The Denver Broncos’ AFC divisional round matchup against the Buffalo Bills began with a mix of chaos, momentum shifts, and an immediate concern involving the team’s most critical defensive player. On the second defensive snap of the postseason, Pat Surtain II, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, suffered an injury that sent shockwaves through Empower Field and the Broncos’ sideline.

This alarming moment occurred after the game had to be paused and sent to a commercial break just four seconds into the contest due to another concerning incident. The Bills wasted no time testing Denver’s defense, as James Cook recorded a 24-yard run on the first offensive play of the game. On the very next snap, Cook added another 10 yards, finishing the play by lowering his shoulder into Surtain as the cornerback attempted to make the tackle.

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The collision sent Surtain backward, with safety Talanoa Hufanga arriving to assist in finishing the play. Surtain remained on the ground for a moment before slowly rising and removing his helmet while walking toward the blue medical tent with trainers. CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz expressed the growing concern on the broadcast, stating, “It does not look good.”

At that point, the Broncos were already under pressure. Buffalo’s offense was sharp from the start, relying heavily on Cook to set the tempo while Josh Allen extended plays with his legs. With Surtain in the medical tent, Denver’s defensive depth was immediately tested as the Bills continued to push the ball into Broncos territory.

The injury scare was compounded by Surtain’s recent history. He had missed three games earlier this season due to a partially torn pectoral muscle, and he appeared to be favoring his right arm as he entered the tent. Losing him, even temporarily, represented the worst possible outcome for a Denver defense built around his ability to neutralize elite receivers and control coverage.

Despite the early setback, the Broncos managed to regain composure, with Surtain returning to the field later in the same drive. The opening quarter was chaotic on both sides. Denver’s offense moved the ball effectively but left points on the field, settling for a Will Lutz field goal after a dropped touchdown by Lil’Jordan Humphrey in the end zone.

Buffalo responded late in the quarter with a touchdown pass from Allen to Mecole Hardman, briefly exploiting a coverage breakdown and taking a 7–3 lead.

From there, the game became increasingly physical. Buffalo lost linebacker Dorian Williams to a neck injury on the opening kickoff, while Denver faced multiple injury evaluations among its receivers. The Broncos seized momentum in the second quarter when linebacker Alex Singleton forced a fumble on Cook, which Hufanga recovered, shifting the game’s momentum.

Denver capitalized on the opportunity, with quarterback Bo Nix orchestrating scoring drives that included a short touchdown pass to offensive lineman Frank Crum and a late strike to Lil’Jordan Humphrey before halftime. A rare Josh Allen fumble on the Bills’ final possession of the half allowed Denver to add a long field goal, giving the Broncos a 20–10 lead at the break.