Bills fight to overtime only to watch officials take center stage in brutal loss

The Buffalo Bills forced overtime after a mistake-riddled 60 minutes of regulation play against the Denver Broncos. The defense forced a three-and-out, giving Josh Allen the chance to drive the field, a field goal from Matt Prater being enough to win the game.

Nine plays into the drive on 3rd and 11, Allen looked deep for Brandin Cooks, who initially appeared to at best catch the ball and at worst caught it simultaneously with Ja’Quan McMillian. But the officials ruled an interception, and after a review, the play stood.

CBS Rules Analyst Gene Steratore said during the review that he saw Cooks lose possession on the way to the ground, and McMillian came away with the loose ball before it ever touched the ground.

On the following drive, the officials got involved again with a pass interference call on Taron Johnson on 3rd and 10. Joey Bosa was also called for roughing the passer, though it was declined.

Two plays later, the Bills were called for another pass interference, this time on Tre’Davious White, thanks in large part to an underthrown ball by Bo Nix. Then, after that, White was called for an unsportsmanlike conduct call for throwing his helmet on the ground in the field of play in front of an official.

Will Lutz then drilled a 24-yard field goal, booting the Bills out of the playoffs in the process.

Buffalo Bills undone by controversial official calls in overtime playoff loss

It’s never easy to see the officials become so prevalent late in a ball game, especially when early first-half mistakes were what gave the Broncos the extra edge they needed to be in the game. But it’s only made worse when it comes in overtime on the road.

Before overtime, the Bills had just two penalties. Then three came in quick succession after a questionable call. It’s a tough pill to swallow for Bills fans, who now turn to the offseason and hopes of a better ending for the 2026 campaign.

Bills Mafia has been here far too often in the past, with Allen having to make up for deficiencies and making mistakes in the process, only to put them in a favorable position to win and then have it wiped away by unmanageable forces.