The Buffalo Bills have had some playoff heartbreaks. They were due for a break.
The Baltimore Ravens scored a touchdown with 1:33 to go and had a 2-point conversion set up perfectly for the tie. But tight end Mark Andrews had a stunning drop on a pass that hit him in the hands, it fell incomplete and the Bills moved on to the AFC championship game with a 27-25 win on Sunday night.
It wasn’t some great defensive play that won the game for the Bills. It was just a stroke of luck that Andrews, one of the NFL’s best tight ends, dropped a pass he almost always catches. And Buffalo won’t turn down a lucky break.
The Bills are getting another shot at the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bills are 0-3 against Kansas City in the playoffs this decade. They lost in the AFC championship game at the end of the 2020 season. They had the infamous “13 seconds” loss in a divisional-round classic three seasons ago and had some bad flashbacks when kicker Tyler Bass missed wide right in a loss to Kansas City last season.
Mark Andrews' drop in the late fourth quarter helped doom the Ravens in the Bills' 27-25 victory in the AFC divisional round. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
On a day when Josh Allen had a relatively quiet game by his standards, passing for just 127 yards and not having a massive impact on the ground either, the Bills stepped up around him to meet the challenge of a very good Ravens team. The defense made big plays. The running backs controlled the game on the ground. The Bills had a good all-around performance.
And then they got one massive break that the Ravens will think about all offseason.
Bills have a big 1st half
One of the Ravens’ problems in past playoff disappointments was untimely turnovers. That popped up again right away against the Bills.
In the first quarter Jackson threw an odd interception that Bills safety Taylor Rapp was waiting on, after Rashod Bateman either slowed down on his route or Jackson rushed the throw. Either way, it was the type of interception Jackson almost never threw in the regular season. He had just four all season.
Then in the second quarter there was an even bigger mistake. With the Ravens driving, there was a mishandled snap. Jackson was about to get tackled for a loss by Damar Hamlin when he lost the ball. Von Miller picked up the ball and returned it 39 yards. That set up an Allen touchdown on a quarterback sneak and the Bills led 14-7.
Baltimore had just 11 turnovers in the regular season, third-fewest in the NFL. The Ravens didn’t turn it over in the wild-card round. Then in the first 19 minutes of game action Sunday night the Ravens turned it over twice.
Give the Bills credit. Their defend found ways to fluster Jackson and also to mostly keep the Ravens out of the end zone. The Ravens scored 10 points in the first half, and given how explosive their offense is, that wasn’t a bad outcome for Buffalo.
The first half went as well as the Bills could have hoped. A touchdown in the final minute of the first half put Buffalo ahead 21-10 going into halftime, and they were set to get the ball first in the second half. .
Buffalo couldn’t have scripted it much better. But the Ravens weren’t just going to go away easily.
Bills let Ravens get back in it
The Bills’ offense stalled in the third quarter. A couple of punts led to a Ravens field goal and then a Derrick Henry touchdown. The 2-point conversion after Henry’s touchdown was batted down, but the Ravens had cut Buffalo’s lead to 21-19. A comfortable lead was far from comfortable any longer.
The Bills have been good running the ball, but there started to be questions over why their MVP quarterback wasn’t a bigger focal point. Allen didn’t even have more than 100 yards passing until the fourth quarter. It seemed like that was keeping the game close.
But the Bills' defense came up with a huge momentum-turning play. Andrews caught a pass over the middle for a first down, with the Ravens trailing 24-19, but linebacker Terrel Bernard punched it out for a fumble. The Bills recovered. It was only the second lost fumble of Andrews’ career, and the first since 2019.
Buffalo had a clock-chewing drive after that, and Allen was a big part of it, keeping the chains moving through some short passes and a big quarterback sneak on third down. Allen was stopped on third-and-goal but the Bills got a field goal to push their lead to 27-19.
That meant Jackson still had a chance with 3:23 left, needing a touchdown and 2-point conversion to tie it. Jackson started the drive with a big pass rolling to his right, hitting Tylan Wallace for 27 yards to get the Ravens past midfield at the two-minute warning. Then Jackson hit a long pass to Andrews that got the Ravens to Buffalo’s 24-yard line. The Bills dropped into coverage on the play after that, and Jackson stood in the pocket waiting for something to come open, and he hit Isaiah Likely for a touchdown with 1:33 left.
That set up a 2-point conversion for the tie. Jackson rolled out and had Andrews, but Andrews dropped it. That’s a heartbreak for the Ravens. The Bills are used to that feeling.
The Bills had a huge challenge against the Ravens Sunday night, and found a way to advance. The Chiefs have been the final boss they can’t get past on their way to the franchise’s first Super Bowl in 31 years. Maybe fortune is finally on their side.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Manning vs. Brady 🤝 Mahomes vs. Allen
....And also Aikman vs. Young and Kelly vs. Marino and Bradshaw vs. Stabler.
Seems like every generation has one rivalry that’s just....special.
The Ravens didn't punt in this game and are the first team to not punt and lose a playoff game since the Patriots lost Super Bowl 52 to the Eagles without a punt
Yahoo Sports Staff
Bills move on to the AFC title game, will head to Kansas City
The Buffalo Bills are back in the AFC title game, and they'll have to dethrone the kings of the mountain, the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs. The Bills beat the Chiefs in Orchard Park earlier this year. The Chiefs have knocked the Bills out of the playoffs in three of the previous four seasons.
Andrews got out of bounds inside the 25. First down with 1:44 left. Pickup of 19.
Yahoo Sports Staff
Lamar Jackson with an MVP play to get the Ravens into plus-territory
Don't ever throw late and across your body to the middle of the field...unless you're one of the best to ever do it. (Hey, two MVP awards is two MVP awards...and he might have a 3rd on the way)
This one to Tylan Wallace gets Baltimore into Buffalo territory at the two-minute warning and still with a timeout in their pocket.
Lamar scrambles and finds Tylan Wallace for the FIRST DOWN 🐦⬛
Ravens pick up a first down, but now Rashod Bateman is down
Bateman was hit by Greg Rousseau on the 1st down reception, and now the Ravens face a 2nd and 7 as the snow starts to pick up in Buffalo
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Lamar escapes for 8
Baltimore now facing a 3rd and 2 on their own 20
Yahoo Sports Staff
Huge penalty on the kickoff
Ravens flagged for holding, and that means the drive will start at the 12-yard-line
Yahoo Sports Staff
Bills opt for field goal try, take eight point lead on 21-yard field goal
3:29 left. Baltimore has one timeout and is down by eight. They've turned the ball over three times, and had a kneel down on the final possession before halftime. They have't punted yet, and as it stands, it doesn't look like they'll punt in regulation. We're in for a chance at a BIG finish in Buffalo.
Buffalo takes a timeout, up 24-19 with 3:31 to go. Huge decision coming up for Sean McDermott and the Bills.
Yahoo Sports Staff
Bills on the move
Knocking on the door of the 10-yard-line now, the Bills have gone 47 yards on eight plays after the turnover, bleeding the clock, which is now at about four minutes.
Yahoo Sports Staff
Baltimore turns it over again!
A disaster for the Ravens as Mark Andrews coughs it up. Terrel Bernard on the strip and the recovery, and the Bills now have a chance to get some distance in this game. A Buffalo touchdown would make it a two-possession game once again — a tall task for the Ravens at this point in the 4th quarter.
The Ravens' tight end is their sneak specialist and keeps the drive a live in their own end on a BIG 4th donw conversion right around the 10-minute mark.
Yahoo Sports Staff
It’s been some tough sledding for the two leading MVP candidates today
And in some cold weather. It is 17 degrees and the ball doesn't carry as far in the frigid temps. It’s now 24-19 with just over 12 minutes to play in the 4th quarter and Baltimore has been a buzzsaw in the run game over the offense’s last couple of trips on to the field.
Yahoo Sports Staff
End 3rd quarter: Bills 21, Ravens 19
Buffalo has a little momentum on offense heading into the 4th quarter with a couple of first downs on their current drive after doing very little on offense in the 3rd quarter. A Quarter that was controlled by the Baltimore run game with 89 yards on the ground just in that quarter, and outscoring the Bills 9-0 to get the game back to a one-score affair.
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 19: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens hands the ball off to Justice Hill #43 against the Buffalo Bills in the first quarter during the AFC Divisional Playoff at Highmark Stadium on January 19, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Yahoo Sports Staff
Derrick Henry punches it in for the Ravens from the 5
Baltimore had 68 rushing yards on this drive and now the Ravens are down by two at 21-19 after missing on the two-point conversion attempt. Derrick Henry has 58 yards rushing in the 3rd quarter and the Ravens are up to 162 yards on the ground on 6.5 yards per attempt.
After a Buffalo first down, the Ravens' defense bowed up to make a stop on a tight end screen, and now the Baltimore offense will have have a chance to go down and tie the game after a punt that goes for a touchback.
Yahoo Sports Staff
Justin Tucker makes it a one-score game
47-yard field goal is good, and that distance has been an unusual adventure for Baltimore in Tucker's career. He was just 11-of-19 from 40 yards or longer this season. A poor season by the NFL's all-time leader in field goal accuracy.
Yahoo Sports Staff
Jackson finds Andrews on a 3rd and 5
A big deep breath for the Ravens to pick up the 3rd down into Buffalo territory. The Ravens need a touchdown on this drive.
A quick 3-and-out is a HUGE win for the Baltimore defense, which was giving up touchdowns in the first half. Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore rushing offense got going late in the first half and are averaging nearly five yards per rush. Plenty of time left in the game, and the No. 1 rushing offense in the NFL still has time to lean on its bell cow running back and MVP quarterback on the ground behind one of the best offensive lines in football
Yahoo Sports Staff
Buffalo opens the second half with the ball
Josh Allen was 5-for-7 throwing the ball in the first half, and the Ravens out gained the Bills, but the turnovers loomed large, contributing to that 11-point lead.
Yahoo Sports Staff
End of first half: Bills 21, Ravens 10
Buffalo keeping Baltimore from getting in the end zone on a goal-to-go situation and the two turnovers are the difference. Baltimore hasn't punted, and has moved the ball, even on the two drives that ended in turnovers. The Bills are in GREAT shape though with an 11-point lead and receiving the second half kickoff.
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 19: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter during the AFC Divisional Playoff at Highmark Stadium on January 19, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Yahoo Sports Staff
Josh Allen bulldozes his way into the end zone for a touchdown
It’s his second rushing TD of the day, and this one was a beauty. A semi-single-wing play — for the football ancients among us...or for a younger crowd, something we used to see with Tim Tebow back in his college days in Gainesville. What an advantage when your quarterback can moonlight as a fullback.
Ravens stall inside the 10, and Justin Tucker makes it 14-10
Certainly a win for the Bills defense after facing a 1st and Goal inside the 5. Baltimore has missed some opportunities, just getting three on this drive and turning it over twice, but they've hit a couple of big plays in the passing game and the running game is starting to get rolling as well.
Bills injury update: Taylor Rapp carted to the locker room
Would be a big loss for the Buffalo secondary if he can't return
Yahoo Sports Staff
Josh Allen from a yard out for the score
6-foot-5, 250lbs. You can't teach this, you just have to draft it. An incredible advantage for the Bills who now lead 14-7 after cashing in the Ravens' second turnover of the game.
Josh Allen's got it taken care of 😤6️⃣ @BuffaloBills
Damar Hamlin stripped it out of Jackson's hands in the Baltimore backfield and Von Miller was going to hit his head on the goal post if Justice Hill didn't make the tackle. Buffalo is in field goal range to start this drive.
Jackson to Anthony Miller for a third down conversion
This is a big one and Baltimore is now 3-for-3 on third downs in this game. Ravens inside the 30 yard line now
Yahoo Sports Staff
More Lamar with his feet
16 yards on the scramble and into Bills territory, and he's just so dynamic. The Ravens' first 46 yards on this drive have all come on the ground.
Yahoo Sports Staff
End of 1st quarter: Ravens 7, Bills 7
No harm, no foul on the Lamar Jackson interception for the Ravens, but the two offenses opened with brilliant touchdown drives. Weather — some snow flurries — hasn't been a factor yet. Buffalo ran the ball well on its first drive, and the Ravens hit a couple of runs by Derrick Henry and Justice Hill to end the first quarter.
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 19: Derrick Henry #22 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills during the AFC Divisional Playoff at Highmark Stadium on January 19, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Yahoo Sports Staff
Ravens force a punt after Jackson interception
Buffalo got backed up with a questionable holding call and the Ravens will take over after the punt, inside of their own 10-yard-line.
As for the penalty called on Dion Dawkins....You make the call:
Refs call holding on a textbook play by Dion Dawkins…
Kills the Bills drive and nullifies Lamar Jackson’s INT…
And right on cue, the Bills' defensive backfield steps up
It is just the fifth time Lamar Jackson has turned the ball over in the air this season, and this is by far the worst interception of the bunch. Two of them were on tipped balls, and this was just a bad overthrow. Taylor Rapp corrals the pick, and the Bills have a chance to take a lead after stealing a possession.
Everyone in the stadium thought QB sneak...except the Bills' offensive braintrust, and that was a very good decision. Eleven plays over 70 yards for the Bills, who answer the Ravens' score with a touchdown of their own to make it 7-7 with just under five minutes to go in the first quarter.
First career playoff touchdown for @Ray_Davis07!!!
Josh Allen on 4th and 2 with his legs to to get it into the red zone
He's the only player in NFL history to average 250+ passing yards and 50+ rushing yards per playoff game in his career, and he's showing off his legs early.
Yahoo Sports Staff
Bills hit a big one on 3rd down
Khalil Shakir picks up 34 yards on this 3rd and 8. The early part of this drive is looking just like the early part of the Ravens' drive.
Josh Allen and Khalil Shakir making it look easy on third down.
Lamar Jackson to Rashod Bateman for the game's first touchdown
Baltimore couldn't run the ball with Derrick Henry on that first drive, but Lamar Jackson was able to get it done through the air. Just under 11 minutes to go in the first quarter and the Ravens land the first punch.
You could see it in his fidgeting and feel it in his energy. The frustration is there for the QB who is going to have this loss mostly attributed to his two turnovers rather than what happened after them.
Nate Tice and Charles McDonald recap the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs, including Josh Allen and the Bills getting the best of Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. They also discuss Jayden Daniels' incredible performance over the Lions, Saquon Barkley's 200-yard game and the Chiefs' refereeing discourse.
Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce made just enough plays to overcome an otherwise ugly offensive day for Kansas City. That might not work next week against a much tougher opponent.
The Chiefs will be trying to make a seventh straight AFC title game, and they'll do so against a Texans team they've already beaten once. How can Houston spring the upset?
Tomlin isn’t the problem with the Steelers. Saying he is requires a belief the Steelers should have won more than 10 games this season. But the frustration from Steelers fans is valid.
The Ravens' best brand of offense this season has been running it like a service academy. In Jackson's last playoff game, the Ravens couldn’t sustain drives vs. KC. This year feels different.
The Ravens still need some help. If the Steelers and Ravens win out, Pittsburgh would win the AFC North based on the third tiebreaker, which would be a better record against common opponents.
