Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills have once again fallen short. As usual, it was in heartbreaking fashion. Against the No. 1 seed Denver Broncos, the Allen-led Bills dropped the Divisional Round in overtime 33-30.
For Allen, it was a tough game against an elite defense in which he had four costly turnovers. He threw two interceptions and lost two fumbles. Aside from the turnovers, Allen was productive and kept the Bills in the game. He threw for 283 yards and three touchdowns. To boot, he had 66 yards on the ground.
Allen finished with an 82.9 (B-) grade for the game. Broncos quarterback Bo Nix graded out with a 79.7 (C+).
Josh Allen Called Out Following Four-Turnover Performance
Allen’s first inexcusable turnover that led to points for the Broncos came just before the half. Allen took off to run, but did not protect the football, which led to a bad fumble. The Broncos recovered with two seconds left in the second quarter. Wil Lutz made a 50-yard field goal to make it a 20-10 game.
“Hard to win playoff games when your quarterback turns it over 4 times,” one user wrote.
To begin the second half, Allen got stripped as he was dropping back by Nik Bonitto. The Broncos recovered the football in scoring position at the Bills’ 17-yard line. The Broncos, yet again, kicked a field goal to make it a 23-10 game.
Hard to win playoff games when your quarterback turns it over 4 times.
— nick wright (@getnickwright) January 18, 2026
Lastly, on what turned out to be the Bills’ final offensive play of the season, Allen was intercepted. On a third and 10, he threw it downfield to Brandin Cooks. Ja’Quan McMillan took the pass away.
“One of the worst playoff performances of Josh Allen’s career. First time he’s ever had four turnovers in a single postseason game. The second pick in OT was just bad luck, but the first lost fumble at the end of the first half was HORRENDOUS,” another fan wrote.
One of the worst playoff performances of Josh Allen’s career. First time he’s ever had four turnovers in a single postseason game.
The second pick in OT was just bad luck, but the first lost fumble at the end of the first half was HORRENDOUS.
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) January 18, 2026
“Keep that same energy for Josh Allen that you have for Lamar Jackson,” a user remarked.
Keep that same energy for Josh Allen that you have for Lamar Jackson
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) January 18, 2026
Following McMillan’s interception, the Broncos put together a 75-yard drive. On the drive, the Bills committed two costly pass interference penalties, one by Taron Johnson and the other by Tre’Davious White.
After the two penalties, the Broncos were able to set up for a 23-yard field goal that was made by Lutz.
“Josh Allen lost that game for the Buffalo Bills. Too many reckless decisions. The fumble at the end of half was inexcusable. Missed badly on some huge throws: Knox at the end of 4th, under threw Cooks on the controversial INT + the Shakir screen. The star QB needs to be better,” one X user posted.
Josh Allen lost that game for the Buffalo Bills. Too many reckless decisions. The fumble at the end of half was inexcusable. Missed badly on some huge throws: Knox at the end of 4th, under threw Cooks on the controversial INT + the Shakir screen. The star QB needs to be better. https://t.co/FZjmFcBOBR
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnor) January 18, 2026
Shortly after the game, Allen met with the media. He took accountability for the loss and was emotional, in tears, speaking to reporters.
#Bills QB Josh Allen shows up to his postgame press conference with tears in his eyes:
“I let my teammates down tonight. … It’s been a long season. Hate how it ended. t is gonna stick with me for a long time. Can’t win with 5 turnovers.”
(🎥 @WKBW) pic.twitter.com/LQZKyx8R1g
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 18, 2026
Now, for Allen and the Bills, all the attention turns to the offseason. The key need for them to address, which is highly discussed, is their wide receiver position. Brandon Beane will look to surround Allen with better wide receivers next season.
