Josh Allen leads the Bills to the AFC Championship Game after defeating the Ravens.
The Buffalo Bills and their superstar quarterback, Josh Allen, have become one of the most formidable teams in the NFL, and the 2024 season was shaping up to be their most promising yet. After a remarkable regular season where Allen played at an MVP level, the Bills entered the playoffs with one goal: to reach the Super Bowl. Standing in their way was a tough, battle-hardened Baltimore Ravens team, led by their own star quarterback, Lamar Jackson.
In a highly anticipated AFC Divisional Round matchup, the Buffalo Bills took on the Ravens in a game that promised to be a classic showdown of two of the league’s top quarterbacks. Both teams had the firepower to put up big numbers, but only one could advance to the AFC Championship Game. In a thrilling, high-stakes contest, Josh Allen delivered a performance for the ages, leading the Bills to a hard-fought victory over the Ravens, 31-24.
This article will take you through the pivotal moments of that game, explore how Josh Allen’s brilliance propelled the Bills to the next round, and discuss the key factors that allowed Buffalo to move one step closer to their ultimate goal: a Super Bowl appearance.
Setting the Stage: A Tale of Two Quarterbacks
As the AFC Divisional Round approached, the matchup between the Bills and Ravens was one of the most anticipated games of the playoffs. Both teams had been playing at an elite level all season, with high-powered offenses and defenses that could lock down opposing teams. At the heart of each team’s success were their quarterbacks, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, both of whom had put up impressive numbers throughout the regular season.
Josh Allen, fresh off a career-best season where he passed for over 4,500 yards, 37 touchdowns, and only 8 interceptions, had developed into one of the most complete quarterbacks in the league. His strong arm, poise under pressure, and ability to make plays with his legs made him a dual-threat who could dismantle any defense. On the other hand, Lamar Jackson, the former MVP, continued to be one of the most electrifying players in the NFL, combining his unique playmaking ability with an improved passing game. While the Ravens had battled through some inconsistencies during the regular season, they were still one of the toughest teams to beat when Jackson was at his best.
Both quarterbacks had something to prove in this matchup: Allen was determined to silence the critics who questioned his ability to win big playoff games, while Jackson, after a painful playoff exit in 2023, was looking to lead his team to the promised land and fulfill his potential as a playoff performer. The stakes couldn’t have been higher.
The First Half: Defensive Battles and Allen’s Leadership
The game got off to a rocky start for both teams, as both offenses struggled to find a rhythm in the first quarter. Early mistakes—such as dropped passes and costly penalties—kept both offenses from establishing themselves. The Ravens’ defense, led by star linebacker Roquan Smith, came out with a sense of urgency, trying to neutralize Allen’s explosive plays. Meanwhile, the Bills’ defense, anchored by Tre’Davious White and Von Miller, was equally determined to contain Lamar Jackson’s ability to make plays with his legs.
However, it didn’t take long for Josh Allen to find his footing. After an initial punt from both teams, Allen orchestrated a beautifully timed drive that included several pinpoint throws to Stefon Diggs, who had been one of the most consistent wide receivers in the league. Allen’s ability to read the defense and make adjustments at the line of scrimmage was evident as he connected with Diggs for a 32-yard gain that set up a touchdown. A few plays later, Allen threw a perfectly placed ball into the hands of Gabriel Davis in the end zone, giving the Bills a 7-0 lead midway through the second quarter.
But the Ravens weren’t backing down. Lamar Jackson responded with a drive of his own, showing off his playmaking ability with both his arm and his legs. Jackson was able to thread the needle on several key throws, including a beautiful 23-yard pass to Mark Andrews, which set up a touchdown run by J.K. Dobbins to tie the game at 7-7. The Ravens’ offense, known for its ability to control the clock with the running game, found success in chewing up yards and keeping the ball out of Allen’s hands.
However, the game took a significant turn with just under two minutes remaining in the first half. Josh Allen, with typical poise, led the Bills on a quick, methodical drive, using his arm to connect with Davis and Isaiah McKenzie. The Ravens’ defense was starting to tire, and Allen capitalized on their inability to get pressure on him. With just 20 seconds left on the clock, Allen threw a dart to Dawson Knox for a 12-yard touchdown, putting the Bills up 14-7 heading into the halftime break.
The Second Half: Allen’s Composure and Playmaking
The second half began with high drama as both teams knew that the next 30 minutes would determine their playoff fate. The Ravens, down by just a touchdown, came out of the locker room looking to tie the game. Lamar Jackson, who had been effective in the first half, continued to use his legs to keep the Bills’ defense guessing. He connected with Andrews again for a key first down, and on the next play, Jackson scrambled for 18 yards, putting the Ravens in the red zone.
However, the Bills’ defense stiffened when it mattered most. After a short run by Dobbins, Jackson faced third-and-7 from the 15-yard line. The Ravens had a chance to tie the game, but the Bills’ defense, led by Matt Milano and Ed Oliver, turned up the heat. Jackson attempted a pass to Andrews, but the ball was knocked down at the line of scrimmage by defensive lineman Greg Rousseau, forcing the Ravens to settle for a field goal. The Bills’ defense had made a statement, showing that they were just as capable of stepping up in key moments.
With the lead now 14-10, Josh Allen took over in the second half in a way only he could. On the ensuing drive, Allen threw a pair of stunning deep balls to Diggs, including a 45-yard bomb down the sideline, setting up a field goal to extend Buffalo’s lead to 17-10. But the highlight of the second half came when Allen engineered an unforgettable 10-play, 75-yard drive, which culminated in a spectacular 18-yard touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs. Diggs made an acrobatic catch in the corner of the end zone to put the Bills ahead 24-10 with just under 10 minutes left in the game.
The Ravens’ defense, which had been relentless all season, couldn’t stop Allen’s offensive onslaught. Despite Jackson’s best efforts, it was clear that Buffalo’s offense was firing on all cylinders, while the Ravens were struggling to keep up. Jackson threw a touchdown pass to Rashod Bateman to narrow the deficit to 24-17 with 6:35 remaining, but Buffalo responded with another efficient drive that kept Jackson off the field.
A 12-play, 60-yard drive capped off by a field goal from Tyler Bass gave the Bills a 27-17 lead, leaving the Ravens with only 3:30 to make a comeback. The Ravens managed to drive into Bills territory, but with the game on the line, Lamar Jackson was intercepted by Taron Johnson on a critical third-and-long. The pick effectively sealed the game for Buffalo, allowing the Bills to run out the clock and secure a 31-24 victory.
The Heroic Performance of Josh Allen
Josh Allen’s performance in the Divisional Round was one of his most impressive to date. He finished the game with 326 passing yards, 4 touchdowns, and no interceptions, making key throws throughout the game. Allen’s ability to adjust to the defense, make throws into tight windows, and maintain his composure in high-pressure situations was on full display.
The victory was not just about Allen’s physical abilities; it was about his leadership and mentality. He refused to let the pressure of the moment overwhelm him. Whether he was delivering a pinpoint pass to Diggs or scrambling to keep a play alive, Allen showcased everything that makes him one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. His decision-making was sharp, and his ability to make plays with his legs when needed kept the Ravens’ defense on edge. This performance was a reminder of why Josh Allen is one of the best quarterbacks in the league—and why the Bills are a team to be feared.
The Ravens’ Struggles and What Went Wrong
Despite Lamar Jackson’s best efforts, the Ravens were unable to overcome their key struggles. Turnovers, missed opportunities, and a lack of explosive plays in critical moments ultimately led to their downfall. The Ravens’ inability to finish drives, particularly in the red zone, was a major issue, as they had to settle for field goals in key moments. Jackson’s interception late in the game was a heartbreaker, as it came at a time when the Ravens had a legitimate chance to tie the game.
In addition, the Ravens’ defense, which had been excellent all season, struggled to contain Allen, especially on deep passes. The Bills’ offensive line gave Allen enough time to find his playmakers, and when the Ravens failed to pressure him, the game slipped away.
Looking Ahead: The Bills’ Path to the Super Bowl
With the victory over the Ravens, Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills are now one step closer to their ultimate goal: a Super Bowl appearance. As they prepare for the AFC Championship Game, the Bills are brimming with confidence. Their offense is firing on all cylinders, and their defense continues to be a formidable force.
However, the road to the Super Bowl will not be easy. Whether it’s facing the Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals, or another AFC powerhouse, the Bills will have their work cut out for them. But with Josh Allen leading the way, anything is possible. The victory over the Ravens was a statement win—a reminder that the Bills are a team to be reckoned with in the NFL.
For Buffalo, the sky is the limit. With Allen at the helm, the Bills’ Super Bowl aspirations are very much alive, and their journey is far from over. The AFC Championship Game will be another test, but with Allen’s performance against the Ravens fresh in their minds, the Bills will enter it with the belief that they can accomplish anything.
