Buffalo defeated Jacksonville 27-24 in a playoff game that remained unsettled until the final minute. This Buffalo Bills vs Jacksonville Jaguars Match Player Stats review explains how Josh Allen’s late touchdown drive and Buffalo’s two interceptions ended the Jaguars’ season.

Jacksonville gained more total yards and controlled the ground game. Buffalo answered by protecting the football on offense, converting both fourth-down attempts, and scoring on every red-zone visit.

Allen completed 28 of 35 passes for 273 yards and one touchdown. He also ran for two scores, including the winning 1-yard touchdown with 1:04 remaining. Cole Bishop then intercepted Trevor Lawrence on Jacksonville’s next offensive play to close the game.

Match Overview

Buffalo entered as the AFC’s sixth seed with a 12-5 regular-season record. Jacksonville hosted the game as the third seed after winning the AFC South at 13-4.

The result sent Buffalo to the AFC Divisional Round. Jacksonville’s first playoff appearance since the 2022 season ended at home.

Pre-Match Context

Jacksonville entered the postseason on an eight-game winning streak. The Jaguars had secured the AFC South title and the No. 3 seed by finishing 13-4, including a 10-2 record against AFC opponents.

Buffalo finished second in the AFC East at 12-5. The Bills had won five of their final six regular-season games, but they entered Jacksonville carrying an eight-game road playoff losing streak. Their previous postseason victory away from home came on January 17, 1993, against Miami.

The all-time series stood level at 10 wins each before kickoff. Jacksonville had also won both previous playoff meetings, beating Buffalo in the 1996 and 2017 postseasons.

Buffalo had won the most recent regular-season meeting 47-10 in September 2024. That result had little effect on this matchup because Jacksonville entered with a different coaching staff, a division title, and home-field advantage.

Quarter-by-Quarter Score

Buffalo led after each of the first three quarters. The lead changed four times in the fourth quarter before Allen’s second rushing touchdown settled the score.

Quarter-by-Quarter Game Breakdown

First Quarter: Buffalo Converts the First Turnover

Both teams punted on their opening possessions. Jacksonville then moved from its 20-yard line to the 40 before Lawrence attempted a deep throw for Parker Washington.

Linebacker Shaq Thompson tracked Lawrence’s eyes, intercepted the pass at Buffalo’s 48, and returned it 19 yards to the Jacksonville 33. The Bills could not turn the short field into a touchdown, gaining only one net yard on four plays.

Matt Prater still converted the turnover into points with a 50-yard field goal. Buffalo ended the quarter ahead 3-0 despite producing only one scoring possession.

Second Quarter: Jacksonville Responds Before Buffalo Drives 92 Yards

Jacksonville answered the interception with a seven-play, 65-yard touchdown drive. Rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten supplied runs of 20, 14, and 13 yards before Lawrence found Brian Thomas Jr. for a 3-yard touchdown.

The Jaguars then created another opportunity on special teams. LeQuint Allen forced Ray Davis to fumble the following kickoff return, and Devin Lloyd recovered at the Buffalo 36.

Jacksonville reached the Buffalo 9 but failed on fourth-and-2. Lawrence appeared to reach the line to gain on a scramble, but a replay review placed him short.

Buffalo responded with a 10-play, 92-yard drive. Allen connected with Keon Coleman for 36 yards and finished the possession with a 2-yard rushing touchdown, putting the Bills ahead 10-7.

Jacksonville nearly tied the game before halftime. The Jaguars drove 61 yards from their own 3, but Cam Little’s 54-yard field-goal attempt struck the left upright.

Third Quarter: Both Kickers Add Points

Buffalo controlled the first possession of the second half for 6:48. The Bills ran 11 plays and advanced 45 net yards before Prater made a 47-yard field goal.

Jacksonville answered without abandoning the run. The Jaguars gained 40 yards in six plays, setting up Little’s successful 43-yard kick. Buffalo still led 13-10.

The Bills then lost 10 yards on a three-play possession and punted. Jacksonville began a long drive late in the quarter and carried it into the fourth, creating the first of four lead changes in the final period.

Fourth Quarter: Four Lead Changes and a Final Interception

Lawrence completed the drive with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Washington, giving Jacksonville a 17-13 lead with 12:55 remaining.

Buffalo answered with nine plays covering 65 yards. Allen completed passes to Khalil Shakir, Dawson Knox, and Brandin Cooks before hitting Dalton Kincaid for a 15-yard touchdown.

Jacksonville regained the lead with a 10-play, 77-yard drive. Lawrence found Travis Etienne Jr. for a 14-yard touchdown, moving the Jaguars ahead 24-20 with 4:03 left.

Allen then directed Buffalo’s final scoring possession. His 36-yard completion to Cooks moved the ball from the Buffalo 44 to the Jacksonville 20. On fourth-and-1 from the 11, Allen gained 10 yards on a quarterback sneak.

Jacksonville allowed Allen to score from the 1 to preserve time for its offense. The touchdown put Buffalo ahead 27-24 with 1:04 remaining.

On Jacksonville’s next play, Tre’Davious White tipped Lawrence’s pass intended for Jakobi Meyers. Bishop intercepted it at the Jacksonville 35, allowing Buffalo to end the game in victory formation.

Team Stats Comparison

Jacksonville averaged more yards per play and nearly doubled Buffalo’s rushing total. Buffalo controlled the ball longer and produced the stronger results on fourth down, in the red zone, and in turnover margin.

Jacksonville’s 359 total yards included 154 on the ground. Buffalo gained fewer total yards but recorded 261 net passing yards after accounting for its only sack allowed.

Key Numbers That Decided the Game

The turnover numbers mattered at both ends of the game. Thompson’s interception led to Buffalo’s opening field goal, while Bishop’s interception prevented Jacksonville from attempting a tying drive.

Fourth down created another separation point. Jacksonville failed from the Buffalo 9, and the Bills immediately drove 92 yards for a touchdown. Buffalo later converted fourth-and-1 during the winning possession.

The red-zone totals followed the same pattern. Buffalo scored touchdowns on all three trips inside the Jacksonville 20. The Jaguars scored on three of four visits, with their only failure coming after the recovered kickoff fumble.

Buffalo Bills Full Box Score

The Buffalo Bills vs Jacksonville Jaguars Match Player Stats show that Buffalo built its offense around Allen’s passing and short-yardage rushing. Jacksonville limited James Cook, but Allen completed 80 percent of his throws without an interception.

Buffalo Passing

Allen lost 12 yards on one sack, leaving Buffalo with 261 net passing yards. His longest completion went for 36 yards.

Buffalo Rushing

Jacksonville prevented Cook from controlling the game on the ground. Buffalo instead used Allen for short-yardage conversions and both rushing touchdowns.

Buffalo Receiving

Shakir gave Allen a steady option underneath by catching all 12 of his targets. Cooks and Coleman supplied the two 36-yard gains that supported Buffalo’s longest touchdown drives.

Buffalo Defense

Buffalo’s defense allowed three touchdown passes but produced the game’s two interceptions. White and Bishop combined on the final takeaway, while Thompson’s earlier interception created the opening score.

Buffalo Kicking

Prater made field goals from 50 and 47 yards. He also converted all three extra points.

Buffalo Returns

Davis produced a long return of 34 yards but lost a second-quarter fumble. Jacksonville recovered that ball at the Buffalo 36.

Buffalo Punting

Wishnowsky’s longest punt traveled 47 yards. Jacksonville did not record a punt-return yard.

Jacksonville Jaguars Full Box Score

Jacksonville ran for 154 yards and scored on three Lawrence touchdown passes. The Jaguars gained more total yards than Buffalo, but two interceptions and one failed fourth-down attempt stopped important possessions.

Jacksonville Passing

Lawrence lost two yards on one sack. His three touchdowns went to Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, and Travis Etienne Jr.

Jacksonville Rushing

Tuten’s four carries included gains of 20, 14, and 13 yards on Jacksonville’s first touchdown drive. Etienne led the team in rushing with 67 yards.

Jacksonville Receiving

Washington recorded the game’s only 100-yard receiving performance. Etienne caught all five of his targets and gave Jacksonville its final lead with a fourth-quarter touchdown.

Jacksonville Defense

Jacksonville limited Buffalo to 79 rushing yards and held Cook to 46. The defense could not stop Buffalo’s final two fourth-quarter touchdown drives.

Jacksonville Kicking

Little made a 43-yard field goal in the third quarter. His 54-yard attempt hit the left upright on the final play before halftime.

Jacksonville Returns

Jacksonville totaled 75 yards on four kickoff returns. The Jaguars did not record a punt return.

Jacksonville Punting

Cooke averaged 50 yards per punt and produced a long of 58 yards.

Top Performers

Josh Allen

Allen completed 80 percent of his passes and did not give Jacksonville a turnover. When the Jaguars limited Cook, Buffalo moved more of the short-yardage responsibility to its quarterback. Allen converted fourth down twice and scored on runs of 2 and 1 yards. 

His final possession covered 66 yards in nine plays after Jacksonville had moved ahead. The 36-yard throw to Cooks changed the field position, and Allen’s 10-yard fourth-down sneak placed the ball at the 1 for the winning score.

Khalil Shakir

Shakir caught every pass Allen directed toward him. Most of his work came through short and intermediate routes, giving Buffalo a way to stay ahead of the down when the running game produced limited space. His 12 receptions accounted for more than 40 percent of Allen’s completed passes. 

Shakir did not score, but his repeated catches helped Buffalo possess the ball for nearly eight minutes longer than Jacksonville. That possession advantage reduced the number of opportunities available to the Jaguars’ productive rushing attack.

Shaq Thompson

Thompson played after entering the weekend with a questionable designation because of a neck injury. He led Buffalo with eight combined tackles and produced the first turnover. Lawrence tried to find Washington down the seam during Jacksonville’s second possession, but Thompson moved into the passing lane and returned the interception to the Jaguars’ 33. 

Buffalo gained only one net yard after the takeaway, yet Prater converted the field position into three points. Thompson’s play gave the Bills the first lead and forced Jacksonville to respond from behind.

Parker Washington

Washington led both teams in receiving yards and produced Jacksonville’s first lead of the second half. His 6-yard touchdown completed an 11-play drive that crossed the third-quarter break. He also made a 34-yard reception that helped Jacksonville create its missed field-goal attempt before halftime.

Washington received 12 targets, twice as many as any other Jaguars player. Buffalo limited several of Jacksonville’s other receivers, making Washington the main downfield option as Lawrence tried to answer each Buffalo scoring drive.

Travis Etienne Jr.

Etienne led Jacksonville in rushing and caught all five of his targets. His 67 rushing yards came on only 10 carries, helping the Jaguars average 6.7 yards per rushing attempt as a team. He also supplied 49 receiving yards, including the 14-yard touchdown that put Jacksonville ahead with just over four minutes left. The scoring play completed a 77-yard possession and forced Buffalo to produce a touchdown rather than settle for a field goal on its final meaningful drive.

Starting Lineups

Offensive Starting Lineups

Buffalo opened with a fullback and one tight end. Jacksonville used two starting tight ends alongside Washington and Meyers.

Walker Little started at left tackle because Cole Van Lanen could not play with a knee injury.

Defensive Starting Lineups

Both defenses opened with four defensive linemen or edge players, three linebackers, two cornerbacks, and two safeties.

Buffalo started Thompson in place of Terrel Bernard. Thompson responded with the interception that created the game’s first points.

Injury Report

Buffalo entered without several defensive players and then lost two receivers during the game. Jacksonville’s main pregame absence came at left tackle.

Bernard’s absence moved more responsibility to Thompson and Milano at linebacker. Jacksonville replaced Van Lanen with Little, who had started the first 12 regular-season games at left tackle.

Buffalo’s receiver depth changed during the game. Davis and Shavers both suffered torn ACLs, although Shavers returned and played during the second half.

Season Series and Head-to-Head History

This was the teams’ only meeting during the 2025 season. Buffalo’s playoff victory gave it a 1-0 season advantage and an 11-10 lead in the all-time series.

Buffalo now leads the complete series 11-10. Jacksonville still leads the postseason series 2-1 after wins in the 1996 and 2017 playoffs.

AFC Conference Standings Entering the Playoffs

Jacksonville earned the third seed as an AFC South champion. Buffalo entered as the sixth seed after finishing behind New England in the AFC East.

Buffalo advanced from the sixth seed and moved on to face top-seeded Denver. Jacksonville’s position as the third seed gave it home-field advantage only for the Wild Card Round.

Broadcast and Streaming Information

Jim Nantz handled play-by-play, Tony Romo served as analyst, and Tracy Wolfson reported from the sideline.

Conclusion

Buffalo’s victory ended a road playoff losing streak that had lasted since the 1992 AFC Championship Game. The Bills advanced to face the top-seeded Denver Broncos in the Divisional Round, although injuries to Davis and Shavers reduced their available receiving depth for the next stage.

Jacksonville moved into the offseason after winning the AFC South and returning to the playoffs for the first time since the 2022 season. The Jaguars had built a late lead and generated enough offense to remain in front, but their final defensive possession and final offensive play changed the result.

Their offseason review would include fourth-down execution, late-game pass coverage, and the two throws that Buffalo intercepted. The division title still gave Jacksonville a base for its 2026 planning, while Buffalo continued its postseason on the road.

For more match updates, read: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Houston Texans Match Player Stats

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the Buffalo Bills vs Jacksonville Jaguars playoff game?

The Buffalo Bills won 27-24 on January 11, 2026. Josh Allen scored the winning 1-yard touchdown with 1:04 left in the fourth quarter.

What were Josh Allen’s player stats against Jacksonville?

Allen completed 28 of 35 passes for 273 yards and one touchdown. He also rushed 11 times for 33 yards and two touchdowns.

What were Trevor Lawrence’s stats against Buffalo?

Lawrence completed 18 of 30 passes for 207 yards and three touchdowns. He threw two interceptions, including one on Jacksonville’s final possession.

Who led the game in receiving yards?

Parker Washington led all receivers with seven catches for 107 yards and one touchdown. Khalil Shakir led Buffalo with 12 receptions for 82 yards.

How did Buffalo stop Jacksonville’s final drive?

Tre’Davious White deflected Lawrence’s first pass of the possession. Cole Bishop intercepted the tipped ball, allowing Buffalo to end the game in victory formation.

What decided the Bills-Jaguars playoff game?

Buffalo converted both fourth downs, scored on all three red-zone visits, and produced two interceptions. Jacksonville finished 0-for-1 on fourth down and committed two turnovers.

Where are the full Buffalo Bills vs Jacksonville Jaguars Match Player Stats?

The complete passing, rushing, receiving, defensive, kicking, return, punting, lineup, injury, scoring, and team comparison tables appear in the sections above.