In the days leading up to the AFC Divisional Round, a photo of Hailee Steinfeld wearing a Denver Broncos jacket resurfaced and went viral.
The image showed her ‘dabbing’ in celebration after Denver’s Super Bowl 50 win back in 2016, accompanied by the caption, “HELL YEAH BRONCOS.”
Naturally, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect — or awkward — for her husband, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, with the Bills set to face the Broncos in the playoffs.
Social media had a field day, and Mile High fans weren’t shy about bringing the playful teasing into the stadium.
Even the Broncos showed a fan-made poster of the photo on the jumbotron before kickoff, making sure Allen saw just how much fun his wife’s old allegiance could stir.
Josh Allen Shrugs It Off
Asked about the viral image by CBS Sports reporter Tracy Wolfson, Allen laughed it off.
“I had no idea it was floating around,” he said, adding that Steinfeld was “probably paid to be there” and that he wasn’t planning to bring it up at home.
Despite all the pre-game jokes, it was Denver that would ultimately have the last laugh on the scoreboard.
Fourth Quarter Fireworks
The game itself was an absolute thriller.
Allen began the fourth quarter on fire, driving from his own 15-yard line in nine plays and hitting tight end Dalton Kincaid for a touchdown to take a 24-23 lead.
Denver responded quickly with a three-and-out, giving Buffalo a chance to extend the lead with a field goal to 27-23 with just over four minutes remaining.
But the Broncos weren’t done.
Bo Nix orchestrated a patient drive, hitting wideout Marvin Mims for a touchdown to take a 30-27 lead with 55 seconds left.
Allen, known for his composure, moved Buffalo downfield efficiently to tie the game with a field goal, sending the contest into overtime.
Overtime Heartbreak for Buffalo
Denver won the overtime coin toss but stalled, punting to pin Buffalo deep inside their own 7-yard line.
This set the stage for Allen, who had never won an NFL overtime game, either in the regular season or playoffs.
In a high-risk move, Allen attempted a deep pass to Brandon Cooks, only for Denver’s Ja’Quan McMillian to snatch the ball away.
From there, the Broncos needed just one score to clinch the win.
Two controversial pass interference calls helped Denver gain 47 combined yards, setting up a 24-yard field goal to seal a 33-30 victory.
Bills’ Super Bowl Drought Continues
The loss marks the Bills’ seventh consecutive postseason appearance without making it to the Super Bowl.
Despite Allen’s heroics and late-game magic, Denver’s late-game execution and a few favorable calls ensured Buffalo’s frustrations would continue into next season.
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