Josh Allen and Bills Edge Ravens for AFC Title Spot After Dramatic 2-Point Miss
Bills edges Ravens in wild finish to win AFC title
The Buffalo Bills have had their share of heartbreaking playoff outings, but fortune finally smiled their way Sunday night. With 1:33 remaining, Baltimore Ravens scored a critical touchdown, setting up a potentially game-tying 2-point conversion. But on the play, tight end Mark Andrews dropped the perfect pass, which sealed the dramatic 27-25 victory for the Bills as well as sent them to the AFC championship game.
Lamar Jackson is pure class. After a heartbreaking dropped pass, he still went to shake Josh Allen's hand with a smile. That kind of sportsmanship says so much about his character. Props to Josh Allen too—always a competitor with grace. Love seeing mutual respect in the game. pic.twitter.com/T1tzQuCa5o
— Carlos McGnarlos (@carlosmcgnarlos) January 20, 2025
For Buffalo, the game’s outcome was not the result of an extraordinary defensive play but rather a stroke of luck. Andrews, one of the league’s most reliable tight ends, failed to make a catch he’d otherwise secure with ease. The Bills, who have seen their fair share of misfortune in critical moments, gladly accepted the break.
The win sets up yet another showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs, a team that has been Buffalo’s postseason nemesis. The Bills have lost to the Chiefs in all three of their playoff matchups this decade, including the infamous “13 seconds” loss in the divisional round three seasons ago.
In what was actually a relatively tame outing for Josh Allen by the quarterback’s high standards—a 127 yards passing with a minimal running contribution—the Buffalo Bills put all elements together, delivering a quality win over Baltimore Ravens, making those crucial defensive plays and sticking the running game at its finest.
WOW: #Bills standout tackle Dion Dawkins says JOSH ALLEN IS THE UNDISPUTED MVP.
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) January 20, 2025
“Josh Allen is the MVP. I’m tired of the bickering and talk.”
👀👀👀
pic.twitter.com/TnJsuAYJRq
Buffalo dominated the first half, taking advantage of Baltimore’s uncharacteristic turnovers. Lamar Jackson threw an unforced interception in the first quarter, and a mishandled snap in the second quarter led to a costly fumble recovered by Von Miller. Miller’s 39-yard return set up an Allen touchdown, giving the Bills a 14-7 lead.
The Bills capitalized on another late first-half drive, scoring a touchdown in the final minute to head into halftime with a commanding 21-10 lead.
Ravens Mount a Comeback
The resolute side clawed back into the game in the second half. A pair of punts by the Bills allowed Baltimore to close the gap with a field goal and a Derrick Henry touchdown, which reduced the lead to 21-19 after failing the 2-point conversion.
The Buffalo defense stepped up by forcing Andrews to fumble when he was stripped of the ball by linebacker Terrel Bernard, and that marked the second lost fumble in the career of Andrews. The Bills capitalized on the turnover to produce a lengthy drive that allowed them to add up to a 27-19 lead with a field goal.
Jackson left his team one last foray: a majestic drive which culminated with a touchdown pass to Isaiah Likely with 1:33 remaining. Out for the winning 2-point conversion and rolling out on that play, Jackson found Andrews open in the end zone. But the ball slipped through the hands of the tight end, and Baltimore was devastated.
Looking Forward
The Bills now ready themselves for the fourth playoff matchup with the Chiefs this decade and hope to get over their most significant hurdle. Having gained momentum with a bit of luck on their side, the dream of Buffalo entering the Super Bowl for the first time in 31 years lives on.
