Josh Allen controversial interception name ends Payments playoff run

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Buffalo Payments quarterback Josh Allen delivered the go that ought to have gained the sport in opposition to the Denver Broncos, solely to have it flip right into a freak interception that led to a 33-30 loss. Allen was then seen crying within the post-game press convention over the astonishing defeat.

Throughout time beyond regulation of the AFC Divisional Spherical recreation on Saturday, Allen threw a deep go proper into the fingers of extensive receiver Brandin Cooks that may have arrange the Payments in game-winning discipline aim vary.

However as Cooks went all the way down to the bottom with the pigskin, the ball rolled right into a place the place Broncos defensive again Ja'Quan McMillian was in a position to snatch it away for an interception as Cooks lay on his again.

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Denver Broncos cornerback Ja'quan McMillian (29) intercepts a go meant for Buffalo Payments extensive receiver Brandin Cooks (18) throughout time beyond regulation of an AFC Divisional Spherical playoff recreation at Empower Subject at Mile Excessive. (Ron Chenoy/Imagn Photographs)

The moment replay evaluation confirmed Cooks was down on the bottom with possession of the ball, which generally would finish the play and award the Payments a completion. However sufficient of the ball was already in McMillan's arms by the point Cooks hit the bottom that officers didn't reverse the decision after trying it over.

Denver Broncos cornerback Ja'quan McMillian (29) intercepts a go meant for Buffalo Payments extensive receiver Brandin Cooks (18) throughout time beyond regulation of an AFC Divisional Spherical playoff recreation at Empower Subject at Mile Excessive. (Ron Chenoy/Imagn Photographs)

Broncos quarterback Bo Nix went on to guide Denver into game-winning discipline aim territory, aided by two large go interference calls by the Payments protection. Matt Prater nailed a 50-yearder to ship the Broncos to the AFC Championship recreation.

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Many followers on social media scrutinized the referees' resolution to rule the play as an interception.

"I’m sorry however in no world is that an interception," one consumer wrote.

One other consumer wrote, "That’s not an interception."

One other consumer wrote, "Cooks had it."

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Allen, who hadn’t turned the ball over in his earlier six playoff appearances, threw two interceptions and misplaced two fumbles on strip-sacks by Nik Bonitto. P.J. Locke additionally picked off Allen, ending the QB’s streak of 204 consecutive completions within the postseason.

Allen would end the sport with 283 yards and three touchdowns to go along with the 2 interceptions. McMillian's controversial pickoff was Denver's fifth takeaway of the sport and can be Allen's final go of the season.

After the sport, Allen walked to the press podium in tears.

"I let my teammates down tonight," Allen mentioned whereas choking up.

<img src="https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2026/01/1200/675/josh-allen.jpg?ve=1&tl=1" alt="DENVER, COLORADO - JANUARY 17: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills throws a pass against the Denver Broncos during the third quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Empower Field At Mile High on January 17, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)" width="1200" height="675"/> DENVER, COLORADO - JANUARY 17: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Payments throws a go in opposition to the Denver Broncos in the course of the third quarter within the AFC Divisional Playoff recreation at Empower Subject At Mile Excessive on January 17, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Picture by Justin Edmonds/Getty Photographs)

The loss continued a pattern of dramatic playoff heartbreak because of uncommon moments in Buffalo historical past.

The Broncos will face both New England or Houston for the AFC title subsequent Sunday at Empower Subject at Mile Excessive, the place Denver has gained 14 of its final 15 video games.

Will probably be Denver's first AFC championship in precisely 10 years, for the reason that "No Fly Zone" protection that helped them win Tremendous Bowl 50.

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Jackson Thompson is a sports activities reporter for Fox Information Digital protecting essential political and cultural points in sports activities, with an investigative lens. Jackson's reporting has been cited in federal authorities actions associated to the enforcement of Title IX, and in legacy media retailers together with The New York Instances, The Los Angeles Instances, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Related Press and ESPN.com.