Sunday, January 11, 2026 — AFC Wild Card Round
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Buffalo Bills delivered one of the standout performances of Wild Card Sunday, rallying for a 27–24 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium to advance to the AFC Divisional Round of the 2026 NFL Playoffs.
The win marked the Bills’ first road playoff victory in 33 years, breaking a long drought and stunning the AFC South champions in a dramatic, tightly contested matchup.
Allen Leads Comeback in Jacksonville
From the outset, the game was a physical and strategic battle between two teams with strong seasons. Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen, the reigning league MVP, shouldered the offensive load, showing resilience after taking repeated hits from the Jaguars’ front seven.
After a slow start, Allen and the Bills offense caught fire in the second quarter, responding to an early Jacksonville lead. Allen opened the scoring with a 2-yard rushing touchdown that capped a 10-play, 92-yard drive, giving Buffalo its first lead of the afternoon.
Jaguars Strike Early but Stall
Jacksonville struck first in the game’s second quarter, when quarterback Trevor Lawrence connected with wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. for a 3-yard touchdown pass, putting the home team ahead. Jaguars kicker Cam Little later attempted a long field goal that would have tied the game just before halftime, but the 54-yard attempt sailed wide.
The Jaguars entered halftime facing a narrow deficit, buoyed by a balanced offensive attack that included effective runs from Travis Etienne Jr. and solid protection for Lawrence. However, critical missed opportunities kept Jacksonville from pulling further ahead.
Fourth Quarter Drama
The second half intensified, with both teams exchanging leads in the fourth quarter. Buffalo kicker Matt Prater added a field goal to extend the Bills’ lead early in the second half, but Jacksonville responded with its own kicking game to close the gap.
With just over four minutes remaining, the Jaguars reclaimed the lead after Lawrence connected with Etienne on a 14-yard touchdown pass, making it 24–20. The momentum seemed to swing Jacksonville’s way, but Buffalo’s offense showed championship resolve.
Allen answered quickly — orchestrating a clutch drive that ended with a 15-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dalton Kincaid with just over a minute to play, restoring a slim advantage for the Bills.
Game-Sealing Turnover
With time winding down and no timeouts left, Jacksonville’s final possession devolved into heartbreak when Cole Bishop of the Bills intercepted a deflected pass intended for Jaguars receivers — sealing the comeback and snapping Buffalo’s long road playoff skid.
The final score stood at 27–24, as Buffalo advanced to face the Denver Broncos in the AFC Divisional Round.
Impact and Looking Ahead
Buffalo’s victory not only ended a decades-long road playoff drought, it also underscored the Bills’ resilience and championship aspirations. Allen’s performance — both with his arm and legs — reminded critics why he’s among the league’s elite quarterbacks, while Jacksonville’s promising season will end in disappointment after a strong 13–4 regular-season finish.
The Jaguars, despite their prolific offense and home-field advantage, were unable to capitalize on key opportunities and now must regroup in the offseason after a spirited AFC South title campaign.
As the postseason moves forward, Buffalo’s road win will be remembered as one of the defining moments of Wild Card Weekend and a major stepping stone in the team’s quest for a Super Bowl appearance.