The Buffalo Bills had won the opening coin toss and deferred possession, so they’ll got the first crack at things in the second half against the Denver Broncos.

The Denver defense needed to find a way to stop James Cook and the Bills run game, but that didn’t start in the third quarter with back-to-back runs by Cook for a total of 12 yards then Josh Allen hit a wide open Dawson Knox down the field for a 20 yard gain. Then back to Cook again for another 20 yard gain to put him over 100 yards rushing in the game.

On the first and goal from the eight, Cook pushed it down the five yard line. Then on second and goal, Cook was stuffed for no gain. On third and goal, Josh Allen was sacked again by Zach Allen to save Denver’s chances by holding Buffalo to a field goal.

Bills 13, Broncos 7.

Buffalo was dominating the time of possession, so the Broncos needed to get something going to eat some clock. They were stuffed on first down, but Javonte Williams was able to squeeze out five yards on second down. But Nix would miss Troy Franklin over the middle to bring out the punt unit for yet another three and out.

On the Bills next drive, the Broncos defense had them in a bad way but yet another mistake kept the Bills offense on the field.

That drive would result in a touchdown and the Bills owned a 3 to 1 advantage in time of possession. They had a fourth down and one and threw it up deep for the touchdown with P.J. Locke getting beat in coverage to put the game away for Buffalo.

Buffalo would go for two and get it to take a two touchdown lead.

Bills 21, Broncos 7.

Sean Payton came out of halftime talking about time of possession and both Broncos drives in the third quarter began with back-to-back runs for minimal gain and an incompletion on third and long. Two three-and-outs with the Bills on the gas and in control of the game.

That series was the nail in the coffin for the Broncos chances and the competitive portion of the game ended.

We’ll get ‘em next year.