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Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen delivered what should have been the game-winning pass against the Denver Broncos, only to have it turn into a freak interception that led to a 33-30 loss.
During overtime of the AFC Divisional Round game on Saturday, Allen threw a deep pass right into the hands of wide receiver Brandin Cooks that would have put the Bills in game-winning field goal range.
But as Cooks went to the ground with the pigskin, the ball rolled into a position where Broncos defensive back Ja’Quan McMillian was able to scoop it away for an interception as Cooks lay on his back.
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Denver Broncos cornerback Ja’quan McMillian (29) intercepts a pass intended for Buffalo Bills wide receiver Brandin Cooks (18) during overtime of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Empower Field at Mile High. (Ron Chenoy/Imagn Images)
The instant replay review showed that Cooks was down on the ground with the ball, which would typically end the play and give the Bills a completion. But enough of the ball was already in McMillan’s arms when Cooks hit the ground that the officials didn’t reverse the call after looking at it.
Denver Broncos cornerback Ja’quan McMillian (29) intercepts a pass intended for Buffalo Bills wide receiver Brandin Cooks (18) during overtime of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Empower Field at Mile High. (Ron Chenoy/Imagn Images)
Broncos quarterback Bo Nix continued to lead Denver into game-winning field goal territory, aided by two big pass interference calls by the Bills defense. Matt Prater got a 50-year-old man to send the Broncos to the AFC Championship game.
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Many fans on social media scrutinized the referees’ decision to call the game an interception.
“I’m sorry, but no way is this a wiretapping,” one user wrote.
Another user wrote: “It’s not a wiretapping.”
Another user wrote: “Chefs had it.”
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Allen, who had not turned the ball over in his previous six playoff appearances, threw two interceptions and lost two fumbles on strip sacks by Nik Bonitto. PJ Locke also picked off Allen, ending the QB’s streak of 204 consecutive postseason completions.
Allen would finish the game with 283 yards and three touchdowns to go with the two interceptions. McMillian’s controversial pickoff was Denver’s fifth takeaway of the game and would be Allen’s final pass of the season.
DENVER, COLORADO – JANUARY 17: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills throws a pass against the Denver Broncos in the third quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Empower Field At Mile High on January 17, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
The loss continued a trend of dramatic playoff heartbreak due to unusual moments in Buffalo history.
The Broncos will face either New England or Houston for the AFC title next Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High, where Denver has won 14 of its last 15 games.
It will be Denver’s first AFC Championship in exactly 10 years since the “No Fly Zone” defense that helped them win Super Bowl 50.
