Josh Allen was battered, bruised, and under fire all game, but the reigning NFL MVP carried the Buffalo Bills to a thrilling 2026 Wild Card road victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Despite dealing with a foot issue, a concussion check, a hand injury, and a twisted knee on a touchdown run, Allen delivered a near-flawless performance, completing 28 of 35 passes for 273 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing 11 times for 33 yards and two scores. In a wild fourth quarter, Allen led his first career postseason game-winning drive, threading a perfect 36-yard pass to Brandin Cooks to put Buffalo in control of the final two minutes.
Jacksonville leaned on its rushing attack while its passing game faltered, gaining 154 yards on 23 carries, with Travis Etienne (67 yards) and Bhayshul Tuten (51) finding success on outside runs. Trevor Lawrence had moments of brilliance, completing 18 of 30 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns, but costly errors, including a pick in the red zone to Shaq Thompson and a late interception, kept the Jaguars from completing the comeback, ending their eight-game winning streak.
But Buffalo’s defense made the plays that mattered. Tre’Davious White blanketed Jakobi Meyers for most of the game, breaking up three passes and tipping a throw that led to Cole Bishop’s game-sealing interception. Gregory Rousseau added five QB hits and a sack, and while the Bills’ run defense remains a work in progress, their pass defense proved decisive in the fourth quarter. Parker Washington sparked the Jaguars’ passing game with seven catches for 107 yards and a touchdown, including two 30-plus-yard gains, but it wasn’t enough to overcome turnovers and Allen’s heroics.
The win marks the Bills’ first road playoff victory since 1992 and extends their reputation for thriving in high-pressure situations. With four lead changes in the final quarter, Buffalo showcased resilience, with Allen’s clutch play and Bishop’s interception sealing the outcome. Allen also excelled under duress, completing 9 of 12 passes for 144 yards while under pressure. The Bills now advance to the Divisional Round, having snapped Jacksonville’s eight-game winning streak, the fourth such streak Buffalo has ended since 2024, a feat unmatched in NFL history.
