Josh Allen Makes History In Bills’ Opening-Round Playoff Win

Josh Allen took the Buffalo Bills one step closer to an elusive Super Bowl title on Sunday.

Buffalo advanced past the Wild Card Round with a 27-24 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Allen earned his first road playoff victory, completing 28 of 35 passes for 273 yards and a passing touchdown with two additional rushing scores.

That gave Allen a feat never before achieved in NFL history. OptaStats noted that he became the first player to complete 80 percent of his passes (with at least five attempts) and score multiple rushing touchdowns in a playoff game.

Allen punched in a two-yard rushing touchdown to give Buffalo a 10-7 lead in the second quarter. A 15-yard passing score to Dalton Kincaid put the Bills back in front during the fourth quarter, but the Jaguars regained a 24-20 advantage with approximately four minutes remaining.

The 2024 MVP made sure his team wouldn’t go home early. Allen completed all five pass attempts on the final drive, including a 36-yard gain to Brandin Cooks, and twice extended the series with his legs.

Allen gained a first down on a 3rd-and-1 sneak early in the drive before turning a “Tush Push” into a 10-yard gain on a fourth down inside the red zone. He scored the go-ahead rushing touchdown on the next play.

Although it’s usually at home, first-round heroics are nothing new for Allen. He now has 1,996 passing yards, 16 passing touchdowns, two interceptions, 385 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns in seven career Wild Card Round games, the last six Buffalo has won.

The New England Patriots wouldn’t get a chance to play the Bills until the AFC Championship Game. If the Patriots defeat the Los Angeles Chargers, Buffalo will face the winner of Monday’s matchup between the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers.