If you asked Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills if they would prefer to compete in the NFL Playoffs without Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs standing in their way, they would have jumped at the opportunity. For once, Mahomes’ Chiefs had a down season, but it just so happened to line up with the Bills’ worst roster since his first couple of years in the league.

Despite clear flaws, particularly at wide receiver, Allen and the Bills had several chances to put away the Denver Broncos on Saturday. Allen missed some throws and turnovers played a crucial role in keeping the game close for Denver. Ultimately, a gut-wrenching interception on what was almost a Brandin Cooks reception, plus two defensive pass interference penalties, saw Buffalo eliminated in the Divisional Round for the fourth time in the past five seasons.

An emotional Josh Allen addresses media following loss to Broncos

This felt like the Bills’ best chance to make the Super Bowl, and it seems like Allen fully knows it. Following the loss to the Broncos, the reigning MVP couldn’t hold back the tears and let his emotions out in front of the media. It was a heartbreaking scene, showcasing how much losing affects Allen.

Prior to 2025, the Chiefs had eliminated the Bills from the postseason in four of the past five seasons. The other occasion came against Joe Burrow’s Cincinnati Bengals, when they bounced Buffalo out in the Divisional Round in 2022.

With Mahomes, Burrow and even Lamar Jackson out of the picture, it could have been Allen’s time to shine. But the lack of weapons surrounding him hurt the Bills in the end, as did some missed throws and turnovers by Allen himself.