Bills settled for a field goal
NFL officials were expected to be sharp in the playoffs with a shot at the Super Bowl hanging in the balance, but fans found they missed a crucial penalty during Sunday’s game between the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos.
The Bills drove down the field right out of halftime. Josh Allen got the offense within a few yards of a touchdown. On third down, Allen was forced to take a sack because there were no receivers open. But there was a reason why no pass-catchers could break away from their defender.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is tackled by Denver Broncos defensive tackle D.J. Jones during the wild-card playoff game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, in Orchard Park, New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid appeared to be held in the end zone by Denver Broncos defensive back Patrick Surtain II. The officials didn’t throw a flag on the play and the Bills were forced to settle for a field goal to make the game 13-7.
Head referee Bill Vinovich was seen talking to Allen before Buffalo kicked the ball away.
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Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid is tackled by Denver Broncos linebacker Justin Strnad during the playoff game at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, Jan. 12, 2025. (Mark Konezny-Imagn Images)
NFL fans were not happy with the lack of a penalty, especially in such a crucial spot.
Bad miss by the officiating here—clear holding on Denver, with the official standing right there. pic.twitter.com/aVeZ343Vin
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 12, 2025
WILD: THIS SOMEHOW WAS NOT A HOLDING PENALTY ON #BRONCOS DB PATRICK SURTAIN.
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) January 12, 2025
😳😳😳
It does not get more blatant than this. Josh Allen and the Bills were livid. pic.twitter.com/raPqgtpAjl
Clear BAD moment of refereeing as Patrick Surtain II gets clearly away with the hold on Dalton Kincaid. #DENvsBUF #NFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/ncVvq05hAe
— The Whole Delivery (@TWDTV1) January 12, 2025
Just a slight missed holding call on Surtain in the end zone 😂
— Bad Sports Refs (@BadSportsRefs) January 12, 2025
Bills settle for a FG #NFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/aIwfSzRO56
Surtain getting away with an egregious hold in the endzone
— Unbiased Ev (@DoubleVodkaDon) January 12, 2025
An absolutely baffling no-call on Pat Surtain pic.twitter.com/nOXgBPdsST
— Ollie Connolly (@OllieConnolly) January 12, 2025
Buffalo was looking to stave off any Denver comeback attempt. They were able to score a touchdown in the second half to take the lead. The Broncos had a chance to tie the game but Will Lutz missed a field goal.
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix passes against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, in Orchard Park, New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Bo Nix started the scoring with a 43-yard touchdown pass to Troy Franklin in the first quarter. The Broncos haven’t scored since.
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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.
