The Denver Broncos’ season came to a crashing halt as they fell to the Buffalo Bills 31-7 in the AFC Wild Card game. While the final score paints a picture of dominance, the game felt closer until the latter stages, with Denver trailing just 13-7 midway through the third quarter. Ultimately, the Broncos’ offensive struggles and inability to control the trenches sealed their fate against a formidable Buffalo team led by quarterback Josh Allen.
A Promising Start, But Short-Lived Momentum
Denver’s opening drive showed promise as rookie quarterback Bo Nix connected with Troy Franklin for a 43-yard touchdown, providing a spark of optimism. However, that initial momentum fizzled out as the Broncos’ offense failed to sustain drives, and the team struggled to execute in critical moments.
The Broncos’ defense did its best to hold off the Bills, keeping the game within reach for much of the first three quarters. However, a combination of fatigue and the overwhelming time of possession disparity—Buffalo controlled the ball for 41 minutes compared to Denver’s 18—left the defense unable to hold off Allen and the Bills’ offense any longer.
The Trench Battle and Time of Possession
The Broncos’ inability to establish a ground game or stop Buffalo’s rushing attack proved disastrous. Denver was outrushed 210-79, exposing weaknesses in their offensive and defensive lines. The lack of a competent running game placed additional pressure on Nix, who performed admirably despite little support from his running backs or offensive line.
Buffalo’s sustained drives kept Denver’s defense on the field far too long. The Bills frequently chewed up the clock with five-minute-plus possessions, capitalizing on Denver’s failure to maintain drives or flip the field.
Penalties and Missed Opportunities
While some fans may point to officiating as a contributing factor in the loss, it’s a simplistic narrative that doesn’t address Denver’s core issues. A questionable penalty on Brandon Jones and a flag on Marvin Mims at the end of the first half may have hurt Denver’s chances, but the Broncos also benefited from missed calls against their defense.
Special teams woes compounded Denver’s struggles, as kicker Will Lutz missed a 50-yard field goal attempt late in the first half. If Denver had been eight yards closer, it might have been a different story—but even with a made kick, it’s hard to imagine the outcome changing dramatically.
Offense Fails to Deliver
At the heart of Denver’s struggles was an ineffectual offense that lacked balance. Bo Nix finished the game as the team’s leading rusher, a glaring indictment of Denver’s running backs. Javonte Williams, in what is likely his final game as a Bronco, managed just 29 yards on seven carries.
The Broncos have now gone two consecutive regular seasons without a 100-yard rusher in a game, a troubling statistic that underscores the urgency of addressing the running back position in the offseason. Denver’s inability to run the ball limited their ability to control the clock and keep Josh Allen on the sideline—a critical strategy for defeating the Bills.
A Season of Progress Despite Disappointment
Despite the lopsided loss, the Broncos exceeded expectations in 2024. They finished the regular season with 10 wins and made the playoffs for the first time since 2015, achieving significant milestones along the way. Denver swept the Raiders, defeated the Chiefs in back-to-back seasons for the first time in a decade, and secured their first postseason berth in nearly a decade.
For a team projected to win just 5.5 games in the preseason, the Broncos made meaningful strides. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix showed promise in his first playoff game, navigating a challenging situation with poise.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As the Broncos enter the offseason, the priority is clear: find a reliable running back. Denver’s inability to run the ball consistently has been a persistent issue, and addressing it through the draft or free agency is crucial. The 2025 draft class is considered deep at the running back position, giving the Broncos a prime opportunity to find their next lead rusher.
Fixing the running game would alleviate multiple issues, including time of possession imbalances and offensive inefficiency. With an improved ground attack, Denver could provide more support for Nix and give their defense much-needed rest during games.
A Bright Future
While the playoff loss stings, the Broncos’ 2024 season should be viewed as a stepping stone. Teams like Josh Allen’s Bills and Lamar Jackson’s Ravens endured early playoff struggles before achieving success, and Denver is poised to follow a similar trajectory.
Head coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton have laid a solid foundation, and with smart offseason moves, the Broncos could become a formidable contender in 2025.
To Broncos fans: the season may be over, but the journey continues. Stay tuned as we cover free agency, the draft, and all the offseason developments. Let’s keep building toward something special.
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