Twenty-five years in the making, that’s what that was Saturday afternoon for the Buffalo Bills and their long-tortured fans.
Not since 1996 had the Bills played a home playoff game, not since 1995 had they won one, but finally, the Bills got off the schneid with a thrilling 27-24 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in what became as stressful an afternoon as anyone could have imagined at Bills Stadium.
The Colts won 11 games for many reasons, and they were all on display as they pushed the Bills to the very brink and had a possession at the end of the game to either tie or win.
But the Buffalo defense, which played horribly on the previous two Colts possessions that ended in touchdowns, had the final say and prevented what would have been a gut-wrenching defeat, sending home happy, if not breathless, the first in-person crowd able to witness a game in person this season.
It came down to a Hail Mary into the end zone from the Buffalo 48, and unlike that nightmare in Arizona, this time the Bills knocked the ball down just short of the goal line and escaped with the victory.
The Bills now await their divisional round opponent, a game that will be played in Buffalo next Saturday or Sunday.
Josh Allen threw for 324 yards and two TDs plus ran for another, but it was not a great day for the offense and the Bills should feel fortunate to have survived. Rivers threw for 309, and the Colts gouged Buffalo on the ground, only to come up short because they made a bevy of mistakes and poor decisions throughout the day.
GAME RECAP LINKS:
- In heart-pounding fashion, Bills outlast Colts 27-24 in thrilling wildcard game (D&C.com)
- Bills advance to divisional round for first time since 1996 (BuffaloBills.com)
- Josh Allen scores 3 TDs, Stefon Diggs clutch in Bills’ 1st playoff win since 1995: Instant observations (Syracuse.com)
- 10 observations: Stefon Diggs, Cole Beasley contribute in a big way to Bills’ win (BuffaloNews.com)
- Takeaways: Buffalo Bills survive Indianapolis Colts to advance to divisional playoffs (BuffaloRumblings.com)
- Bills vs. Colts: Everything to know from Buffalo Wild Card win (BillsWire.com)
- Bills beat Colts 27-24, win a playoff game for the first time since ’95 (WIVB.com)
- Bills Postgame Spotlight | Buffalo Bills 27, Indianapolis Colts 24 (BuffaloBills.com)
GAME HIGHLIGHTS:
MEDIA:
BILLS WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/0v3URNxQP7
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 9, 2021
FINAL: The @BuffaloBills have won a playoff game! #BillsMafia #INDvsBUF#SuperWildCard (by @lexus) pic.twitter.com/YJoE30q6HE
— NFL (@NFL) January 9, 2021
The #Bills, with #BillsMafia finally watching in person, survive and advance.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 9, 2021
THE BILLS ARE BACK. #BillsMafia #SuperWildCard | #NFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/6MPA2vmwLp
— NFL (@NFL) January 9, 2021
All of #BillsMafia right now… pic.twitter.com/uU7yHN4tOj
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 9, 2021
BILLS WIN!!!! AHHH!
For the first time since 1995, the @BuffaloBills have won a playoff game! ??? #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/dtkrlFQrgw
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 9, 2021
LET'S GOOOOOOOO!!@DDawkins66 | @Pepsi pic.twitter.com/O638DiATcy
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 9, 2021
#Shoutout: The @buffalobills notched their first playoff win since 1995. pic.twitter.com/Y537wLGX2i
— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) January 9, 2021
This @buffalobills duo. ? #HaveADay #SuperWildCard #BillsMafia | @BuffaloBills pic.twitter.com/NtUQ1WXDm7
— NFL (@NFL) January 9, 2021
? Humble and hungry.@Pepsi #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/7CJOB2Xopn
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 9, 2021
The @BuffaloBills are movin' on!! Let the celebration begin #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/O2k9MvZq4w
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 9, 2021
#BillsMafia Mania. #SuperWildCard #NFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/sm84NsSaAo
— NFL (@NFL) January 9, 2021
See you next week, @BuffaloBills! #BillsMafia #NFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/QogztJBaSv
— NFL (@NFL) January 9, 2021
THE BIGGEST MOOD. @JoshAllenQB | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/LuwWKyDHIF
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 9, 2021
We're LIVE for Bills Tonight after our Wild Card win over the Colts! #BillsMafia
Stay tuned to hear from QB Josh Allen, HC Sean McDermott and more. https://t.co/n1Kn0JUZVp
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 9, 2021
BEEN A WHILE BILLS MAFIA! ………. check this out tho! ???? ???BIG DUBS!!!!!!!! Let’s keep rollin!
— Jordan poyer (@J_poyer21) January 9, 2021
Micah Hyde said on the hail mary attempt, he backed up into the end zone to get ready to swat it down.
"There ain't no way this is happening again."
— Joe Buscaglia (@JoeBuscaglia) January 9, 2021
Jordan Poyer said he didn't get a good explanation from the officials on what looked like a fumble by Paschal on the final drive when he punched the ball out. Said heard the refs thought it was a 50-50 situation. #Bills
— Chris Brown (@ChrisBrownBills) January 9, 2021
RIP to every table in WNY #BillsMafia
— Jenna Cottrell (@JennaCottrell) January 9, 2021
I just can't even fathom what this town would have been like if that game was lost after the horrible fumble review. Just too much to comprehend. No way #Bills and this fanbase deserved that fate.
— Mike Harrington (@ByMHarrington) January 9, 2021
Josh Allen was -1 the last time the Bills won a playoff game.
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) January 9, 2021
The #Bills ended their winless playoff streak at 9,169 days.
— Robert Raiola, CPA (@SportsTaxMan) January 9, 2021
The Buffalo Bills survived the replay official and advanced in the #NFLPlayoffs. What is 2021? Congrats, Western NY.
— Coley Harvey (@ColeyHarvey) January 9, 2021
Good lord, that was more difficult than it needed to be. But Hyde sure seemed to learn from Hail Murray. Just knock the damn thing down. #Bills
— Mike Harrington (@ByMHarrington) January 9, 2021
.@BuffaloBills with the #SuperWildCard WIN! #ShowtimeCam pic.twitter.com/S47a4npqB7
— NFL (@NFL) January 9, 2021
It's clear and obvious I do not agree. https://t.co/VNCO1wzVpE
— Mike Harrington (@ByMHarrington) January 9, 2021
Josh Allen has surpassed 300 yards passing, marking the Bills fifth 300+ yard playoff passing performance all-time and first since Doug Flutie (360 yards – at MIA, 1/2/99).
— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) January 9, 2021
Tyler Bass' 54 yard field goal is the longest FG in #NFL playoff history by a rookie.
— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) January 9, 2021
Tyler Bass hits the 54 yard FG, tying the team record for the playoffs (Steve Christie in 1993 vs. DAL (SB)).
— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) January 9, 2021
Stefon Diggs is up to 107 yards today, becoming the first Bill to over 100 yards receiving in the playoffs since Eric Moulds (240 at MIA, 1/2/99).
— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) January 9, 2021
WE DID IT!!!? #BillsMafia
— Isaiah McKenzie (@_IsaiahMcKenzie) January 9, 2021
Now we can enjoy the rest of the playoff weekend
— Howard WGR (@hsimon62) January 9, 2021
BIIIILLLSSSSSSSSS MAFFFFIIIAAAAAAA LETTTTSSSS GOOOOOOOO #welcomeBack #Billsmafia #Playoffs let’s keep stacking ❄️
— Dion Dawkins (@DDawkins66) January 9, 2021
MAFIAAAAAA
See y’all in Buffalo next week… again ? #BillsMafia
— Dawson Knox (@dawson_knox) January 9, 2021
Yesssssir! HUGE win‼️‼️‼️
— Isaiah Hodgins (@IsaiahHodgins) January 9, 2021
I’ll say it again. Josh Allen. Legend.
— Jim Rome (@jimrome) January 9, 2021
Congratulations to the mafia
— Jordan Phillips (@Bigphil9797) January 9, 2021
We win!!! 27-24???
— Dominik Hasek (@hasek_dominik) January 9, 2021
BILLSS WIIIIINNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!
— Matt Barkley (@MattBarkley) January 9, 2021
Fun right?!?! #BillsMafia #SportsJerseySaturday @OxfordPennant pic.twitter.com/UCxLYsUKcs
— Jeremy White (@JeremyWGR) January 9, 2021
Yes! pic.twitter.com/9BeXozV8Dd
— Cornelius Bennett (@realcbennett97) January 9, 2021
First playoff win in 25 years.
Enjoy this one, #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/4uu7t36qVy
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 9, 2021
#Bills S Jordan Poyer after a 27-24 wild card win over the #Colts: "Just to be able to play a home game and get a victory. Since 2017 we've been working at this."#BillsMafia @news4buffalo pic.twitter.com/zVoaMracZW
— Heather Prusak (@haprusak) January 9, 2021
#Bills QB Josh Allen on what he learned about his team today following a super close game with the #Colts @WKBW pic.twitter.com/QMHMwmUtrk
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) January 9, 2021
#Bills S Micah Hyde on having #BillsMafia back in the stands for their wild card win over the #Colts: "When I was running out of the tunnel I literally got chills thinking like damn, fans are back."@news4buffalo pic.twitter.com/2VXjJyqcxp
— Heather Prusak (@haprusak) January 9, 2021
The moment the #Bills won from outside the stadium. What a shot. https://t.co/nQY8cw5AEp
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) January 9, 2021
Today’s experience in that stadium was pretty incredible. Extremely emotional. And it was a great football game from a drama and intensity standpoint. I’m so happy that even more #BillsMafia are going to be able to see their team next week.
— Sal Capaccio ? (@SalSports) January 9, 2021
Dion Dawkins on his QB Josh Allen after their first playoff win @DDawkins66 "He has a long journey of greatness ahead of him"#BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/1lpeOVxiX6
— Mike Catalana (@MikeCatalana) January 9, 2021
GAME PREVIEW:
The NFL’s Wild-Card Weekend kicks off Saturday with an AFC showdown between the Indianapolis Colts and Buffalo Bills. The Bills (13-3) have emerged as one of the league’s most dangerous teams behind quarterback Josh Allen and come into the 2021 NFL playoffs after a 56-26 victory against the Dolphins to close the season. The Colts (11-5) are led by veteran quarterback Philip Rivers and explosive rookie running back Jonathan Taylor.
The Bills will host their first home playoff game since 1996. Kickoff is set for 1:05 p.m. ET at Bills Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y.
GAME WEEK LINKS:
- 9 storylines to watch for during Bills vs. Colts (BillsWire.com)
- Buffalo Bills Betting Lines: Bills open as 7-point Wild Card favorites against Colts (BuffaloRumblings.com)
- ‘It’ll be a big challenge’ | Bills coaches look ahead to playoff matchup with Colts (BuffaloBills.com)
- Bills hope to slow down major roll of Colts rookie Jonathan Taylor (BuffaloNews.com)
- Bills aim to use lessons learned from Texans playoff loss in Wild Card game (WIVB.com)
- Bills ready for the mind games of Philip Rivers (RochesterFirst.com)
- Gov. Cuomo won’t attend Bills game, says he’s giving ticket to ECMC nurse (WIVB.com)
- Buffalo holds special place in Frank Reich’s heart, just not on Saturday (D&C.com)
- ‘We understand this is win or go home now’ | Players preview Bills-Colts on Super Wild Card Weekend (BuffaloBills.com)
- Bills WR Stefon Diggs does not practice Wednesday; says he’s ‘fine’ (RochesterFirst.com)
- Who the Bills protected on their practice squad for Wild Card round (BillsWire.com)
- Injury Report | Cole Beasley and Stefon Diggs listed as questionable for Bills vs. Colts (BuffaloBills.com)
- Bills elevate Duke Williams and Jordan Devey for Saturday’s Wild Card playoff game (BuffaloBills.com)
- Stefon Diggs, Cole Beasley active for Bills vs. Colts | Super Wild Card Weekend (BuffaloBills.com)
GAME WEEK MEDIA:
IT'S OFFICIALLY A PLAYOFF GAME DAY‼️#SuperWildCard | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/3IOnV4qZuf
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 9, 2021
Might be chilly tomorrow. ?#SuperWildCard | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/Fo1rQhCOU4
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 9, 2021
The whole city is behind us. ✊
Blue for the Bills Photo Gallery: https://t.co/Evy8M05DQs pic.twitter.com/LEh3H9ZvRJ
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 9, 2021
.@BillsStadium has a new look…@LabattUSA | #GearUp pic.twitter.com/JNzJbNRpEg
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 8, 2021
Our @BillsLegends are getting the squad ready for Super Wild Card Weekend! ?@Pepsi | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/xCJ3XDBbKj
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 8, 2021
Be safe. Be smart. BE LOUD. ?#INDvsBUF | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/jjBbKvl8QM
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 8, 2021
No one is more excited to be part of #BillsMafia than these @BillsLegends. ? @DriveToyota | #GoBills pic.twitter.com/018Eilpcxq
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 9, 2021
The return of #BillsMafia…#INDvsBUF | #SuperWildCard pic.twitter.com/iuAniZPYj5
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 9, 2021
We know these superheroes are PUMPED for tomorrow! ❤️?@OCHBuffalo | @JoshAllenQB pic.twitter.com/ag1xSpAny6
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 8, 2021
SOON.#INDvsBUF | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/ifjZmBZh3G
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 8, 2021
Big game tomorrow. I’m ready and pumped. Thanks to my friends at @BuffaloBills and @OxfordPennant for all you do. #GoBills! #billieve pic.twitter.com/J3Xp7syCt5
— Wolf Blitzer (@wolfblitzer) January 9, 2021
#LeadingTheCharge: AFC Wild Card (#INDvsBUF) game release: https://t.co/4zrNjUIDb7
? Bills Stadium
? 1:05 PM EST
? CBS (Ian Eagle, Charles Davis & Evan Washburn)
?@WGR550 / @WestwoodOne pic.twitter.com/7JTfA1ljn7— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) January 5, 2021
Blue on white for our first home playoff game since 1996. ?#INDvsBUF | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/ovudbItXn1
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 6, 2021
Eyes on Indy. ?
Best #INDvsBUF Practice Photos: https://t.co/LWekIWmrnu pic.twitter.com/0kU4UWHKYl
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 6, 2021
COVID-19 testing for our Wild Card Game is underway at @BillsStadium!
2020 Playoff FAQs: https://t.co/7ZtfU83rGR
?: Terry Pegula (not filmed on his flip phone)pic.twitter.com/YOcMDyfIRG
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 6, 2021
Think this team is staying loose?
Here's the #Bills dancing to "Can't Touch This" at practice ? pic.twitter.com/PIAdTS1lcf
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) January 7, 2021
Tune in this Saturday!!! #itmightbechilly pic.twitter.com/PFlDfMZUYL
— Matt Barkley (@MattBarkley) January 8, 2021
You know @JimKelly1212 is ready for Super Wild Card Weekend. ?
Get your Playoff Fan Box: https://t.co/bq1z9vBcOB pic.twitter.com/VavvNGCme6
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 7, 2021
Sal Capaccio has joined us to preview Bills-Colts.
LIVE on #Periscope: "SHOUT!" Buffalo football podcast – Wild Card Playoff preview w/ Sal Capacciohttps://t.co/GLQ72NQWZa
— Matt Parrino (@MattParrino) January 7, 2021
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].