The Buffalo Bills hold a 21-13 lead over the Denver Broncos through the first half of their game. With both teams battling the wind, the Bills’ depth and talent has been the difference-maker for consistent success so far. Buffalo’s been able to rely on playmakers like Stefon Diggs, who set the team record for catches in a season with their first play from scrimmage today.
The Broncos started the game with a solid drive, but it sputtered outside the red zone. Denver coach Vic Fangio then made a questionable decision to attempt a 51-yard field goal with his rookie replacement kicker Taylor Russolino, and it went wide right for zero points.
The Bills scored touchdowns on each of their first two drives. Dawson Knox had a pretty grab in the end zone for the first, and Josh Allen kept the ball for a zigzagging 24-yard touchdown run on the second. Following each of those touchdowns, the Bills forced punts.
Unfortunately for a Buffalo team on the verge of starting a blowout, Andre Roberts muffed the second punt return and it bounced into the arms of a Denver player. Gifted with the short field, the Broncos had enough confidence to take the ball 35 yards on five plays and score a touchdown.
After a Bills three-and-out, Corey Bojorquez forced a muffed punt by Denver with a 63-yard cannon shot. Unfortunately this one bounced to the Broncos, too. Buffalo still forced a three-and-out on the drive.
The Bills took a promising drive to the five-yard line, then committed three consecutive penalties—instead of 1st-and-goal from the five, it was 1st-and-goal from the 30. Luckily, this offense is built different. Two plays later, Allen passed to Jake Kumerow—Jake Kumerow!—for a 22-yard touchdown.
Denver wasn’t dead yet. They had their best drive of the day, a nine-play, 75-yard effort, and Drew Lock feathered in a touchdown pass to Noah Fant in the closing seconds of the half. Denver missed the extra point, so Buffalo headed into halftime with an eight-point lead.
The Bills will receive the opening kickoff of the second half. With more steady play, they’ll clinch the win and a spot on the NFL playoffs. Here’s your open thread for the second half. Go Bills!