Josh Allen controversial interception call ends Bills playoff run
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Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen threw what should have been the game-winning pass against the Denver Broncos, but it turned into a freak interception that led to a 33-30 loss. Allen was later seen crying at the post-match press conference over the surprising defeat.
During overtime of Saturday’s AFC Divisional Round game, Allen threw a deep pass into the hands of wide receiver Brandin Cooks that would put the Bills in game-winning field goal range.
But as Cooks came down with a pigskin, the ball came into such a position that Broncos linebacker Ja’Quan McMillian intervened by grabbing the ball as Cooks lay on his back.
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Denver Broncos cornerback Ja’quan McMillian (29) intercepts a pass to Buffalo Bills wide receiver Brandin Cooks (18) during overtime of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Empower Field at Mile High. (Ron Chenoy/Imagn Images)
Instant replay review showed Cooks went down and gained possession of the ball; which would usually end the game and give the Bills the completion. But most of the ball was already in McMillan’s arms when Cooks fell to the ground, and officials did not overturn the call after reviewing the ball.
Denver Broncos cornerback Ja’quan McMillian (29) intercepts a pass to Buffalo Bills wide receiver Brandin Cooks (18) during overtime of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Empower Field at Mile High. (Ron Chenoy/Imagn Images)
Broncos quarterback Bo Nix continued to lead Denver into game-winning field goal territory with the help of two big pass interference calls by the Bills defense. Matt Prater nailed a 50-year-old homer to send the Broncos to the AFC Championship game.
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Many fans on social media carefully scrutinized the referees’ decision to call it an intervention.
“I’m sorry but this is not an intervention in any case,” one user wrote.
“This is not an intervention,” another user wrote.
“There were cooks,” another user wrote.
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Allen, who had not turned the ball over in his previous six playoff games, had two interceptions and two turnovers on strip sacks by Nik Bonitto. PJ Locke also struck out Allen, ending the QB’s streak of 204 consecutive postseason completions.
Allen would finish the game with 283 yards and three touchdowns after two interceptions. McMillian’s controversial pick was Denver’s fifth out of the game and would be Allen’s final pass of the season.
After the game, Allen walked to the press box in tears.
“I let my teammates down tonight,” Allen said, choking up.
DENVER, COLORADO – JANUARY 17: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills throws a pass against the Denver Broncos during the third quarter of an AFC Division Playoff game at Empower Field At Mile High on January 17, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo: Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
The loss continued a trend of dramatic playoff heartbreak due to unusual moments in Buffalo 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.
This would be Denver’s first AFC championship in exactly 10 years since the “No-Fly Zone” defense that helped them win Super Bowl 50.
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