Buffalo Bills safety Jordan Poyer (21) causes a fumble on Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (12) during the second half for a AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Bills defense forces key Chiefs turnover in end zone

Trailing the Kansas City Chiefs 27-24 early in the fourth quarter, the Buffalo Bills were in danger of going down by two scores after turning the ball over on downs following a failed fake punt in their own territory.

However, Buffalo’s defense minimized the damage just two plays later when safety Jordan Poyer knocked the ball out of receiver Mecole Hardman’s hands just shy of the goal line, causing the ball to roll out of the end zone and be ruled a touchback.

It was the first turnover of the game and it was Hardman’s second (he recovered his first one).

Though the Bills went three-and-out on the subsequent drive, the fumble halted momentum for Kansas City, which had scored touchdowns on its three previous drives and scored points on all five of its drives (final drive before halftime notwithstanding).

Prior to the fumble, the Bills and Chiefs combined to score on nine of their previous 11 drives (Buffalo punted twice, Kansas City scored on all of its drives).

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Former top QB recruit suing Florida HC, booster over near-$14M NIL deal
Jets HC Robert Saleh explains decision on OC Nathaniel Hackett
'Positionless' rules lead to a center-heavy NBA All-Defensive team
Jets' Aaron Rodgers addresses mental rust, RFK Jr. decision
Penguins sign young defenseman to three-year extension
Guardians place right-hander on injured list
Victor Wembanyama's latest honor puts another spotlight on his greatness
Lamar Jackson reportedly made significant physical change for 2024
Dolphins safety appears to take a shot at former DC
Ryan Leaf goes off on top NFL insider, accuses him of being a fraud
Report: TNT is still fighting to save its NBA rights
Lightning re-acquire defenseman from Predators
Steelers star DT blasts reporter's 'bold face lie'
Deadline for LeBron James' contract decision revealed
Jets HC Robert Saleh shares significant update on Aaron Rodgers' health
Steelers add another veteran to running back room
Charvarius Ward names positive 49ers can take from Super Bowl loss
Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa reportedly makes physical change amid contract talks
Do Oilers need more from Connor McDavid to get to Stanley Cup Final?
All-Rookie teams show gems available all over draft