NEWNow you can listen to Pak Gazette articles!
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen delivered the pass that should have won the game against the Denver Broncos, only for it to turn into a bizarre interception that led to a 33-30 loss.
During overtime of the AFC Divisional Round game on Saturday, Allen threw a deep pass right into the hands of wide receiver Brandin Cooks that would have put the Bills in game-winning field goal range.
But when 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 away for an interception while Cooks was lying on his back.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com
Denver Broncos cornerback Ja’quan McMillian (29) intercepts a pass intended for Buffalo Bills receiver Brandin Cooks (18) during overtime of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Empower Field at Mile High. (Ron Chenoy/Image Images)
Instant replay review showed Cooks was on the ground with possession of the ball, which would normally end the play and give the Bills a completion. But there was enough of the ball in McMillan’s arms when Cooks fell to the ground that the referees did not reverse the decision after reviewing it.
Denver Broncos cornerback Ja’quan McMillian (29) intercepts a pass intended for Buffalo Bills receiver Brandin Cooks (18) during overtime of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Empower Field at Mile High. (Ron Chenoy/Image Images)
Broncos quarterback Bo Nix brought Denver into winning field goal territory, aided by two big pass interference calls by the Bills defense. Matt Prater dunked a 50-year-old to send the Broncos to the AFC Championship game.
FOX SUPER 6 CONTEST: CHRIS ‘THE BEAR’ FALLICA’S NFL DIVISIONAL ROUND PREDICTIONS
Many fans on social media examined the referees’ decision to call the play an interception.
“Sorry, but in no way is that an interception,” wrote one user.
Another user wrote: “That’s not an interception.”
Another user wrote: “The cooks had it.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pak Gazette APP
Allen, who had not fumbled in his previous six playoff appearances, threw two interceptions and lost two fumbles on sacks of Nik Bonitto. PJ Locke also intercepted Allen, ending the QB’s streak of 204 consecutive completions in the postseason.
Allen would finish the game with 283 yards and three touchdowns in addition to the two interceptions. McMillian’s controversial sack was Denver’s fifth sack 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 trend of dramatic playoff heartbreak due to unusual moments in Buffalo’s history.
The Broncos will face either 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.
It will be Denver’s first AFC championship in exactly 10 years, since the “No Fly Zone” defense that helped them win Super Bowl 50.
