Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills preview, team news and prediction - The Mirror

The AFC play-offs kicks off with the Broncos looking to get playoff revenge over the Denver Broncos who go into this as the top seed and have their sights set on the Super Bowl

06:00, 17 Jan 2026

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This Saturday, the top-seeded Denver Broncos will host the No. 6-seeded Buffalo Bills in the AFC playoffs. The Bills are coming off a thrilling Wild Card victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, while the Broncos enjoyed a first-round bye. These two teams faced off in the playoffs last year, with the Bills dominating in a 31-7 win.

In their latest matchup, the Bills edged out the Jaguars 27-24 in a dramatic finish. Josh Allen scored the go-ahead touchdown on a quarterback sneak in the final minute, and on Jacksonville’s ensuing drive, Trevor Lawrence’s pass to Jakobi Meyers was tipped and intercepted, sealing the win for Buffalo.

Buffalo’s biggest weakness remains their run defense, which allows 137.2 rushing yards per game—ranking 28th in the league. However, their pass defense is among the best, giving up just 159.6 passing yards per game (second overall), and only 147.7 yards per game when playing on the road.

The Broncos, meanwhile, come into this game rested after their bye. In their last outing, they easily dispatched the Chargers’ backups in Week 18. Denver’s defense leads the NFL in quarterback pressures (292) and is second against the run, allowing just 91.1 rushing yards per game.

After their win over Jacksonville, the Bills are poised to challenge Denver as well. While the Broncos boast a run defense nearly as strong as the Jaguars and generate even more pressure up front, there are questions about their offense. Denver ranks 14th in points per game (23.6), but has averaged just 19.7 points over their last three contests. Additionally, the Broncos are 18th or worse in average points scored in each of the first three quarters.

Ultimately, the edge at quarterback goes to Buffalo. Josh Allen inspires more confidence than Bo Nix. It’s also worth noting that while the Broncos won 14 games this season, 11 of those victories came by just one score.

Broncos vs Bills Prediction

  • Josh Allen first touchdown scorer - 13/2 (Betfred)
  • Under 40 points - 2/1 (Betfred)

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