Bills vs. Broncos score: Inexcusable mistake costs Buffalo as Denver pulls out win with last-second field goal

In a game that could be best be described as whacky, the Buffalo Bills committed an unbelievable penalty that cost them the game and potentially a playoff spot down the road. 

The Bills appeared to win the game when Wil Lutz missed a field goal with seconds left. But the Bills had 12 men on the field, which resulted in Lutz hitting his do-ever and lifting the Denver Broncos to a 24-22 win. 

Monday’s night game was a wild one that saw the Broncos botch two point-after attempts before Lutz hit the game-winner as time expired. While the penalty was the nail in the coffin, the Bills were also done in by four turnovers that included a pair of Josh Allen interceptions. 

Conversely, the Broncos received a strong performance from Russell Wilson, who set up Lutz’s game-winning kick when he threw a desperation heave to Jerry Jeudy that drew a pass interference call against Taron Johnson. Wilson went 24 of 29 on the night that included touchdown passes to Courtland Sutton and Javonte Williams. 

Here’s a closer look at the craziness that ensued in Buffalo. 

Why the Broncos won 

Denver did just enough to win its third straight game. Denver’s first and last points of the first half came off of turnovers that proved to be critical to the final outcome. The first turnover was Ja’Quan McMillian forcing a James Cook fumble on the first play of scrimmage. Fabian Moreau’s pick of Allen just before halftime set up Lutz’s second field goal to give Denver a 15-8 lead at intermission. 

The Broncos’ defense then recorded a turnover on downs and a fumble of Allen, who was trying to execute a handoff with Cook. It was another impressive game for a Denver defense that entered the game as the 32nd-ranked scoring unit. 

Denver’s defense continuously gave its offense exceptional field position. And while the offense didn’t always take advantage of it, Wilson and Co. carried their weight while scoring points on their final two drives. 

With the score tied, Wilson led a 12-play, 54-yard scoring drive that was punctuated by his three-yard touchdown pass to Williams, who had 110 total yards on the night. After Buffalo took its first lead moments later, the Broncos drove 57 yards on 10 plays to win the game. 

Why the Bills lost 

Mistakes continue to plague the Bills, who are now 5-5 and in 10th place in the AFC standings. Allen had three turnovers Monday night; his 11 interceptions and 13 total turnovers this season are both NFL highs. 

Turnovers aside, Allen struggled to find his rhythm. He threw for just 177 yards and completed just three passes to Stefon Diggs. Buffalo did have success on the ground, led by Cook’s 109 yards that included a whacky 42-yard run that saw him recover his own fumble and run for 29 more yards on Buffalo’s go-ahead drive late in the game. Latavius Murray contributed to the cause with 68 yards and a touchdown on nine carries. 

Defensively, the Bills struggled to contain Wilson, who at times looked like he did when he was in his prime. But despite all of their issues, the Bills would have won the game if not for their special teams gaffe on the final play. 

Turning point 

As alluded to earlier, the game appeared to be a wrap when Lutz’s 41-yard attempt went wide right with four seconds left. But the penalty for too many men on the field gave Lutz a second chance, which he took full advantage of. 

Another notable turning point in the game occurred with the score tied and the Broncos facing a third-and-10 on their own 46 with 11:42 left. On the play, Wilson found Jerry Jeudy for a 19-yard gain to keep the drive alive. Wilson later flipped the ball to Samaje Perine or another big third-down conversion before connecting with Williams for the go-ahead score. 

Play of the game 

This is a no-brainer. The game’s best play was Sutton’s incredible touchdown catch in the first half that saw him keep both feet in bounds as he was falling to the ground. 

Quotables 

“Our defense has been unbelievable. Everybody was talking stuff about them. I know how good they are. I play them every day and how great they are.” — Wilson during his postgame interview with ESPN

What’s next 

The Bills will host the New York Jets, who fell to the Raiders this past Sunday to fall to 4-5 on the season. The Broncos will host the red-hot Vikings, who have won five straight games. Minnesota’s last two wins have come with recently-acquired Josh Dobbs under center.