NFL officials are expected to be sharp in the playoffs with a shot at the Super Bowl on the line, but fans found they missed a crucial penalty in Sunday’s game between the Buffalo Bills and the Denver Broncos.
The Bills drove down the field at halftime. Josh Allen got the offense within yards of a touchdown. On third down, Allen was forced to take a sack because there were no open receivers. But there was a reason no pass catcher could break away from his defender.
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Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is tackled by Denver Broncos defensive tackle DJ Jones during the wild-card playoff game Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, in Orchard Park, New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid appeared to be held up in the end zone by Denver Broncos defensive back Patrick Surtain II. The officials did not throw a flag on the play and the Bills were forced to settle for a field goal to make the score 13-7.
Head referee Bill Vinovich was seen talking to Allen before Buffalo turned the ball over.
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Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid is tackled by Denver Broncos linebacker Justin Strnad during the playoff game at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York on January 12, 2025. (Mark Konezny-Imagn Images)
NFL fans were not happy with the lack of a penalty, especially in such a crucial spot.
Buffalo looked to fend off any Denver comeback attempt. They managed to score a touchdown in the second half to take the lead. The Broncos had a chance to tie the game, but Will Lutz missed a field goal.
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix passes against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, in Orchard Park, New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Bo Nix started the scoring with a 43-yard touchdown pass to Troy Franklin in the first quarter. The Broncos haven’t scored since.
