The Buffalo Bills edged out the Baltimore Ravens 27-25 in a thrilling showdown during the AFC Divisional Round held at Orchard Park, New York, marking their first appearance in the AFC Championship game since the 2020 season.
Quarterback Josh Allen basked in the accolades as fans chanted “MVP! MVP!” yet he remained humble, crediting the collective efforts of his team. “What a complete win,” Allen said. “All year, this team has heard we’ve got no talent, we’re too small, we can’t stop the run, we’re not good enough to compete. We’ve just put our head down and worked hard,” he emphasized, showcasing the Bills' resilience throughout the season.
With the team needing to rally after falling behind, two key moments defined the game. The first came when Ravens tight end Mark Andrews dropped what could have been the game-tying two-point conversion pass after Lamar Jackson had maneuvered his way to set up the play. A bright opportunity to level the match with just 1:31 remaining slipped through the usually reliable hands of Andrews, leading to dramatic reactions on and off the field.
“Oh, the ball was dropped! He had the two-point conversion in his hands,” exclaimed CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz during the game. Jackson's earlier efforts weren’t for naught; he had orchestrated an impressive eight-play, 88-yard drive and thrown for two touchdowns, connecting first with Rashod Bateman for a 16-yard score, and then with Isaiah Likely for another 24-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter, putting the Ravens within reach.
But disaster struck for Andrews and the Ravens when Terrel Bernard—acting as the catalyst for Buffalo’s defense—forced and recovered Andrews’ fumbled reception, shifting the momentum back to the Bills. Bernard expressed pride, stating, “We were motivated all week, man. We put a lot of work... to see the results start to pay off right now, I can’t say enough about this team.” His key play culminated with Tyler Bass kicking a 21-yard field goal, extending the Bills’ lead late.
The Ravens, prolific throughout the regular season and known for their dynamic offense, faced scrutiny as Jackson struggled under pressure. Despite completing 18 of 25 passes for 254 yards, Jackson’s errors—a costly interception and the fumble—highlighted challenges the Ravens struggled to overcome all game. This prompted concerns, especially considering Baltimore's notable statistics from the regular season.
“We got to get over this, because we’re right there,” Jackson articulated, showing his determination for improvement after the tough loss. He now holds a postseason record of 3-5, intensifying the questions surrounding his playoff performances.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh stood by Andrews post-game, stating, “We wouldn’t be here without Mark Andrews,” emphasizing the importance of his contributions throughout the season, regardless of the game's outcome. Andrews, who was uncharacteristically silent after the game due to the high stakes of his misstep, received strong support from his teammates. “One play doesn’t define anybody. He’s the all-time leading touchdown receiver in Ravens history,” said safety Kyle Hamilton, highlighting Andrews’ consistent success.
Buffalo's defense was pivotal, regrouping after suffering heavy criticism for allowing 271 rushing yards to the Ravens during the regular season. The Bills allowed 176 yards on the ground but reversed their fortunes by forcing three massive turnovers, displaying improvement and adaptability compares to earlier contests against Jackson and his squad.
Despite Allen’s efficient performance, highlighted by two rushing touchdowns, the team struggled offensively with only 273 total yards. He relied heavily on the ground game, attributed largely to rookie Ray Davis’ 1-yard touchdown run and the Bills’ collective effort on offense.
Fans now look to the next game, where the Bills will face off against the Kansas City Chiefs, eager for redemption after past playoff disappointments against them. Following his team's hard-fought battle, Allen cautioned, “We know what they are. They’re the perennial of what you want to be in the NFL. You’ve got to beat them to get past them.”
The victory over the Ravens certainly serves as inspiration for the Bills as they look to build on their success and finally claim the game they’ve been striving for since 2020, with plenty riding on this upcoming clash.