Mile High Pressure: Bills vs. Broncos — Divisional Round Preview

Players to Watch

Bills:
Josh Allen is the headline — not just for his arm strength, but for his ability to erase defensive structure. Even when coverage is perfect, Allen can convert third-and-long with his legs. Buffalo will lean heavily on James Cook, especially with the Bills expected to be without Gabe Davis, Josh Palmer, and Curtis Samuel. Explosive plays — however they come — will determine whether Buffalo controls this game or grinds it out.

Broncos:
Denver’s identity starts on defense. Zach Allen, Nik Bonitto, and Pat Surtain II anchor a unit built to suffocate opponents. If linebacker Dre Greenlaw is limited, the middle of the field becomes vulnerable against Allen’s improvisation. Offensively, second-year quarterback Bo Nix leads the way, supported by Pro Bowl wideout Courtland Sutton. Denver doesn’t need fireworks — it needs clean drives, smart punts, and touchdowns instead of field goals.

How Each Team Wins

Bills win if:
• Josh Allen avoids the one disastrous quarter that flips games
• Buffalo protects the football and denies short fields
• They generate early explosives and force Denver to chase

Broncos win if:
• They keep Allen in the pocket and tackle in space
• They dominate red-zone possessions (TDs over FGs)
• They control tempo and turn this into a possession game

Prediction

This game can break in multiple directions. Denver owns a top-five defense and thrives in close, controlled environments. Buffalo, meanwhile, is capable of scoring 40 on any given night — but Mile High changes the calculus.

Ultimately, this comes down to the quarterback position. Bo Nix has been excellent, but Josh Allen remains a tier above.

Bills 20, Broncos 13

Buffalo survives Mile High and punches its ticket to a second straight AFC Championship Game, setting up a road showdown against either Houston or New England with everything on the line.