Bills defeat Steelers with a final score of 31-17. Here are the game highlights and key statistics to take note of.

During the Super Wild Card matchup between the Bills and the Steelers at Highmark Stadium, the snowy conditions added an extra layer of excitement. After each Buffalo touchdown, fans enthusiastically threw snow into the air, creating a picturesque scene. The Bills emerged victorious with a 31-17 win, securing their spot in the Divisional Round against the Kansas City Chiefs next Sunday.

Quarterback Josh Allen showcased his explosive skills throughout the game, delivering an impressive performance. He notched a 52-yard rushing touchdown, the longest in Bills postseason history, and completed 21 of 30 passes for 203 yards and three touchdowns. Additionally, Allen contributed 74 rushing yards and another touchdown on the ground.

Following the Steelers’ opening drive punt, Allen and the Bills offense executed their plays with precision. They maintained an average of eight yards per play and sealed the lead with a well-placed pass to Dawson Knox. This lead remained unchallenged for the rest of the game.

The Bills defense displayed their dominance in the first half, forcing three three-and-outs and securing two takeaways. Both turnovers were capitalized on by the offense. Nickel corner Taron Johnson forced a fumble from Pittsburgh receiver George Pickens, which was recovered by Terrel Bernard. After a successful challenge by coach Sean McDermott, Allen swiftly connected with tight end Dalton Kincaid for a 29-yard touchdown on the subsequent play.

The rookie, Kincaid, concluded the game with three receptions for 59 yards and a touchdown.

After two drives, Pittsburgh tight end Pat Freiermuth seemed to lose possession of the ball, with linebacker Baylon Spector recovering it. However, the officials determined that the ball had gone out of bounds before the recovery.

Freiermuth managed to gain a first down, despite being tackled by cornerback Kaiir Elam, who later committed defensive pass interference on the following plays.

Elam sought revenge shortly after by intercepting Rudolph in the end zone, effectively ending the Steelers’ promising drive and returning the ball to Buffalo.

Taking advantage of Elam’s impressive play, Allen scored a remarkable rushing touchdown and celebrated by flexing in the end zone, extending the Bills’ lead to 21-0.

The Steelers managed to put points on the board during their seventh drive, as Rudolph connected with Diontae Johnson for a 10-yard touchdown pass. This touchdown helped them narrow the gap and make it a two-score game before halftime, after Tyler Bass’ field goal attempt was blocked. However, the Bills’ defense, which had been plagued by injuries throughout the game, started to slow down after halftime.

In the second half, the Bills’ offense struggled in their first possession, allowing the Steelers to score a field goal as they approached the red zone. Unfortunately for the Bills, their starting middle linebacker, Terrel Bernard, had to leave the game due to an ankle injury and underwent X-rays. Bernard had been a key player for the Bills’ defense throughout the season, serving as the play caller and contributing to their strong defensive performance.

The Bills faced a critical third-and-8 situation just outside of field goal range, risking a disappointing start to their second half drives. However, Allen’s quick thinking and agility allowed him to scramble in the pocket and find Diggs for a crucial first down. Although the offense couldn’t convert on third-and-12 later on, Tyler Bass successfully kicked a 45-yard field goal, extending the Bills’ lead to two touchdowns once again.

The Steelers orchestrated a 12-play touchdown drive on their subsequent possession, as Rudolph connected with Calvin Austin in the end zone, narrowing the gap to just one score.

Allen continued to exhibit his ability to position his receivers for success, completing a quick slant to Khalil Shakir. Despite encountering Minkah Fitzpatrick’s resistance at the line of scrimmage, the second-year receiver displayed resilience, absorbing the contact and smoothly transitioning into the end zone for his inaugural playoff touchdown.

Despite the absence of several key starters, the defense stepped up when it mattered most. When faced with a crucial fourth-and-3 situation and trailing by two touchdowns, Pittsburgh opted to go for it in their own territory but fell short.

In the upcoming Divisional Round, Buffalo will face Kansas City on Sunday at 6:30 p.m.

Key statistics and facts to be aware of:

1. Sean McDermott has an impressive record of 11-1 in regular season and postseason games that have a kickoff temperature of 32 degrees or below. Additionally, he boasts a 5-1 record in home playoff games.

2. McDermott joins the esteemed company of Hall of Fame coach Marv Levy as the only Bills coaches to have achieved five or more playoff wins.

3. The Bills have achieved over 300 total yards in six consecutive games, marking the second time in team history that they have accomplished this feat.

4. Dawson Knox’s touchdown in the first quarter of the game was his sixth in the postseason, which ties him with Gabe Davis and James Lofton. Only Andre Reed has more postseason receiving touchdowns in Bills history, with a total of nine touchdown receptions.

5. Cornerback Kaiir Elam made his second career playoff interception in just his third career playoff game. He had also recorded an interception last season in the Super Wild Card matchup against Miami.

6. Josh Allen joins Patrick Mahomes as the only players to have achieved 23 or more total touchdowns in their first nine career playoff games.

7. Allen’s 52-yard touchdown run in the game was not only the longest rush of his career in both the regular season and playoffs but also the longest rushing touchdown in Bills playoff history. It also stands as the second-longest rushing touchdown by a quarterback in NFL postseason history.

8. With his three passing touchdowns, Allen becomes only the fourth quarterback in NFL history to have achieved 20 or more passing touchdowns in his first nine playoff games. He joins the ranks of Drew Brees (22), Patrick Mahomes (22), and Dan Marino (21).

9. Allen makes history as the first player in NFL history to throw three touchdown passes while rushing for over 70 yards and a touchdown in a playoff game.

SCORING PLAYS

7:02 1Q | BUF 7 PIT 0 | Dawson Knox catches a 9-yard pass from Josh Allen for a TOUCHDOWN.

4:10 1Q | BUF 14 PIT 0 | Dalton Kincaid receives a 29-yard pass from Josh Allen for a TOUCHDOWN.

7:01 2Q | BUF 21 PIT 0 | Josh Allen rushes for 52 yards, scoring a TOUCHDOWN.

1:39 2Q | BUF 21 PIT 7 | Diontae Johnson catches a 10-yard pass from Mason Rudolph for a TOUCHDOWN.

8:50 3Q | BUF 21 PIT 10 | Chris Boswell successfully kicks a 40-yard field goal.

1:32 3Q | BUF 24 PIT 10 | Tyler Bass successfully kicks a 45-yard field goal.

10:32 4Q | BUF 24 PIT 17 | Calvin Austin catches a 7-yard pass from Mason Rudolph for a TOUCHDOWN.

6:27 4Q | BUF 31 PIT 17 | Khalil Shakir catches a 17-yard pass from Josh Allen for a TOUCHDOWN.