1 month ago
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Quarterback Josh Allen endured more play-off heartache as the Denver Broncos beat the Buffalo Bills in overtime to move within one win of the Super Bowl.
Having secured the AFC's top seed, Denver had home advantage and led 23-10 during the third quarter, before the Bills twice came from behind to make the final score 30-30.
Allen had a chance to clinch victory in overtime, but the Broncos claimed an interception before kicking a field goal to win Saturday's Divisional Round game 33-30.
That means that despite reaching the play-offs in seven straight seasons, racking up eight play-off wins, the NFL's reigning Most Valuable Player is still to reach the sport's biggest game.
The Broncos, however, have claimed their first play-off success since winning the Super Bowl for the third time in February 2016.
That game took place at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, which will also stage this year's edition, Super Bowl 60, on Sunday, 8 February.
Now, Denver can look forward to the AFC Conference Championship game next weekend at home to the winners of the Houston Texans at the New England Patriots on Sunday (20:00 GMT).
However, the Broncos later confirmed that quarterback Bo Nix, who threw three touchdown passes, suffered a broken ankle on the game's final drive so has been ruled out of the rest of their play-off run.
The Kansas City Chiefs knocked the Bills out of the play-offs in four of the past five years but with the Chiefs missing out this season, along with AFC rivals Baltimore and Cincinnati, this was meant to be Buffalo's year.
Despite being the AFC's sixth seed, Buffalo were still narrow favourites against a team that had won 13 of their previous 14 games and a defence that led the league for sacks - yet it was turnovers that hurt the Bills.
Allen had not turned the ball over in any of his six previous play-off games but had two fumbles in three plays either side of half-time, both resulting in Denver field goals.
That added to the Broncos' lead after touchdowns by Frank Crum and Lil'Jordan Humphrey cancelled out Mecole Hardman's opener for Buffalo.
Allen had also thrown 200 passes without an interception before being picked off in the third quarter here, yet the 29-year-old regrouped to help Buffalo put up 17 unanswered points thanks to Keon Coleman and Dalton Kincaid touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
After a Marvin Mims score put Denver back in front with 55 seconds left, Allen led the Bills into position for 41-year-old Matt Prater to level matters with a last-gasp field goal
However, even though the Buffalo defence got a stop on the first possession of overtime, Allen gave up his fifth turnover of the day as Denver cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian claimed an interception in a contested catch with Brandin Cooks.
Wil Lutz's fourth field goal ensured Allen has lost all three of his overtime games in the post-season, and all seven overall in his career.
Allen and boss Sean McDermott also have the most play-off wins by a quarterback and head coach without reaching a Super Bowl (eight).
Last week's victory at Jacksonville ensured Buffalo become just the fourth team to claim a play-off win in six straight seasons. The other three each won three Super Bowls - but the wait for this Bills team goes on.
