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NFL · Wild Card · January 12, 2025 · 12 min read

Denver Broncos vs. Buffalo Bills: 2024 Wild Card Recap

Bills defeat Broncos 31–7 in Wild Card

Jonathan Allen led Fantasy Impact as Bills prevailed in a 7–31 Wild Card finish.

Denver Broncos 7 10–8
Final 7–31
Buffalo Bills 31 14–4 Winner
Winner
Buffalo Bills
Final score
7–31
Halftime
Denver Broncos 7–10 Buffalo Bills
Top passer
Jonathan Allen
FantasyHQ MVP
Jonathan Allen
Game date
January 12, 2025

Top fantasy performers · Broncos

  • Troy Franklin
    Troy Franklin 2 REC · 54 YDS · 1 TD +3.6 Fantasy Impact
  • Riley Dixon
    Riley Dixon 1/1 · 15 YDS +3.5 Fantasy Impact
  • Marvin Mims Jr.
    Marvin Mims Jr. 2 REC · 12 YDS +0.9 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Bills

  • Jonathan Allen
    Jonathan Allen 20/34 · 287 YDS · 2 TD +18.4 Fantasy Impact
  • Curtis Samuel
    Curtis Samuel 3 REC · 68 YDS · 1 TD +7.4 Fantasy Impact
  • Ty Johnson
    Ty Johnson 2 REC · 26 YDS · 1 TD +4.2 Fantasy Impact
View Broncos vs Bills box score View all 2024 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Buffalo Bills
Final score
Buffalo Bills 31–7 Denver Broncos
Halftime
Denver Broncos 7–10 Buffalo Bills at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
Jonathan Allen
Top passer
Jonathan Allen
Biggest EPA play
(15:00) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass deep right to 1-C.Samuel for 55 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Game date
2025-01-12

Game summary

The Buffalo Bills beat the Denver Broncos 31–7 on 2025-01-12. Jonathan Allen posted a game-high +18.42 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 13 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Denver Broncos700007
Buffalo Bills371113031

Scoring Map

Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.

DENDenver Broncos
BUFBuffalo Bills

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

12 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. DENDenver Broncos
    Q1 12:43TD
    Troy Franklin

    Points+6

    Yard line
    BUF 43
    Score
    6-0

    (12:43) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 10-B.Nix pass deep right to 16-T.Franklin for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN [94-D.Smoot].

  2. DENDenver Broncos
    Q1 12:36XP
    Wil Lutz

    Points+1

    Yard line
    BUF 15
    Score
    7-0

    3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-48-M.Fraboni, Holder-9-R.Dixon.

  3. BUFBuffalo Bills
    Q1 7:10FG
    Tyler Bass

    Points+3

    Yard line
    DEN 8
    Score
    7-3

    (7:10) 2-T.Bass 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.

  4. BUFBuffalo Bills
    Q2 13:02TD
    James Cook III

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DEN 5
    Score
    7-9

    (13:02) 4-J.Cook left guard for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  5. BUFBuffalo Bills
    Q2 12:57XP
    Tyler Bass

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DEN 15
    Score
    7-10

    2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.

  6. BUFBuffalo Bills
    Q3 10:06FG
    Tyler Bass

    Points+3

    Yard line
    DEN 9
    Score
    7-13

    (10:06) 2-T.Bass 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.

  7. BUFBuffalo Bills
    Q3 3:15TD
    Jonathan Allen

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DEN 24
    Score
    7-19

    (3:15) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass deep middle to 26-Ty.Johnson for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.

  8. BUFBuffalo Bills
    Q3 3:06Safety
    Jonathan Allen

    Points+2

    Yard line
    DEN 2
    Score
    7-21

    TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 17-J.Allen pass to 0-K.Coleman is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.

  9. BUFBuffalo Bills
    Q4 15:00TD
    Curtis Samuel

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DEN 55
    Score
    7-27

    (15:00) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass deep right to 1-C.Samuel for 55 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  10. BUFBuffalo Bills
    Q4 14:49XP
    Tyler Bass

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DEN 15
    Score
    7-28

    2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.

  11. BUFBuffalo Bills
    Q4 4:41FG
    Tyler Bass

    Points+3

    Yard line
    DEN 16
    Score
    7-31

    (4:41) 2-T.Bass 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.

  12. BUFBuffalo Bills
    Q4 4:37FG
    Tyler Bass

    Points+3

    Yard line
    BUF 35
    Score
    7-31

    2-T.Bass kicks 65 yards from BUF 35 to end zone, Touchback to the DEN 30. ** Injury Update: BUF-39-C.Lewis has returned to the game.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1Jonathan AllenJonathan Allen · Buffalo Bills · Passing · +18.42 total EPA · 34 snaps · +0.54 EPA/play
  2. 2Curtis SamuelCurtis Samuel · Buffalo Bills · Receiving · +7.38 total EPA · 3 snaps · +2.46 EPA/play
  3. 3Jonathan AllenJonathan Allen · Buffalo Bills · Rushing · +4.51 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.13 EPA/play
  4. 4Ty JohnsonTy Johnson · Buffalo Bills · Receiving · +4.21 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.10 EPA/play
  5. 5Troy FranklinTroy Franklin · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +3.60 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.20 EPA/play
  6. 6Riley DixonRiley Dixon · Denver Broncos · Passing · +3.49 total EPA · 1 snaps · +3.49 EPA/play
  7. 7Khalil ShakirKhalil Shakir · Buffalo Bills · Receiving · +3.45 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.58 EPA/play
  8. 8Dalton KincaidDalton Kincaid · Buffalo Bills · Receiving · +3.39 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.13 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

Jonathan Allen

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Jonathan Allen — BUF · Passing

Jonathan Allen posted the highest total EPA (+18.42) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Buffalo Bills. Across 34 counted snaps, they averaged +0.54 EPA per play.

Jonathan Allen's top snap (+5.71 EPA): (15:00) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass deep right to 1-C.Samuel for 55 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Quarterback report card

Jonathan Allen led all passers in efficiency for Buffalo Bills, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • Jonathan AllenJonathan Allen (Buffalo Bills) · 34 dropbacks · 58.8% completion · +16.5% CPOE · +0.54 EPA/play · +18.42 total EPA
  • Bo NixBo Nix (Denver Broncos) · 28 dropbacks · 46.4% completion · -4.5% CPOE · -0.19 EPA/play · -5.24 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatDenver BroncosBuffalo Bills
Offensive EPA/play-0.125+0.233
Offensive success rate49.1%55.1%
Pass EPA/play-0.060+0.542
Rush EPA/play-0.249+0.123
Defensive EPA/play-0.233+0.125
Defensive success rate44.9%50.9%

Drive & efficiency notes

Buffalo Bills held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.23 vs -0.12), even if the scoreboard told a different story.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Denver Broncos: -0.12 EPA/play (21st percentile vs. 2024 team-game averages)
  • Buffalo Bills: +0.23 EPA/play (92nd percentile vs. 2024 team-game averages)
  • Buffalo Bills: 8 drives, +20.71 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
  • Denver Broncos: 8 drives, -7.12 total EPA, 1 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Troy FranklinDenver Broncos — Troy Franklin (Bo Nix pass) (Q1 12:43)
  • James Cook IIIBuffalo Bills — James Cook III (Q2 13:02)
  • Jonathan AllenBuffalo Bills — Jonathan Allen (Q3 3:15)
  • Curtis SamuelBuffalo Bills — Curtis Samuel (Jonathan Allen pass) (Q4 15:00)

Field goals

  • Tyler BassBuffalo Bills — Tyler Bass (Q1 7:10)
  • Tyler BassBuffalo Bills — Tyler Bass (Q3 10:06)
  • Tyler BassBuffalo Bills — Tyler Bass (Q4 4:41)
  • Tyler BassBuffalo Bills — Tyler Bass (Q4 4:37)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 7–3. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the BUF 43 (Q1 12:43) — (12:43) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 10-B.Nix pass deep right to 16-T.Franklin for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN [94-D.Smoot].; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the BUF 15 (Q1 12:36) — 3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-48-M.Fraboni, Holder-9-R.Dixon.; Buffalo Bills connected on a field goal from the DEN 8 (Q1 7:10) — (7:10) 2-T.Bass 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin..

The second quarter: Buffalo Bills won the period 7–0. Buffalo Bills found the end zone from the DEN 5 (Q2 13:02) — (13:02) 4-J.Cook left guard for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Buffalo Bills added 1 points from the DEN 15 (Q2 12:57) — 2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin..

The third quarter: Buffalo Bills won the period 11–0. Buffalo Bills connected on a field goal from the DEN 9 (Q3 10:06) — (10:06) 2-T.Bass 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.; Buffalo Bills found the end zone from the DEN 24 (Q3 3:15); Buffalo Bills registered a safety from the DEN 2 (Q3 3:06) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 17-J.Allen pass to 0-K.Coleman is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS..

The fourth quarter: Buffalo Bills won the period 13–0. Buffalo Bills found the end zone from the DEN 55 (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass deep right to 1-C.Samuel for 55 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Buffalo Bills added 1 points from the DEN 15 (Q4 14:49) — 2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.; Buffalo Bills connected on a field goal from the DEN 16 (Q4 4:41) — (4:41) 2-T.Bass 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.; Buffalo Bills connected on a field goal from the BUF 35 (Q4 4:37) — 2-T.Bass kicks 65 yards from BUF 35 to end zone, Touchback to the DEN 30. ** Injury Update: BUF-39-C.Lewis has returned to the game..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Denver Broncos (Q2 10:49) — (10:49) (Punt formation) 9-R.Dixon pass short left to 19-M.Mims to BUF 42 for 15 yards (46-J.Ingram). [WPA +14.3% · EPA +3.49]
  • Denver Broncos (Q1 12:43) — (12:43) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 10-B.Nix pass deep right to 16-T.Franklin for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN [94-D.Smoot]. [WPA +13.7% · EPA +4.22]
  • Denver Broncos (Q2 0:05) — (:05) 3-W.Lutz 50 yard field goal is No Good, Hit Right Upright, Center-48-M.Fraboni, Holder-9-R.Dixon. [WPA -9.3% · EPA -1.97]
  • Denver Broncos (Q1 13:37) — (13:37) (Shotgun) 10-B.Nix pass deep middle to 14-C.Sutton to BUF 49 for 19 yards (3-D.Hamlin). [WPA +8.4% · EPA +2.66]
  • Denver Broncos (Q2 0:15) — (:15) (Shotgun) 10-B.Nix pass deep right to 14-C.Sutton to BUF 32 for 21 yards (47-C.Benford). [WPA +7.7% · EPA +1.24]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Buffalo Bills (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass deep right to 1-C.Samuel for 55 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +1.9% · EPA +5.71]
  • Denver Broncos (Q1 12:43) — (12:43) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 10-B.Nix pass deep right to 16-T.Franklin for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN [94-D.Smoot]. [WPA +13.7% · EPA +4.22]
  • Buffalo Bills (Q3 3:15) — (3:15) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass deep middle to 26-Ty.Johnson for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands. [WPA +7.2% · EPA +3.80]
  • Denver Broncos (Q2 10:49) — (10:49) (Punt formation) 9-R.Dixon pass short left to 19-M.Mims to BUF 42 for 15 yards (46-J.Ingram). [WPA +14.3% · EPA +3.49]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q1 12:43 · BUF 43 · Score 6-0
    (12:43) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 10-B.Nix pass deep right to 16-T.Franklin for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN [94-D.Smoot].
  2. Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q1 12:36 · BUF 15 · Score 7-0
    3-W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-48-M.Fraboni, Holder-9-R.Dixon.
  3. Buffalo Bills FG (+3) — Q1 7:10 · DEN 8 · Score 7-3
    (7:10) 2-T.Bass 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.
  4. Buffalo Bills TD (+6) — Q2 13:02 · DEN 5 · Score 7-9
    (13:02) 4-J.Cook left guard for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  5. Buffalo Bills XP (+1) — Q2 12:57 · DEN 15 · Score 7-10
    2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.
  6. Buffalo Bills FG (+3) — Q3 10:06 · DEN 9 · Score 7-13
    (10:06) 2-T.Bass 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.
  7. Buffalo Bills TD (+6) — Q3 3:15 · DEN 24 · Score 7-19
    (3:15) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass deep middle to 26-Ty.Johnson for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.
  8. Buffalo Bills Safety (+2) — Q3 3:06 · DEN 2 · Score 7-21
    TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 17-J.Allen pass to 0-K.Coleman is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
  9. Buffalo Bills TD (+6) — Q4 15:00 · DEN 55 · Score 7-27
    (15:00) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass deep right to 1-C.Samuel for 55 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  10. Buffalo Bills XP (+1) — Q4 14:49 · DEN 15 · Score 7-28
    2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.
  11. Buffalo Bills FG (+3) — Q4 4:41 · DEN 16 · Score 7-31
    (4:41) 2-T.Bass 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.
  12. Buffalo Bills FG (+3) — Q4 4:37 · BUF 35 · Score 7-31
    2-T.Bass kicks 65 yards from BUF 35 to end zone, Touchback to the DEN 30. ** Injury Update: BUF-39-C.Lewis has returned to the game.

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.

  • Buffalo Bills earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
  • Jonathan Allen (Buffalo Bills) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
  • Jonathan Allen (BUF) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
  • Bo Nix (DEN) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills on 2025-01-12?

The Buffalo Bills beat the Denver Broncos 31-7 in Wild Card, 2024.

What was the score by quarter in Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills?

Q1: Denver Broncos 7, Buffalo Bills 3; Q2: Denver Broncos 0, Buffalo Bills 7; Q3: Denver Broncos 0, Buffalo Bills 11; Q4: Denver Broncos 0, Buffalo Bills 13; Final: Denver Broncos 7, Buffalo Bills 31.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills?

Denver Broncos touchdown — T. Franklin (B. Nix pass) (Q1 12:43) Buffalo Bills touchdown — J. Cook (Q2 13:02) Buffalo Bills touchdown — J. Allen (Q3 3:15) Buffalo Bills touchdown — C. Samuel (J. Allen pass) (Q4 15:00) Buffalo Bills field goal — T. Bass (Q1 7:10, 3 pts) Buffalo Bills field goal — T. Bass (Q3 10:06, 3 pts) Buffalo Bills field goal — T. Bass (Q4 4:41, 3 pts) Buffalo Bills field goal — T. Bass (Q4 4:37, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills?

Jonathan Allen (Buffalo Bills), 58.8% completion, +16.5% CPOE, +0.54 EPA per dropback, +18.42 total passing EPA. Bo Nix (Denver Broncos), 46.4% completion, -4.5% CPOE, -0.19 EPA per dropback, -5.24 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills?

Jonathan Allen (Buffalo Bills) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +18.42 total EPA on Passing plays. across 34 snaps. Their top snap (+5.71 EPA): (15:00) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass deep right to 1-C.Samuel for 55 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

Season records after this game

Denver Broncos

Entered 10-7 Now 10-8 L

Buffalo Bills

Entered 13-4 Now 14-4 W

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