Broncos nip Bills in OT thriller to advance to AFC championship

DENVER — Ja’Quan McMillian intercepted Josh Allen’s deep throw in overtime, and Bo Nix led the Broncos into position for Wil Lutz’s 24-yard field goal that sent Denver to the AFC championship game with a 33-30 win over the Buffalo Bills on Saturday.

McMillian’s pick was Denver’s fifth takeaway of the game.

He wrested the ball away from Brandin Cooks at the Broncos 20-yard line when a field goal would have won the game for Buffalo.

Ja’quan McMillian celebrates after intercepting a pass intended for Brandin Cooks during overtime of the Broncos’ 33-30 win over the Bills in their AFC divisional round battle. AP

‘The Broncos (15-3) will face either New England or Houston for the AFC title next Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High, where Denver has won 14 of its last 15 games.

The Bills (13-6) were flagged for pass interference twice on Denver’s final drive.

Former Broncos kicker Matt Prater nailed a 50-yard field goal with 5 seconds left in regulation, knotting it up at 30-all.

That came after Nix’s 26-yard touchdown throw to Marvin Mims Jr. with 55 seconds left had given Denver a 30-27 lead.

Bo Nix throws during the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ overtime win over the Bills in their AFC divisional round battle. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Allen, who hadn’t turned the ball over in his previous six playoff appearances, threw two interceptions and lost two fumbles on strip-sacks by Nik Bonitto.

P.J. Locke also picked off Allen, ending the QB’s streak of 204 consecutive completions in the postseason.