prater made three.

Buffalo’s top running back was highly productive

Cook produced 117 rushing yards on 24 carries.

Denver’s leading receiver was highly efficient

Mims caught all eight of his listed targets for 93 yards and a touchdown.

What This Game Teaches About Reading Player Stats

A box score is most useful when its statistics are connected rather than viewed independently.

For example, seeing that Buffalo rushed for 183 yards might lead to the assumption that the Bills controlled the game.

But then the defensive numbers show that Denver generated three sacks and 10 quarterback hits.

The turnover statistics reveal another layer.

Buffalo lost three fumbles.

Denver lost none.

Then the kicking numbers add another piece.

Denver made four field goals.

Buffalo made three.

Finally, the quarterback protection numbers provide another explanation.

Nix was not sacked.

Allen was sacked three times.

The game therefore demonstrates why serious statistical analysis requires looking at multiple categories together.

No single statistic explains the outcome.

The relationship between the statistics does.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the Bills vs Broncos playoff game on January 18, 2026?

The Denver Broncos defeated the Buffalo Bills 33-30 in overtime 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 passing yards did Bo Nix have?

Bo Nix completed 26 of 46 passes for 279 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.

Who led Buffalo in rushing?

James Cook III led Buffalo with 117 rushing yards on 24 carries, averaging 4.9 yards per carry.

Who was Denver’s leading receiver?

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

Which team had more rushing yards?

Buffalo had substantially more rushing production, finishing with 183 yards compared with Denver’s 70 yards.

Conclusion

The denver broncos vs buffalo bills match player stats provide a clear example of why football games cannot be explained by yardage totals alone.

Buffalo produced 183 rushing yards and 283 passing yards, giving the Bills a substantial offensive yardage advantage. James Cook led the rushing attack with 117 yards, while Josh Allen added 66 rushing yards and 283 passing yards. Dalton Kincaid and Khalil Shakir also produced strong receiving numbers.

Denver, however, won the categories that proved more decisive.

Bo Nix threw for 279 yards and three touchdowns without being sacked. The Broncos generated three sacks and 10 quarterback hits against Allen. They also intercepted him twice. Buffalo lost three fumbles, while Denver lost none.

Special teams added another important difference. Wil Lutz converted four field goals for Denver, while Matt Prater made three for Buffalo.

The result was a 33-30 overtime victory for Denver despite Buffalo’s significant advantage in rushing and total offensive yardage.

The most useful way to read this game is therefore not to ask which team produced more yards. The better question is which team converted its opportunities, protected its quarterback, created defensive disruption, and avoided costly mistakes.

On those measures, Denver had the statistical edge that mattered most.