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The divisional round brought one of the most anticipated matchups of the season. Buffalo and Baltimore, two teams built to dominate, faced off in a game that delivered everything fans hoped for. The expectations cover momentum swings, high-level quarterback play, and game-changing mistakes.
This was more than just another playoff game. It was a chess match between two coaching staffs that knew how to attack weaknesses. It was also a battle of styles, with one team relying on a physical ground game and the other built around a quarterback who could do it all.
When it was over, the final score read 27-25 in favor of Buffalo, but the path to that result was anything but simple. Here’s how it all went down.
A Game Decided by Key Mistakes
The biggest factor in this game wasn’t a single play or an unstoppable player. It was turnovers and missed opportunities.
Baltimore controlled long stretches, especially on the ground. The offensive line created lanes, and the running backs took advantage. The third quarter looked like a turning point when the Ravens put together a drive that cut the lead to 21-19. At that moment, everything seemed to shift in their favor.
Then, disaster struck. Tight end Mark Andrews lost a fumble, his first in six years. The ball hit the turf at the worst possible time, and Buffalo pounced on it. That mistake gave their offense another chance to extend the lead. A few plays later, the Bills added a field goal.
Even after that setback, Baltimore had one more shot. Lamar Jackson led an incredible drive, finishing with a clutch touchdown pass to Isaiah Likely. The Ravens lined up for the two-point conversion, needing it to tie the game. Andrews had the ball in his hands. Then he dropped it.
It’s the kind of game where every mistake is magnified, but it’s also where top players prove their worth. Buffalo’s defense, led by Terrel Bernard and Matt Milano, stepped up in crucial moments. Bernard’s forced fumble on Andrews shifted momentum, while Milano’s deflection of Jackson’s first two-point conversion attempt prevented a tie game. Meanwhile, Buffalo’s running game played a supporting role, keeping drives alive and giving their defense time to rest.
These moments reinforce why Josh Allen player odds, among other key players in Bills, are always a major discussion point. His ability to extend plays, make clutch throws, and lead game-winning drives makes him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in high-pressure situations. Even in games where the Bills lean on other contributors, everything ultimately runs through Allen.
A second missed two-point attempt earlier in the game had already cost the Ravens. This one sealed it. Four lost points in a two-point loss. The math couldn’t have been crueler.
Buffalo’s Safe but Effective Offensive Plan
Offensive game plans are always scrutinized in the playoffs. This one was simple: control the ball, move the chains, and keep the opposing offense off the field.
After falling behind early, Buffalo responded with a methodical 11-play, 70-yard drive that ended in a touchdown. It was a sign of things to come. There were no deep shots, no explosive plays. The offense relied on a mix of quarterback-designed runs, short passes, and a steady ground game.
Some of that approach was intentional. Keeping long drives going meant giving the defense a break. There was also a clear attempt to protect the ball. The fourth quarter provided the best example. Buffalo had two separate possessions that chewed up the clock. They both resulted in field goals instead of touchdowns. That nearly backfired.
A more aggressive approach might have ended the game sooner. Instead, the Bills left the door open, and the Ravens nearly walked through it.
The Defensive Difference-Makers
Buffalo’s defense nearly let this one slip away. But key plays at key moments saved them.
There was a major difference between this game and the Week 4 blowout these teams played earlier in the season. The difference? The return of two defensive playmakers.
Terrel Bernard and Matt Milano weren’t available in that earlier meeting. Without them, the defense got gashed. This time, both players were on the field. The result? It was a much tougher challenge for Baltimore’s running game.
Milano’s impact was obvious early. He deflected a two-point conversion attempt that would have tied the game at 21. He also played a huge role in keeping Lamar Jackson uncomfortable in the pocket, forcing multiple rushed throws.
Bernard made what might have been the biggest defensive play of the game. Late in the fourth quarter, with Baltimore driving and looking to take the lead, he stripped the ball from Andrews. That turnover swung everything. Without it, Buffalo might not have survived.
Lamar Jackson’s Mixed Performance
Lamar Jackson did enough to win this game. But two mistakes put his team in a bad spot.
His first turnover was an interception in the first half that felt unnecessary. His second, a fumble on a play that didn’t seem particularly dangerous, gifted Buffalo a short field. Both resulted in points for the other team.
That’s the frustrating part of this loss for Baltimore. Jackson was dominant for stretches. He led a game-tying drive in the final minutes that should have been remembered as one of his greatest postseason moments. He put the ball where it needed to be on the final two-point conversion. The Ravens might still be alive in the playoffs if it had been caught.
Instead, the mistakes stand out more than the brilliance. That’s how playoff football works.
The Rivalry Continues
This wasn’t just about one game. This was part of a much bigger story.
Buffalo and Kansas City are set to meet again in the conference championship. Since their star quarterbacks took over, these teams have built one of the best rivalries in football. This will be their fourth playoff meeting.
History isn’t on Buffalo’s side. Kansas City has knocked them out of the playoffs before. And while Buffalo won their regular season matchup this year, that was on home turf. The next game will be on the road, in one of the most challenging places to play.
Then there’s the history of heartbreak. The last time Buffalo played in this stadium in the playoffs, they lost in one of the most infamous moments in football history, a game that still haunts fans.
This time, they’ll have to prove they can finish.
Final Thoughts
Baltimore will look back on this game and wonder what could have been. The defense played well enough to win, the running game wore down the opponent, and the quarterback delivered in the clutch. But mistakes don’t get forgiven in the playoffs. Andrews’ two-point drop and late fumble were brutal. Jackson’s turnovers were costly. And maybe this will affect both teams’ Upcoming NFL Games and Props odds.
Buffalo played it safe and almost paid for it. The defense bent, but it came up with the stops it needed. Now, another massive test is ahead. One thing is sure, this game won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
Top Photo Credit: Deon A Webster
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