NFL fans often use the phrase “frozen tundra” to describe the conditions at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. But on Sunday night, it could have been used to describe the field at Highmark Stadium for the playoff game between the Buffalo Bills and the Baltimore Ravens.
Temperatures in Orchard Park, New York, dropped to around 16 degrees as light snow fell on the countryside. It made the ball slippery and harder to catch, plus it made the tackles hurt a little more.
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Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen passes against the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter of their divisional playoff game, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in Orchard Park, New York. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
The Bills held the lead in the fourth quarter with two field goals by Tyler Bass and won the game, 27-25.
It was the Ravens who felt the impact of the conditions late in the game.
Lamar Jackson found tight end Mark Andrews for a 16-yard completion with 8:50 left in the game. But Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard knocked the ball out of Andrews’ hands and Buffalo recovered the fumble. It was one of three turnovers Baltimore committed.
It was far from over.
Jackson and the Ravens could still tie the game. He led the team on an eight-play, 88-yard drive that ended with a 24-yard touchdown pass to Isiah Likely. The Ravens were down by two points.
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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) hands the ball to running back Derrick Henry during the first quarter Sunday night. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Baltimore set up for the 2-point conversion attempt. Jackson came out to his right and left Andrews open. The ball fell into the veteran tight end’s hands, but he couldn’t catch it. The Bills breathed a sigh of relief and closed out the game.
Josh Allen finished with two rushing touchdowns in the game. He completed 16 of 22 passes for 127 yards.
For the Ravens, their magical season came to an end.
Jackson was 18 of 25 with 254 passing yards, two touchdown passes and one interception. The Bills defense limited Derrick Henry to 84 rushing yards. It was the fewest yards he had since December 15 against the New York Giants.
The Bills will next face the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship with a trip to Super Bowl LIX on the line. Buffalo beat Kansas City on November 17, 30-21.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir (10) celebrates with quarterback Josh Allen (17) and tight end Dawson Knox after a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter on Sunday. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Buffalo has not reached a Super Bowl since the 1993 season. They have never won a Super Bowl. It will be their first conference championship game since the 2020 season. They lost to the Chiefs in that game.
