Broncos-Bills takeaways: Josh Allen shines, bolsters MVP case with dominant second-half performance

Here are five takeaways from the final AFC wild-card game of the weekend:

Don't hand the MVP to Lamar Jackson yet

The Ravens QB has had a career year in passing yards and TDs while leading his team to another AFC divisional appearance. While Jackson may still win the MVP award for a third time, Allen has been nothing short of phenomenal for the Bills.

Despite losing wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans in an offseason trade, Allen came into Sunday with 28 passing TDs and 12 rushing TDs. He continues to amaze, including this spectacular 24-yard TD pass to RB Ty Johnson in the back of the end zone on a 4th-and-1 with 3:06 left in the third quarter.

The Bills would convert the ensuing two-point conversion to make it a 21-7 lead at the time. Per the CBS Broadcast, Allen passed Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Bills QB Jim Kelly for the most passing TDs (22) in franchise postseason history. Allen now has 18 total TDs in the wild-card round, which is the most in wild-card history.

Allen would go on to add another TD pass to WR Curtis Samuel in the fourth quarter. Overall, Allen was 20-of-26 with 272 passing yards, two TDs and 46 rush yards.

With the Ravens and Bills set for a divisional weekend showdown, the MVP race should officially be decided as both QBs go head-to-head.

Field goal doink before halftime proved to be huge turning point for Broncos

Before the Broncos missed a 50-year field goal attempt at the end of the first half, it was a mostly well-played half for Denver.

The Broncos started with a bang by scoring the game's first TD on its opening drive. After allowing 10 straight points from the Bills, the Broncos pulled out an epic fake punt to convert a 4th-and-8 early in the second quarter. Although the drive ultimately ended with a punt a few plays later, the Broncos had a shot to tie the game at 10 going into the half until this doink off the right upright crushed any momentum Denver had.

The Broncos did next to nothing in the second half, with two punts and two turnovers on downs. Denver ran 30 fewer plays than Buffalo and only had the ball for 18:17 the entire game. For a team that overachieved this season and kept pace with the second-highest scoring team in the NFL (30.9 ppg) until the second half, it was a disappointing end to the season for the Broncos.

Run game continues to provide balance for Bills offense

Rightfully so, Allen gets the majority of the attention when it comes to Buffalo's offense. With that said, the run game continues to be a consistent part of the Bills' game plan.

As a team, Buffalo rushed for 210 yards. RB James Cook had 23 carries for 120 yards and one TD. It was Cook's fifth game of the season with 100 yards and his 13th game with a TD. He came into Sunday tied for the league lead with 16 rushing TDs.

For all the focus on the passing attack of the Bills, the run game continues to provide the right balance that could lead Buffalo to its first Super Bowl appearance since 1994.

Broncos have a bright future ahead

Although Sunday's wild-card game did not end positively for Denver, the Broncos have a lot to be excited about going into the 2025 season and beyond.

The Broncos made their first postseason appearance since the 2015 season while QB Bo Nix became the first rookie QB to start a playoff game in Broncos franchise history, per the CBS broadcast.

While Nix was only 13-of-22 for 144 yards and a TD on Sunday, he passed for 3,775 yards this season and his 29 TD passes coming into Sunday were sixth in the league. According to TeamRankings, Denver had the most sacks per game (3.7) in the NFL this season. 

The 2024 season may have come to a premature end on Sunday. The Broncos, however, have a bright future after a surprise postseason appearance.

Ravens, Bills set for fascinating battle

There should be some fireworks when the Ravens and Bills square off in the divisional round. According to StatMuse, both teams only trail the Detroit Lions for the most points per game in the NFL this season.

Both MVP front-runners will obviously be front and center. In the regular season, Ravens RB Derrick Henry and Cook each had a league-high 16 rushing TDs, putting the stars on full display.

Combine the MVP battle with strong rushing attacks and two franchises that are looking to put Super Bowl droughts to rest, and it should be a fantastic environment next weekend.