NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen delivered the pass that should have won the game against the Denver Broncos, only to turn into a foul interception that led to a 33-30 loss.
During overtime of Saturday’s AFC Divisional Round game, Allen threw a deep pass directly into the hands of wide receiver Brandin Cooks that would have put the Bills in game-winning field goal range.
But as Cooks fell to the ground with the pigskin, the ball rolled into a position where Broncos defensive back Ja’Quan McMillian was able to snatch it for an interception while Cooks was lying on his back.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
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)
Instant replay review showed Cooks on the ground with possession of the ball, which usually ended the play and awarded the Bills the completion. But enough of the ball was already in McMillan’s arms by the time Cooks hit the ground that officials didn’t overturn the call after reviewing 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 then led Denver into game-winning field goal territory, aided by two significant pass interference calls from the Bills defense. Matt Prater nailed a 50 to send the Broncos to the AFC Championship Game.
FOX SUPER 6 CONTEST: CHRIS ‘THE BEAR’ FALLICA’S NFL DIVISION ROUND PREDICTIONS
Many fans on social media scrutinized the referees’ decision to call the play an interception.
“I’m sorry, but this is in no way an interception,” one user wrote.
Another user wrote: “This is not an interception.”
Another user wrote: “The cooks had it. »
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PK Press Club APP
Allen, who had not turned the ball over in his previous six playoff appearances, threw two interceptions and lost two fumbles on Nik Bonitto strip-sacks. 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 along with the two interceptions. McMillian’s controversial putback 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 during 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 dramatic trend of postseason heartbreak due to unusual moments in Buffalo’s history.
The Broncos will face 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.
This will be Denver’s first AFC championship in exactly 10 years, since the “No Fly Zone” defense helped them win Super Bowl 50.
