After a late 2-point pass is dropped, Josh Allen and the Bills defeat the Ravens to go to the AFC championship game.

The road to the AFC Championship game is never easy, and for the Buffalo Bills, their clash with the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round of the 2025 NFL Playoffs was nothing short of dramatic. With both teams having a lot to prove and a championship on their minds, the game had all the makings of an instant classic. The final moments of the game, highlighted by a dropped 2-point conversion pass, would decide the fates of both teams, and ultimately, it was Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills who emerged victorious.

At the start of the season, the Bills were widely regarded as one of the most complete teams in the NFL, with their explosive offense, solid defense, and a quarterback in Josh Allen capable of putting the team on his back and carrying them to new heights. Meanwhile, the Ravens, led by Lamar Jackson, had been a force in the AFC for years, bolstered by a unique offense built on Jackson’s incredible athleticism and a strong defensive unit. But for all the talk of both teams’ strength, it was a few key moments in this divisional playoff game that would decide the outcome.

This was more than just a game between two great teams; it was a battle of contrasting styles. The Bills had transformed into a high-powered passing offense led by Josh Allen, while the Ravens relied on a heavy rushing attack with Lamar Jackson at the helm. It was a game of strength versus speed, precision versus unpredictability. And in the end, it would come down to a single play: a dropped pass on a potential game-tying two-point conversion by the Ravens in the final seconds of the game.

Setting the Stage: The Big Game Feel

Heading into the divisional round, both teams were riding high on confidence after impressive victories in the previous week’s Wild Card round. The Bills had dominated their opponent, showing flashes of brilliance both offensively and defensively. Meanwhile, the Ravens had secured a solid victory, with Lamar Jackson looking as sharp as ever and ready to take the next step in the playoffs.

The backdrop for this game was perfect. Buffalo, a city that had been waiting for a Super Bowl appearance for decades, had seen the Bills rise to elite status under head coach Sean McDermott and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. After years of playoff heartbreak, including a crushing loss to the Kansas City Chiefs the year before, the Bills were determined to advance past the divisional round and finally reach the AFC Championship Game. Their quarterback, Josh Allen, had been playing at an MVP-caliber level throughout the season, but this game was his opportunity to prove he could carry his team over the final hump in the postseason.

On the other hand, the Ravens were hungry for a title, and Lamar Jackson was looking to finally silence his doubters. Despite winning an MVP award and leading the Ravens to the playoffs year after year, Jackson had yet to lead Baltimore to a Super Bowl appearance. A victory in this game would be a significant step toward achieving that goal. With their aggressive running attack and playmaking defense, the Ravens knew they could hang with the best, and this matchup with Buffalo would prove whether they were ready for the next level.

The Game Unfolds: A Back-and-Forth Battle

From the opening whistle, the game lived up to its hype. Both teams came out swinging, with the Bills’ offense clicking early and Josh Allen looking poised and confident in the pocket. Allen connected with his go-to receivers, Stefon Diggs and Cole Beasley, early and often, establishing the passing game as the focal point of Buffalo’s attack. Allen’s big arm was on full display as he made throws down the field, challenging the Ravens’ defense and keeping them on their heels.

But the Ravens weren’t about to let Buffalo run away with the game. Lamar Jackson responded with his signature playmaking ability, utilizing his legs to escape pressure and extend plays. His dynamic rushing attack, both as a quarterback and through running back J.K. Dobbins, kept the Bills’ defense guessing. Jackson threw pinpoint passes when necessary, using his arm to keep Buffalo’s defense honest, and the Ravens found success by controlling the tempo with their running game.

By halftime, the score was tight, with neither team able to pull away. The Bills led by a narrow margin, but it was clear that the Ravens weren’t going to fold under pressure. As the second half unfolded, the physicality of the game intensified, and the stakes couldn’t have been higher. Both teams exchanged touchdowns, with Josh Allen’s pinpoint throws leading the Bills downfield, while Lamar Jackson responded with scrambles and timely throws to his own receiving corps.

As the fourth quarter arrived, it was clear that the game would come down to the final moments. With the score tied late in the fourth, both offenses began to show signs of fatigue, as the defenses stepped up in a last-ditch effort to secure a victory. The Bills seemed to have the edge, with their experience in high-pressure situations and the consistent play of their defense. But Lamar Jackson and the Ravens weren’t going down without a fight.

The Final Drive: The Drama Builds

With less than a minute left in the game, the Ravens found themselves in a must-score situation. They had driven the ball down the field with a mixture of run plays and quick passes, getting within striking distance of the end zone. Lamar Jackson, cool under pressure, led the Ravens to the 5-yard line with a chance to either tie or win the game, depending on what play they decided to call.

The tension was palpable. The Ravens had an opportunity to march into the AFC Championship Game, but they had to execute perfectly. After an efficient run by Dobbins put the Ravens within striking distance, Jackson dropped back for what would be the biggest pass of the season. He looked toward his receiver, Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, who was running a route in the end zone that had the potential to give the Ravens a victory — a two-point conversion pass that could send the game into overtime or possibly give them the win outright.

Jackson’s pass was spot-on. It was high but well-placed, and Brown had positioned himself perfectly to make the catch. As the ball arrived in his hands, the crowd at Highmark Stadium held its breath. In what could only be described as an agonizingly cruel twist, the ball slipped right through Brown’s fingertips. The Ravens were unable to convert the two-point attempt, and with that, their hopes for a victory vanished.

The dropped pass left the Ravens, their fans, and even the Bills’ sideline stunned. The game was over. Buffalo had held on, with Josh Allen and the Bills emerging victorious after a dramatic final sequence. The dropped pass would forever be remembered as the moment that decided the game, leaving the Ravens to reflect on what could have been.

Josh Allen’s Leadership Shines

As the final whistle blew, Josh Allen stood tall, his leadership on full display. Throughout the game, he had been the steady hand guiding the Bills’ offense, making crucial throws in critical moments. His arm strength, poise in the pocket, and ability to make plays on the move had been the difference. Although Allen didn’t throw a game-winning touchdown pass in the final moments — that honor went to the defense’s crucial stop — his contributions were evident throughout.

Allen finished the game with impressive stats: over 300 yards passing, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. His ability to stretch the field and find his playmakers made all the difference for the Bills. As the Bills’ players and coaching staff celebrated the win, Allen’s leadership was central to the team’s success. He had proved himself once again as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and someone who could carry a team in high-pressure moments.

The Ravens’ Heartbreak: A Play That Will Be Remembered

For the Ravens, the dropped two-point conversion was a bitter pill to swallow. Lamar Jackson had given it his all, leading his team to the doorstep of victory, but in the end, it was one missed play that sealed their fate. The disappointment was palpable as the Ravens stood on the field, watching as the Bills celebrated their victory.

Jackson, known for his resilience and ability to bounce back, was crushed by the missed opportunity. The loss was a collective heartbreak for the Ravens, as they knew that they had fought hard and played well enough to win, but a single drop — one play — had ultimately cost them the game.

Looking Forward: The Bills in the AFC Championship Game

With the victory, the Buffalo Bills advanced to the AFC Championship Game, a place they had not reached in over two decades. The significance of the win was huge for the franchise, as it cemented Josh Allen’s status as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks and propelled the Bills closer to their ultimate goal of a Super Bowl appearance.

For the Ravens, the loss was devastating, but it also offered valuable lessons. Despite the heartache, they had shown they could compete with the best of the AFC. Lamar Jackson’s leadership and ability to perform under pressure would undoubtedly be a key factor in the Ravens’ future success. But for now, the Bills were moving on, and their quest for a Super Bowl title continued.

As the AFC Championship Game loomed, the Buffalo Bills knew they were just one step away from the Super Bowl, but they had already faced one of their toughest challenges. With Josh Allen at the helm, anything seemed possible.