The Buffalo Bills’ season came to an end in a dramatic and heartbreaking fashion against the Denver Broncos. Despite their hopes of making a deep playoff run, the Bills were unable to contain Bo Nix and the Broncos’ offense. The game was filled with mistakes, including a thrilling comeback that forced overtime, but the Bills couldn’t capitalize in the extra period, ultimately falling 33-30.

A Season Cut Short

This loss left the Bills with a lot to reflect on as they head into the off-season. Fans and analysts alike are already speculating about what could have been. However, there were moments of both brilliance and failure during the game, and several players stood out—some for good reasons, others for bad.

Loser: Larry Ogunjobi, DT

On the Broncos’ opening drive, the Bills had a chance to make a huge play deep in the red zone. Greg Rousseau forced Jaleel McLaughlin to fumble the ball, and Cam Lewis recovered it at the five-yard line. Unfortunately, this play didn’t count due to a critical error by Larry Ogunjobi. The veteran defensive tackle was flagged for jumping offside, which negated the play. While Denver only managed a short field goal, the play should have resulted in zero points if not for Ogunjobi’s mistake.

Winner: Deone Walker, DT

Trailing 23-17 in the third quarter, the Bills needed a defensive stop. Deone Walker delivered more than just a stop. As Bo Nix dropped back on third-and-five, the rookie defensive tackle read the quarterback’s eyes and intercepted the pass. Although the Broncos quickly regained possession due to another turnover from Josh Allen, Walker’s interception gave the Bills much-needed momentum and a chance to take the lead back.

Loser: Darnell Savage, S

Darnell Savage was thrust into a difficult situation when Cam Lewis went out with an injury. With only two games played for Buffalo this season, Savage struggled under pressure. Bo Nix took advantage, throwing a deep pass that Savage failed to cover, resulting in a touchdown for Lil’Jordan Humphrey. This play gave the Broncos a 17-10 lead, and it was followed by another costly mistake from Josh Allen, allowing Denver to extend their lead before halftime.

Winner: Dalton Kincaid, TE

When healthy, Dalton Kincaid is one of the league’s top tight ends. He proved that once again in this game, helping move the Bills down the field with 32 yards on two receptions while trailing 23-10. His efforts led to a Keon Coleman touchdown, and he added his own score early in the fourth quarter. Facing a third-and-eight from the 14, Kincaid ran a great route in one-on-one coverage against safety Talanoa Hufanga. Josh Allen placed the ball perfectly in his hands, and Kincaid hauled it in to give the Bills a 24-23 lead. Kincaid finished with 83 yards and a touchdown on six receptions.

Loser: Dane Jackson, CB

Like Darnell Savage, Dane Jackson found himself in a tough spot and failed to deliver. With Tre’Davious White injured, Jackson was forced into action for one play. Nix exploited the opportunity, and Jackson gave up a touchdown to Marvin Mims.

Winner: Matt Prater, K

The former Denver kicker returned to his old stomping grounds and reminded Broncos fans why they loved him during his tenure. Prater was 3-of-3 on field goals in regulation, including a clutch 50-yarder that sent the game to overtime. Although he never got the chance to win the game for Buffalo, his performance gave the Bills a shot in overtime.

Loser: Josh Allen, QB

Josh Allen had a rough day overall. He fumbled twice in the first half, giving the Broncos an extra three points after the first half ended. He then allowed them to score three more in the third quarter when he fumbled on their first drive of the second half. These two plays doubled his career total for lost fumbles in the postseason. Allen’s turnovers continued after a strong drive made it 23-17. Deone Walker recorded an interception to give Buffalo a chance to take the lead, but Allen became too risky with his pass. He fired it deep for Curtis Samuel, but was picked off by P.J. Locke. His final pass was also intercepted as Ja’Quan McMillan wrestled it away from Brandin Cooks, setting up Denver for the win.