Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats: Wild Card Showdown Analysis

The Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills have cultivated a compelling rivalry over decades, with postseason meetings often amplifying the stakes. Their latest clash in the 2025 AFC Wild Card round was no exception, as both teams entered with high expectations and dynamic playmakers on both sides of the ball. The Bills, perennial playoff contenders, sought to advance deeper into the postseason, while the Broncos, rejuvenated by a new quarterback and a resurgent defense, aimed to make a statement.

The Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills match player stats revealed some surprising performances this season, highlighting both established stars and emerging talents. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the game, focusing on the final score, pivotal moments, and the individual player statistics that shaped the outcome.

Final Score and Game Summary

Before diving into the Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills match player stats, let’s look at the final score and game flow. The Buffalo Bills overpowered the Denver Broncos by 31-7 at Highmark Stadium, and earned a trip to the Divisional Round in the fifth consecutive season. Things started with a shock when Denver opened the game by scoring the first point, but Buffalo countered it with 31 consecutive points in demonstration of its attack diversity and defense strength.

The highlights were a 43-yard touchdown pass on the first offensive drive by Bo Nix to Troy Franklin, a short of a ground drive by James Cook, and two highlight-reel touchdown passes by Josh Allen. The defense of the Bills suppressed the Broncos from the first quarter, as it had to make several punts and turnover-on-downs, and the offense of the Buffalo team managed the clock and the pace. It was a total victory that highlighted the aspect of Buffalo as a serious Super Bowl participant.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

The first quarter was marked by Denver gaining an early momentum because of a quick-strike touchdown, although their consistently measured reaction by a field goal signals the methodical nature of the play on the part of Buffalo. The Bills assumed power in the second quarter, and they were able to make a 13-play and 81-yard drive that resulted in a James Cook touchdown run.

It was a turning point in the third quarter because Buffalo trounced Denver 11-0, with the highs being a fourth-down touchdown pass by Allen to Ty Johnson and a successful two-point conversion. The Bills kept on pouring it on in the fourth and a 55-yard touchdown reception by Curtis Samuel and a close field goal late in the game swung the rout.

The first attempt of Denver was cut short by the changes made by the Buffalo as it did not manage to register any score in the three fourth quarters. The fact that the Bills had the edge in time of possession (41:43 to 18:17) also demonstrates that they controlled the pace of the game.

Top Offensive Player Stats

Among the Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills match player stats, quarterback performances stood out. The signal-callers of the two teams depended on the tone they were setting, which was very different in terms of efficiency and effectiveness.

Josh Allen had an outstanding playoff poise performance, making 77 percent of his passes with 272 yards and two scores, and did not even turn the ball over. His talent to pass the ball to eight other receivers, and to prolong the plays using his legs (46 rushing yards) kept the Denver defense in check. The 135.4 passer rating of Allen was an indication of his command and decision and more so during high moments of leverages such as the fourth-down TD to Ty Johnson.

With his debut in the playoffs, Bo Nix began well with a deep touchdown but he could not maintain the momentum. He ended up with 144 yards and one score and failed to drive against the disciplined defense of the Buffalos. Passing efficiency difference was also of importance as far as the outcome of the game is concerned.

Running Back Performances

Receiving Game Highlights

Defensive Standouts

Special Teams and Other Notable Stats

Special teams were the auxiliary and yet an important factor in the result of the game. Buffalo Tyler Bas was flawless, making all his three field goal tries (26, 27, and 34 yards) and two extra points to make the scoreboard 11 points. He was reliable and so Buffalo took advantage of almost all the opportunities to score. Ty Johnson in the return game was able to give them a splash and make two kickoff returns of 59 yards (a 33-yarder) of which he got himself a good field position. Khalil Shakir gained 30 yards on two returns of punts, and one of his returns was 23 yards which gave the field a flip in favor of the Buffalos.

The special teams of Denver did not find their way out. Lutz Kicker Wil Lutz had to miss his sole field goal attempt, a 50-yarder, which hit the upright just before the half-time, an opportunity to gain a bit of momentum that was not taken. Tremon Smith had his single kickoff return only 16 yards, and Marvin Mims gained zero yards on his one and only return of a punt. Riley Dixon, a punter, was kept busy and his four punts averaged 48 yards, but the cover teams of Denver were unable to keep Buffalo deep repeatedly.

Other significant statistics are that Buffalo has had an overpowering advantage in possession time (41:43 to 18:17), yards (471 to 224) and first downs (26 to 13). The Bills had turned 8 out of 15 third downs and unfortunately, Denver made only 2 out of 9 which depicts how Buffalo controlled the flow of the game.

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What the Stats Reveal

Analyzing the Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills match player stats gives us a deeper understanding of each team’s strengths and weaknesses. The defensive tactics of the Buffalos, which saw the effective passing of Josh Allen and the cannot-stop running of James Cook all combine to overwhelm the defense of Denver. The skills of the Bills to get long drives and make third and fourth down conversions and distribute the ball among various players positioned them as hard to defend. On the offensive side, the front seven of the Buffalo defense stopped the Denver running game and put a lot of pressure on Bo Nix, forcing him to rush his throws, whereas the secondary prevented big plays after the first drive.

In the case of Denver, the initial touchdown displayed their possibilities, but the stagnation of the offense followed as Buffalo changed. The inability of the Broncos to gain the run or protect Nix in clear passing holes resulted in the successive short drives and punts.

On the defensive side, the pass rush of Denver was also to a large extent contained and their line backers were not able to cope with the backs and tight ends of the Buffalo team in covering them. The unfortunate field goal miss and other miscues of the special teams also tilted the game towards Buffalo.

The statistics of the game show that the team of buffalo is superior in terms of all three phases, as well as the team of Denver needs more offensive stability and defensive flexibility in the high-stakes confrontations.

Final Word

Whether you’re a fan or a fantasy football analyst, these Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills match player stats offer valuable insights. The difference-makers in an unequal playoff win were the accuracy of Josh Allen, the historic rushing day of James Cook and a suffocating Bills defense.

In the case of Buffalo, the victory solidifies them as one of the top competitors to go into an already anticipated match in the Divisional Round with the Baltimore Ravens.

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