Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens Match Player Stats

Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens match player stats from the 2025 AFC Divisional Playoffs tell the story of a game decided by efficiency, ball security, situational execution, and a handful of crucial plays. The Buffalo Bills defeated the Baltimore Ravens 27-25 at Highmark Stadium on January 19, 2025, advancing to the AFC Championship Game. Although Baltimore produced more total yards and Lamar Jackson delivered the stronger passing performance on the stat sheet, Buffalo made enough winning plays to survive a dramatic fourth quarter.

This was not a typical game in which the winning team dominated statistically. Baltimore finished with 416 total yards compared with Buffalo’s 273, yet the Bills controlled the scoreboard when it mattered most. Buffalo scored 14 points in the second quarter, converted its scoring opportunities, protected the football, and held on after Baltimore moved within two points late in the fourth quarter.

For readers searching for a complete player-by-player breakdown, this article examines the quarterbacks, running backs, receivers, defensive leaders, kicking, turnovers, team statistics, and the tactical reasons the numbers produced a 27-25 Buffalo victory.

Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens Match Player Stats

The game took place on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at Highmark Stadium in Buffalo as part of the AFC Divisional Playoffs. The Ravens entered with a 12-5 regular-season record, while the Bills entered at 13-4 and were undefeated at home during the regular season. The final score was Buffalo 27, Baltimore 25.

Category	Baltimore Ravens	Buffalo Bills
Final score	25	27
First quarter	7	7
Second quarter	3	14
Third quarter	9	0
Fourth quarter	6	6
Total yards	416	273
Passing yards	240	126
Rushing yards	176	147
Passing touchdowns	2	0
Rushing touchdowns	1	3
Interceptions	1	0
Fumbles lost	2	0
Sacks allowed	2	1

The most striking number is the total-yardage difference. Baltimore gained 416 yards, which was 143 more than Buffalo. Yet yards alone did not determine the winner.

That contrast is one of the most useful lessons from this game. Buffalo was more efficient in turning limited offensive production into points, while Baltimore generated substantial yardage without converting enough of its opportunities into touchdowns.

What the Final Score Reveals

The quarter-by-quarter scoring shows how dramatically the game changed.

Baltimore and Buffalo were tied 7-7 after the opening quarter. Buffalo then created the game’s biggest scoring advantage in the second period, outscoring Baltimore 14-3 and taking a 21-10 halftime lead.

Baltimore responded strongly in the third quarter. The Ravens scored nine points while Buffalo failed to score, reducing the deficit to 21-19.

The fourth quarter became a test of execution. Buffalo added two Tyler Bass field goals, while Baltimore scored a late touchdown through Isaiah Likely. Baltimore’s final two-point attempt failed, leaving Buffalo with a 27-25 victory.

This scoring pattern matters because it explains why Baltimore’s superior yardage did not translate into victory. The Ravens moved the ball effectively, but Buffalo repeatedly found ways to put points on the board at important moments.

Lamar Jackson Player Stats

Lamar Jackson produced one of the most impressive statistical performances in the game, even though the Ravens ultimately lost.

Jackson completed 18 of 25 passes for 254 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. His completion rate was 72 percent, and he averaged 10.2 yards per completed pass attempt according to the game statistics. He finished with a 114.4 passer rating.

Lamar Jackson Passing

Statistic	Lamar Jackson
Completions	18
Attempts	25
Completion percentage	72.0%
Passing yards	254
Average	10.2
Passing TDs	2
Interceptions	1
Sacks	2
Sack yards	14
Passer rating	114.4
QBR	83.6

Jackson also contributed as a runner. He recorded six rushing attempts for 39 yards, adding another dimension to Baltimore’s offense.

His passing performance was particularly effective because Baltimore consistently created explosive plays through the air. The Ravens’ receiving group averaged 14.1 yards per reception as a team, according to the supplied game data.

The important distinction is that Jackson played well without producing a mistake-free game. His interception became especially important in a contest decided by only two points.

Josh Allen Player Stats

Josh Allen’s passing numbers were considerably less impressive than Jackson’s, but his overall contribution cannot be measured by passing statistics alone.

Allen completed 16 of 22 passes for approximately 126 to 127 yards, with no passing touchdowns and no interceptions. The official statistical presentation can show a slight distinction between team and individual passing yard totals because of scoring and statistical conventions, but the game box score records Allen at 16 completions on 22 attempts for 127 passing yards, with an 86.7 passer rating.

Josh Allen Passing

Statistic	Josh Allen
Completions	16
Attempts	22
Completion percentage	72.7%
Passing yards	127
Average	5.8
Passing TDs	0
Interceptions	0
Sacks	1
Sack yards	1
Passer rating	86.7
QBR	68.2

At first glance, these numbers make Allen appear to have been outplayed by Jackson.

From a pure passing perspective, that is a reasonable conclusion. Jackson produced 127 more passing yards and two passing touchdowns.

But Allen’s value in this particular matchup came through his ability to contribute in the running game and avoid catastrophic mistakes. He scored two rushing touchdowns, while Buffalo’s overall rushing attack produced three touchdowns.

That is a critical distinction when evaluating quarterback performance. A quarterback does not need to throw for 300 yards to have a winning playoff game.

Derrick Henry’s Impact on the Ravens

Derrick Henry remained a major part of Baltimore’s offensive identity.

Henry carried the ball 16 times for 84 yards and one touchdown. His average was 5.3 yards per carry, and his longest run went for 17 yards.

Derrick Henry Stat	Value
Carries	16
Rushing yards	84
Average	5.3
Rushing TD	1
Longest run	17

Henry was effective enough to keep Buffalo’s defense from focusing exclusively on Jackson.

The larger Baltimore rushing attack produced 176 yards on 30 attempts, an average of 5.9 yards per carry. That was a significant advantage over Buffalo’s 147 rushing yards.

Yet Baltimore’s rushing efficiency did not result in a winning offensive output.

This is an excellent example of why analysts should examine efficiency alongside scoring. Baltimore could move the ball between the 20-yard lines, but Buffalo was better at converting the game’s decisive moments into points.

James Cook and Buffalo’s Running Game

James Cook III led Buffalo’s rushing attack with 17 carries for 67 yards. He averaged 3.9 yards per carry and had an 11-yard long run.

James Cook Stat	Value
Carries	17
Rushing yards	67
Average	3.9
Rushing TD	0
Longest run	11

Cook did not produce Henry’s level of rushing efficiency, but Buffalo did not need him to.

The Bills spread their rushing production across multiple players, with the quarterback also becoming a major part of the scoring equation.

Buffalo finished with 147 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. That is arguably more important than Cook’s individual yardage.

Josh Allen’s Rushing Contribution

Allen’s rushing production was one of the hidden reasons Buffalo won.

The Bills quarterback scored two rushing touchdowns, including a pair of critical goal-line plays. Buffalo also received a rushing touchdown from Ray Davis.

This gave the Bills three rushing touchdowns despite producing only 126 to 127 passing yards.

That offensive balance allowed Buffalo to avoid relying on explosive passing plays. Instead, the Bills repeatedly used physical execution near the goal line.

In a playoff game decided by two points, those short-yardage touchdowns were enormously valuable.

Baltimore Ravens Receiving Stats

Baltimore’s passing production was distributed among several important targets.

Isaiah Likely led the Ravens in receiving yards with four receptions for 73 yards and one touchdown. His longest reception was 39 yards.

Rashod Bateman recorded four receptions for 66 yards and one touchdown, with a 42-yard long reception.

Mark Andrews added five receptions for 61 yards on seven targets.

Ravens Receiver	Receptions	Yards	Average	TD	Long
Isaiah Likely	4	73	18.3	1	39
Rashod Bateman	4	66	16.5	1	42
Mark Andrews	5	61	12.2	0	19

These numbers explain why Jackson’s passing efficiency was so strong.

Baltimore did not simply accumulate short completions. The Ravens generated meaningful yardage on completed passes, and both Likely and Bateman produced touchdown receptions.

Likely’s late fourth-quarter touchdown was especially significant. His 24-yard touchdown reception brought Baltimore within two points, setting up the final attempt to tie the game.

Isaiah Likely’s Late Touchdown

Likely’s fourth-quarter touchdown was one of the defining plays of the game.

With 1:33 remaining, Jackson connected with Likely for a 24-yard touchdown. Baltimore then attempted a two-point conversion but failed.

That sequence left the Ravens trailing 27-25.

The play demonstrates how one successful offensive drive can completely change the pressure on the opposing team. Baltimore had spent much of the second half trying to close the gap, and Likely’s touchdown finally put the Ravens in position to tie.

But the failed conversion meant Buffalo remained ahead.

Buffalo Bills Receiving Stats

Buffalo’s passing attack was much quieter than Baltimore’s.

Khalil Shakir led the Bills with six receptions for 67 yards on seven targets. He averaged 11.2 yards per reception, with a longest reception of 34 yards.

James Cook added three receptions for 15 yards.

Bills Receiver	Receptions	Yards	Average	TD	Long
Khalil Shakir	6	67	11.2	0	34
James Cook III	3	15	5.0	0	7

Buffalo’s receiving group finished with 16 receptions for 127 yards and no receiving touchdowns in the supplied game data.

That is a remarkable contrast with Baltimore.

The Ravens produced 254 passing yards and two receiving touchdowns. Buffalo produced roughly half the passing yardage and no passing touchdowns.

Yet Buffalo won.

This is why the match is better understood through the complete player statistics rather than quarterback passing numbers alone.

Defensive Player Stats

Defense played a major role even though neither team completely shut down the opposing offense.

Baltimore recorded 67 total tackles, including 34 solo tackles, one sack, three tackles for loss and four quarterback hits.

Buffalo also recorded 67 tackles but produced 39 solo tackles, two sacks, seven tackles for loss and five quarterback hits.

Baltimore Defensive Leaders

Kyle Hamilton led Baltimore with nine tackles, including six solo tackles.

Roquan Smith recorded eight tackles, while Malik Harrison added seven tackles and one tackle for loss.

Ravens Defender	Tackles	Solo	Sacks	TFL
Kyle Hamilton	9	6	0	0
Roquan Smith	8	3	0	0
Malik Harrison	7	5	0	1

Baltimore’s defense was productive in terms of tackling volume, but Buffalo’s ability to score three rushing touchdowns ultimately proved difficult to overcome.

Buffalo Defensive Leaders

Damar Hamlin led the Bills with eight tackles, five solo tackles, one sack and two tackles for loss.

Rasul Douglas recorded six tackles, including four solo tackles.

AJ Epenesa also recorded six tackles and added two tackles for loss.

Bills Defender	Tackles	Solo	Sacks	TFL
Damar Hamlin	8	5	1	2
Rasul Douglas	6	4	0	0
AJ Epenesa	6	3	0	2

The Bills finished with two sacks, seven tackles for loss and five quarterback hits.

Those plays were important because Buffalo’s defense had to deal with a Ravens offense that generated 416 total yards.

Turnovers Were a Major Difference

The turnover statistics provide one of the clearest explanations for the final score.

Baltimore committed three fumbles and lost two. Buffalo had no fumbles lost.

The Ravens also threw one interception, while Buffalo did not throw an interception.

Turnover Category	Baltimore	Buffalo
Fumbles	3	0
Fumbles lost	2	0
Interceptions thrown	1	0

That means Baltimore surrendered three turnovers in a two-point playoff loss.

Buffalo did not give Baltimore the same opportunities.

This is one of the strongest examples of a simple football principle: possession efficiency can outweigh raw yardage.

Baltimore’s 416 yards were impressive, but turnovers created scoring opportunities for Buffalo and prevented Baltimore from fully benefiting from its offensive production.

The Kicking Battle

The kicking performances were nearly flawless.

Justin Tucker converted both of his field-goal attempts for Baltimore, including a 47-yard field goal, and made his extra-point attempt.

Tyler Bass also converted both of his field-goal attempts for Buffalo. His longest field goal was 51 yards, and he made all three extra-point attempts.

Kicker	FG	FG %	Long	XP
Justin Tucker	2/2	100%	47	1/1
Tyler Bass	2/2	100%	51	3/3

Bass finished with nine points, compared with seven for Tucker.

The two additional points were not the only reason Buffalo won, but Bass’s perfect field-goal performance gave the Bills valuable insurance during a game in which touchdowns became increasingly difficult to produce.

Special Teams Player Stats

Baltimore also received useful production in the return game.

Keaton Mitchell recorded five kickoff returns for 134 yards, averaging 26.8 yards per return. His longest return was 32 yards.

Steven Sims had one punt return for 16 yards.

For Buffalo, Ray Davis recorded one kickoff return for 25 yards.

Returner	Team	Returns	Yards	Average	Long
Keaton Mitchell	Baltimore	5	134	26.8	32
Steven Sims	Baltimore	1 punt return	16	16.0	16
Ray Davis	Buffalo	1	25	25.0	25

Special teams did not produce the headline moment of the game, but field position is especially important in close playoff contests.

Team Statistical Comparison

The complete team comparison shows an unusual statistical profile.

Team Statistic	Ravens	Bills
Total yards	416	273
Passing yards	240	126
Rushing yards	176	147
Passing TDs	2	0
Rushing TDs	1	3
Interceptions	1	0
Fumbles lost	2	0
Sacks allowed	2	1
Final score	25	27

Baltimore dominated total yardage by 143 yards.

Buffalo, however, won the turnover battle, scored three rushing touchdowns, and converted its field-goal opportunities.

That combination was enough.

Why Buffalo Won Despite Fewer Yards

The most important analytical question is not simply who had better player statistics.

It is why those statistics produced a Buffalo victory.

1. Buffalo Protected the Football

The Bills avoided interceptions and lost fumbles.

Baltimore did not.

Three Baltimore turnovers gave Buffalo an important advantage in a game where the margin was only two points.

2. Buffalo Scored on the Ground

The Bills produced three rushing touchdowns.

Allen scored twice, and Ray Davis scored once.

Baltimore’s rushing attack generated more yards, but Buffalo’s rushing attack was more effective when it reached scoring territory.

3. Buffalo’s Defense Created Disruption

The Bills recorded two sacks and seven tackles for loss.

Those plays did not completely stop Baltimore, but they helped prevent the Ravens from converting their yardage advantage into a larger scoring total.

4. Buffalo Won the Scoring Efficiency Battle

This is arguably the biggest takeaway.

Baltimore gained 416 yards and scored 25 points.

Buffalo gained only 273 yards but scored 27.

That means Buffalo required far fewer yards to produce its winning score.

The Bills did not win because their offense was statistically superior in every category. They won because their production was more valuable in the situations that directly affected the scoreboard.

Lamar Jackson vs Josh Allen

The quarterback comparison is one of the most interesting aspects of the matchup.

Statistic	Lamar Jackson	Josh Allen
Completions	18	16
Attempts	25	22
Passing yards	254	127
Passing TDs	2	0
Interceptions	1	0
Passer rating	114.4	86.7
QBR	83.6	68.2
Rushing contribution	39 yards	Key rushing TD production

If the comparison were limited to passing efficiency, Jackson clearly had the stronger game.

But playoff quarterback evaluation should include all scoring contributions and mistakes.

Allen did not throw a touchdown pass, but he scored two rushing touchdowns and avoided turnovers.

Jackson threw two touchdown passes and moved Baltimore’s offense effectively, but his interception and the Ravens’ lost fumbles became costly.

The result is a good reminder that quarterback performance cannot always be reduced to passing yards or passer rating.

The Ravens’ Offensive Paradox

Baltimore’s offense actually produced many of the statistics coaches would normally want.

The Ravens had:

• 416 total yards
• 240 passing yards
• 176 rushing yards
• Two passing touchdowns
• One rushing touchdown
• A 114.4 passer rating from Jackson
• Multiple explosive receptions

Yet they lost.

The reason is that production was interrupted by turnovers and missed scoring opportunities.

The Ravens moved the ball, but Buffalo repeatedly prevented that yardage from becoming enough points.

This is why the final box score should be read as a collection of connected events rather than a collection of isolated numbers.

The Bills’ Offensive Paradox

Buffalo’s offense had the opposite profile.

The Bills produced only 273 total yards.

Allen passed for approximately 126 to 127 yards.

The receiving corps did not record a touchdown.

Yet Buffalo scored 27 points.

The difference came from rushing touchdowns, field goals, and ball security.

This was a low-volume but high-value offensive performance.

The Bills did not need to win every statistical category. They needed to win enough important categories to survive.

A Closer Look at the Second Quarter

The second quarter may have been the decisive period.

Buffalo entered the quarter tied 7-7.

The Bills then scored twice through Allen rushing touchdowns, while Baltimore added only a field goal.

That created a 21-10 halftime advantage.

Baltimore ultimately came back and outscored Buffalo in the third quarter, but the second-quarter deficit forced the Ravens to spend the rest of the game chasing the score.

In a playoff game, an early two-score deficit can change offensive decision-making.

The Ravens had to continue attacking, while Buffalo could focus on protecting its advantage.

Baltimore’s Second-Half Comeback

The Ravens deserve credit for their response.

They scored nine points in the third quarter without allowing Buffalo to score.

That reduced the deficit from 11 points to only two.

Baltimore then added its fourth-quarter touchdown to move within two again.

The comeback showed that the Ravens were never completely out of the game.

However, the inability to complete the final two-point conversion prevented them from tying the score.

The final margin was therefore determined by a handful of high-leverage plays rather than a broad statistical gap between the teams.

What the Matchup Says About Playoff Football

This game provides several useful lessons for anyone studying NFL player statistics.

Yardage Does Not Equal Victory

Baltimore gained 416 yards.

Buffalo gained 273.

Buffalo won.

That fact alone demonstrates why total yardage should never be used as the sole measure of team performance.

Turnovers Can Overrule Efficiency

Baltimore’s offense was efficient enough to score 25 points, but turnovers reduced the value of its offensive production.

Buffalo protected the ball.

That difference mattered.

Touchdowns Matter More Than Raw Rushing Yardage

Henry averaged 5.3 yards per carry.

Cook averaged 3.9.

But Buffalo’s rushing attack produced three touchdowns.

Baltimore produced one.

The Bills therefore extracted more scoreboard value from their rushing opportunities.

Situational Football Decides Close Games

A 27-25 playoff game is ultimately about a small number of plays.

The Allen rushing touchdowns, Baltimore’s turnovers, Bass’s field goals, Likely’s late touchdown and the failed two-point conversion all mattered more than the difference between 300 and 400 total yards.

Historical Context of the Rivalry

The Buffalo and Baltimore rivalry has produced several memorable games over the years.

The teams entered this contest with a long history of regular-season meetings and previous postseason encounters. The 2025 divisional matchup was Buffalo’s second postseason victory over Baltimore. The overall series has remained highly competitive.

The most recent meeting before this playoff game had gone Baltimore’s way, with the Ravens defeating Buffalo 35-10 during the 2024 regular season.

That made Buffalo’s divisional-round victory particularly significant.

The Bills reversed the result when the stakes were considerably higher.

What the Player Stats Tell Us About Lamar Jackson

Jackson’s numbers should not be interpreted as evidence of a poor performance.

Quite the opposite.

He completed 72 percent of his passes, generated 254 passing yards and threw two touchdowns.

His 114.4 passer rating was strong.

The problem was not simply Jackson’s quarterback play.

Baltimore needed its overall team execution to match the quality of Jackson’s individual production.

The turnover margin and failure to finish the final scoring opportunity became the difference.

What the Player Stats Tell Us About Josh Allen

Allen’s performance is harder to evaluate from conventional passing statistics.

His 127 passing yards were modest.

His 86.7 passer rating was below Jackson’s.

He did not throw a touchdown.

Yet Allen contributed directly to the scoreboard with two rushing touchdowns and avoided an interception.

His performance illustrates why total quarterback impact requires more than passing statistics.

Which Player Had the Biggest Statistical Impact?

If the question is strictly about offensive production, Lamar Jackson is the obvious candidate.

He produced 254 passing yards, two touchdown passes and 39 rushing yards.

If the question is about the winning team’s most important player, the answer is more complicated.

Josh Allen’s rushing touchdowns were extremely valuable, while Buffalo’s defensive and special teams execution also contributed to the win.

Damar Hamlin’s defensive numbers, Tyler Bass’s perfect kicking performance and Buffalo’s ball security all deserve attention.

The game was won collectively rather than by one overwhelming individual statistical performance.

Most Important Numbers to Remember

For readers who want the shortest possible summary of the box score, these are the numbers that best explain the outcome:

1. 27-25: Buffalo’s final score.
2. 416-273: Baltimore’s advantage in total yards.
3. 3-0: Buffalo’s advantage in rushing touchdowns.
4. 3-0: Baltimore’s advantage in turnovers lost.
5. 254: Lamar Jackson’s passing yards.
6. 127: Josh Allen’s passing yards.
7. 84: Derrick Henry’s rushing yards.
8. 67: James Cook’s rushing yards.
9. 73: Isaiah Likely’s receiving yards.
10. 67: Khalil Shakir’s receiving yards.
11. 9: Tyler Bass’s points.
12. 2: Buffalo’s winning margin.

Taken together, those numbers tell a much more complete story than the final score alone.

How to Analyze Similar NFL Match Player Stats

For anyone using box scores to evaluate future games, a practical approach is to work through the statistics in this order.

Step 1: Start With the Score

The final score establishes the outcome, but not the reason.

Step 2: Compare Total Yardage

This shows which offense generated more overall production.

Step 3: Separate Passing and Rushing

A team can compensate for weaker passing numbers through rushing production, as Buffalo did here.

Step 4: Check Turnovers

This is essential in close games.

Step 5: Examine Touchdowns

Look at how each team scored rather than simply counting total points.

Step 6: Review Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring

This shows when the game changed direction.

Step 7: Look at High-Impact Individual Players

Quarterbacks, running backs, receivers, defensive leaders and kickers can each influence the outcome differently.

Step 8: Compare Efficiency With Volume

More yards do not automatically mean better performance.

That final distinction is perhaps the most important lesson from this Bills-Ravens playoff matchup.

Final Assessment

Buffalo’s 27-25 victory over Baltimore was a classic example of a playoff game in which efficiency and execution mattered more than raw statistical volume.

The Ravens controlled total yardage and received an excellent passing performance from Lamar Jackson. Derrick Henry also produced 84 rushing yards, while Isaiah Likely and Rashod Bateman created explosive receiving plays.

Buffalo’s offense was far less productive through the air, but the Bills scored three rushing touchdowns, protected the football and received a perfect field-goal performance from Tyler Bass.

The defensive numbers were relatively close in tackle totals, but Buffalo generated more sacks, tackles for loss and quarterback hits.

Most importantly, the Bills made fewer costly mistakes.

The final statistical picture therefore looks unusual: Baltimore had more yards, more passing production and a higher quarterback rating, yet Buffalo had the two points that mattered most.

That is what makes this matchup especially valuable for anyone studying NFL statistics. A box score is not merely a list of who accumulated the most yards. It is a record of how teams converted opportunities, avoided mistakes and executed under pressure.

The 27-25 result ultimately reflected Buffalo’s ability to turn limited offensive production into enough points while preventing Baltimore from completing its comeback.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens playoff game?

The Buffalo Bills defeated the Baltimore Ravens 27-25 in the AFC Divisional Playoffs on January 19, 2025, at Highmark Stadium.

How many passing yards did Lamar Jackson have?

Lamar Jackson completed 18 of 25 passes for 254 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He finished with a 114.4 passer rating.

How many passing yards did Josh Allen have?

Josh Allen completed 16 of 22 passes for 127 passing yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions, with an 86.7 passer rating.

Who led the Ravens in rushing?

Derrick Henry led Baltimore with 16 carries for 84 yards and one touchdown, averaging 5.3 yards per carry.

Who led the Bills in rushing?

James Cook III led Buffalo with 17 carries for 67 yards. He averaged 3.9 yards per carry and did not score a rushing touchdown.

Why did Buffalo win despite having fewer total yards?

Buffalo won because it protected the football, scored three rushing touchdowns, converted both field-goal attempts and avoided the costly turnovers that hurt Baltimore. The Bills scored 27 points on 273 total yards, while Baltimore produced 416 yards but scored 25.

Conclusion

The Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens match player stats from the AFC Divisional Playoffs show why football analysis cannot rely on one statistic.

Baltimore produced 416 total yards and Lamar Jackson posted 254 passing yards with two touchdown passes. Derrick Henry added 84 rushing yards, while Isaiah Likely and Rashod Bateman supplied explosive receiving plays.

Buffalo countered with a more efficient scoring performance. Josh Allen’s passing numbers were modest, but his rushing touchdowns were critical. James Cook contributed 67 rushing yards, Khalil Shakir led the Bills in receiving, and Tyler Bass converted every scoring opportunity presented to him.

The decisive difference was execution.

Baltimore lost three turnovers, including two lost fumbles and one interception. Buffalo did not lose a fumble and did not throw an interception. The Bills also produced three rushing touchdowns compared with Baltimore’s one.

The final 27-25 score therefore makes sense when the complete statistical picture is considered. Baltimore won the yardage battle, but Buffalo won the scoring, turnover and situational battles that ultimately determine playoff games.

For anyone studying this matchup, the clearest takeaway is simple: the best statistical performance is not always the one with the most yards. In a close postseason game, the value of every possession, touchdown, turnover and scoring opportunity can be greater than the raw volume of offensive production.