The jacksonville jaguars vs buffalo bills match player stats from the January 11, 2026, AFC Wild Card playoff game reveal how Buffalo secured a dramatic 27-24 victory despite Jacksonville producing more rushing yards and three passing touchdowns. Josh Allen delivered an efficient performance, Trevor Lawrence found the end zone three times through the air, and Buffalo’s two interceptions proved crucial in a game decided by only three points.

Played in Jacksonville, the postseason matchup featured contrasting offensive approaches. The Jaguars gained 154 rushing yards and averaged 6.7 yards per carry, while the Bills finished with 273 passing yards, two rushing touchdowns from Allen, and a clean passing performance with no interceptions. Jacksonville stayed competitive throughout the second half, scoring 14 fourth-quarter points, but Buffalo matched that output to protect its lead.

This breakdown examines the quarterback numbers, rushing and receiving leaders, defensive contributions, kicking statistics, and key differences that shaped the final result. The figures below follow the supplied ESPN box-score data for this specific game.

Jacksonville Jaguars vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats: Game Overview

The AFC Wild Card contest brought together two teams that finished the regular season with strong records. Jacksonville entered at 13-4 overall and 7-2 at home, while Buffalo arrived at 12-5 overall with a 5-3 away record.

Despite Jacksonville’s home-field advantage, Buffalo won 27-24.

Buffalo Bills

Away team · Record: 12-5

27

Jacksonville Jaguars

Home team · Record: 13-4

24

Competition

AFC Wild Card Playoffs

Game date

January 11, 2026

Winning margin

3 points

Final status

Completed

Final score by quarter

Quarter	Buffalo Bills	Jacksonville Jaguars
First quarter	3	0
Second quarter	7	7
Third quarter	3	3
Fourth quarter	14	14
Final score	27	24

Buffalo scored first with three points in the opening quarter. Both teams then scored seven points in the second quarter, followed by matching three-point totals in the third.

The fourth quarter produced the highest combined scoring period, with both teams adding 14 points. That late surge kept the result in doubt until the closing stages.

The quarter-by-quarter pattern matters because it shows that Jacksonville did not collapse offensively after falling behind. The Jaguars scored consistently in the second half, but they could not overcome the early deficit and Buffalo’s advantage in turnovers.

Quick team statistics comparison

Statistical category	Buffalo	Jacksonville
Final points	27	24
Passing yards	273	207
Rushing yards	79	154
Total passing touchdowns	1	3
Rushing touchdowns	2	0
Interceptions thrown	0	2
Defensive interceptions	2	0
Sacks recorded	1	1
Total defensive tackles	49	65
Field goals made	2	1

These figures reveal the central contrast: Jacksonville gained more yards on the ground, but Buffalo combined efficient passing, quarterback rushing scores, and takeaways to produce the winning total.

Josh Allen vs Trevor Lawrence: Quarterback Stats

The quarterback comparison is one of the most revealing parts of the game. Josh Allen finished with more passing yards and no interceptions, while Trevor Lawrence threw three touchdown passes but also gave the ball away twice.

Passing statistic	Josh Allen	Trevor Lawrence
Completions	28	18
Pass attempts	35	30
Completion percentage	80.0%	60.0%
Passing yards	273	207
Yards per attempt	7.8	6.9
Passing touchdowns	1	3
Interceptions	0	2
Sacks taken	1	1
Sack yards lost	12	2
Passer rating	108.7	86.4
ESPN QBR	87.1	30.0

Josh Allen’s efficient passing performance

Allen completed 28 of his 35 attempts, giving him an 80% completion rate. His 273 passing yards represented the highest passing total between the two starting quarterbacks.

His performance was built on accuracy, steady movement of the ball, and good decisions under pressure. Allen averaged 7.8 yards per attempt and avoided interceptions throughout the game.

That last figure was especially important. Jacksonville’s offense needed to turn its strong rushing production into a meaningful scoreboard advantage. Buffalo’s quarterback did not provide the Jaguars with an interception that could help them create extra possessions.

Allen also contributed 33 rushing yards on 11 carries and scored twice on the ground. Those runs transformed his passing performance into a much more complete offensive display.

Rather than relying exclusively on his receivers to finish drives, Allen used his mobility near the goal line. That ability gave Jacksonville another problem to solve when defending Buffalo’s offense.

Trevor Lawrence’s three touchdown passes

Lawrence completed 18 of 30 passes for 207 yards, with three touchdowns and two interceptions.

His passing line presents two sides of the same story. Three touchdown passes helped Jacksonville score 24 points and remain competitive in a playoff game. However, the two interceptions gave Buffalo opportunities to end drives without requiring its defense to make a conventional stop.

Lawrence’s 60% completion rate was 20 percentage points below Allen’s. He also averaged 6.9 yards per attempt, compared with Allen’s 7.8.

Those numbers do not mean Lawrence played poorly on every possession. His touchdown passes to Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, and Travis Etienne Jr. demonstrated his ability to exploit scoring opportunities.

The problem was the balance between productive plays and costly mistakes. In a three-point playoff defeat, interceptions carry greater weight because every lost possession can change the number of opportunities available to score.

Why the quarterback comparison favors Allen

The most useful distinction is between passing touchdowns and total offensive contribution.

Lawrence threw two more touchdown passes than Allen, but Allen scored twice as a runner. The Buffalo quarterback therefore accounted directly for three touchdowns, one through the air and two on the ground.

The comparison becomes clearer when the statistics are considered together:

• Passing efficiency: Allen completed a higher percentage of his throws and averaged more yards per attempt.
• Ball security: Allen threw no interceptions, while Lawrence threw two.
• Scoring versatility: Allen produced touchdowns through both passing and rushing.
• Passing touchdown production: Lawrence led this category with three.

Lawrence deserves credit for producing three passing scores. Allen’s overall performance, however, offered Buffalo a more efficient combination of passing, rushing, and possession security.

Rushing Stats: Jaguars Dominate Yardage, Bills Win the Scoreboard

Jacksonville’s rushing performance was one of the most striking statistical features of the contest. The Jaguars recorded 154 rushing yards on 23 carries, averaging 6.7 yards per attempt.

Buffalo finished with 79 rushing yards on 26 carries, an average of 3.0 yards per carry.

Despite gaining 75 fewer rushing yards, the Bills scored two rushing touchdowns. That difference explains why raw yardage alone cannot determine which team had the more effective ground attack.

Jacksonville Jaguars rushing leaders

Player	Carries	Rushing yards	Average	Longest run	TDs
Travis Etienne Jr.	10	67	6.7	26	0
Bhayshul Tuten	4	51	12.8	20	0
Trevor Lawrence	6	31	5.2	18	0
LeQuint Allen Jr.	1	3	3.0	3	0
Parker Washington	2	2	1.0	5	0
Team total	23	154	6.7	26	0

Travis Etienne Jr. provides consistent production

Etienne led Jacksonville with 67 rushing yards on 10 carries. His 6.7-yard average showed that the Jaguars could generate meaningful gains without relying entirely on explosive plays.

His longest run covered 26 yards. That ability to produce a substantial gain helped Jacksonville maintain a balanced offensive approach, combining rushing attempts with Lawrence’s passing game.

Etienne also contributed in the receiving game, catching five passes for 49 yards and a touchdown. His combined rushing and receiving production made him one of Jacksonville’s most versatile offensive players.

Although he did not score a rushing touchdown, his overall workload gave the Jaguars a dependable option on multiple types of plays.

Bhayshul Tuten adds explosive rushing

Tuten recorded 51 yards on only four carries, averaging 12.8 yards per attempt. His longest run was 20 yards.

That average was considerably higher than Etienne’s, although the smaller number of attempts matters when comparing their performances. Four carries provide fewer opportunities to measure consistency than 10 carries.

Even with that qualification, Tuten’s production was valuable. His ability to generate more than 50 yards on limited opportunities helped Jacksonville finish with a strong team rushing total.

The broader lesson is that the Jaguars had multiple players capable of gaining substantial yardage on the ground. The challenge was converting that production into rushing touchdowns or a larger scoring margin.

Josh Allen leads Buffalo’s ground scoring

Player	Carries	Rushing yards	Average	Longest run	TDs
James Cook III	15	46	3.1	11	0
Josh Allen	11	33	3.0	10	2
Team total	26	79	3.0	11	2

Cook led Buffalo in rushing yardage with 46 yards on 15 attempts. His longest run covered 11 yards, and he did not score a rushing touchdown.

Allen added 33 rushing yards and two touchdowns. His longest run was 10 yards, which indicates that his scoring impact did not depend on a long breakaway run.

Instead, Allen’s rushing value came from his ability to finish drives close to the goal line. A quarterback who can pass effectively and run for touchdowns creates an additional defensive assignment, especially when the offense reaches short-yardage situations.

Buffalo’s ground game was less productive in terms of average yardage, but it achieved the more important outcome of putting points on the board.

What the rushing numbers really tell us

Jacksonville won the rushing-yardage comparison decisively. Buffalo won the rushing-touchdown comparison by two scores.

That contrast highlights three important distinctions:

1. Yardage measures movement, not necessarily scoring. A team can gain large chunks of ground without completing the final step of a scoring drive.
2. Quarterback rushing changes defensive priorities. Allen’s running ability forced Jacksonville to account for another potential ball carrier.
3. Red-zone execution matters. Buffalo’s ability to finish two rushing plays for touchdowns helped offset Jacksonville’s superior average gain per carry.

For readers studying team performance, the best approach is to examine rushing attempts, yards per carry, touchdowns, and overall scoring together rather than treating any single number as decisive.

Receiving Stats: Parker Washington Leads Jacksonville

The receiving statistics reveal another contrast between the teams. Jacksonville produced more yards per reception and had three receiving touchdowns. Buffalo distributed its passing production across a larger group of reliable targets.

Buffalo Bills receiving leaders

Player	Receptions	Targets	Receiving yards	Average per catch	TDs
Khalil Shakir	12	12	82	6.8	0
Brandin Cooks	3	5	58	19.3	0
Keon Coleman	1	1	36	36.0	0
Dawson Knox	3	3	30	10.0	0
Dalton Kincaid	3	5	28	9.3	1
Tyrell Shavers	1	2	14	14.0	0
Gabe Davis	2	3	14	7.0	0
Frank Gore Jr.	1	1	6	6.0	0
James Cook III	2	3	5	2.5	0

Khalil Shakir leads Buffalo in catches and yards

Shakir caught all 12 of his targets for 82 yards. His 12 receptions were the highest total for either team in the supplied receiving statistics.

He averaged 6.8 yards per reception and recorded a longest catch of 18 yards. Although he did not score, his consistent availability gave Allen a dependable option throughout the passing game.

A 12-for-12 receiving line is especially useful when evaluating a receiver’s role. Shakir did not merely accumulate yards on a few isolated plays. He converted every recorded target into a reception, helping Buffalo sustain its passing offense.

His performance also demonstrates why receiving touchdowns alone are not enough to evaluate a player’s contribution. A receiver can be central to moving the ball even when another player finishes the scoring drive.

Brandin Cooks delivers downfield production

Cooks caught three passes for 58 yards on five targets, averaging 19.3 yards per reception. His longest reception covered 36 yards.

His production came on fewer catches than Shakir’s, but each completion generated more yardage on average. This contrast illustrates how Buffalo’s receiving options complemented one another.

Shakir offered reliable short-to-intermediate production, while Cooks supplied a more explosive downfield element. Together, they helped Buffalo balance completion volume with opportunities to gain larger chunks of yardage.

Keon Coleman also contributed a 36-yard reception on his only target. That single catch was a significant gain, although one target is too small a sample to establish a broader pattern of performance.

Dalton Kincaid contributes a crucial touchdown

Kincaid recorded three receptions for 28 yards and one touchdown. His longest catch was 15 yards.

His touchdown was particularly valuable because it arrived during the fourth-quarter scoring exchange. With Jacksonville threatening to take control, Buffalo needed a response that would restore its advantage.

Kincaid’s scoring reception supplied that response. His total receiving yardage was modest compared with the leading receivers, but the touchdown had a direct effect on the scoreboard.

This is a useful example of why a player assessment should consider both volume and timing. A receiver who scores at a critical point can have a greater immediate influence on the result than his total yardage alone suggests.

Jacksonville Jaguars receiving leaders

Player	Receptions	Targets	Receiving yards	Average per catch	TDs
Parker Washington	7	12	107	15.3	1
Travis Etienne Jr.	5	5	49	9.8	1
Brian Thomas Jr.	2	5	21	10.5	1
Jakobi Meyers	1	2	12	12.0	0
LeQuint Allen Jr.	1	4	9	9.0	0
Brenton Strange	2	1*	9	4.5	0
Tim Patrick	0	0*	0	0.0	0

*The supplied player-level figures contain inconsistencies in the target totals for some Jacksonville receivers. Receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns are shown as supplied; check the official box score before republishing disputed target figures.

Parker Washington’s standout performance

Washington led Jacksonville in receiving yards with 107 on seven catches. He averaged 15.3 yards per reception, recorded a longest catch of 34 yards, and scored one touchdown.

His performance was important because Jacksonville needed explosive passing plays to complement its effective rushing attack. Washington supplied that downfield production and helped keep the offense dangerous even when the team was trailing.

He also contributed two rushing attempts for two yards, although his receiving work was the more substantial part of his offensive contribution.

Washington’s 107 receiving yards exceeded the total of every individual Buffalo receiver in the supplied figures. That made him Jacksonville’s most productive receiver by yardage, even though the Jaguars did not win the game.

Etienne and Thomas add scoring value

Etienne caught five passes for 49 yards and one touchdown. His longest reception covered 14 yards.

Brian Thomas Jr. added two catches for 21 yards and a touchdown. His scoring reception gave Jacksonville an early second-quarter lead, while Washington and Etienne provided additional touchdown production later in the contest.

Together, these three players accounted for all three of Lawrence’s passing touchdowns.

Jacksonville’s receiving production was therefore highly effective at the point of scoring. The team recorded three passing touchdowns on 18 completions, compared with Buffalo’s one passing touchdown on 28 completions.

However, the Jaguars’ two interceptions remained a significant counterweight. Scoring efficiently on successful drives does not erase the cost of possessions that end with a turnover.

Comparing the two receiving groups

Jacksonville’s receivers averaged 11.5 yards per reception as a team in the supplied data, compared with Buffalo’s listed average of 9.8.

That difference supports the view that Jacksonville generated more yardage from each completed catch. Yet Buffalo’s passing game featured a higher completion rate at quarterback and more total receptions.

The two teams therefore produced their passing offense in different ways:

• Jacksonville relied on a smaller number of completions, explosive gains, and touchdowns.
• Buffalo combined high completion volume with contributions from several receivers.
• Washington was the leading individual receiver by yardage.
• Shakir led the game in receptions.
• Kincaid and Allen provided scoring plays that helped Buffalo win.

The receiving statistics make the matchup more interesting than the final score alone. Jacksonville generated productive individual performances, but Buffalo combined its passing options with a more balanced scoring contribution from its quarterback.

Defensive Stats: Buffalo’s Two Interceptions Make the Difference

The defensive comparison helps explain why Jacksonville’s offensive yardage did not translate into a victory.

Buffalo recorded two interceptions, while Jacksonville failed to intercept a pass. Both defenses recorded one sack, but the Bills created more opportunities to take possession away from their opponent.

Defensive statistic	Buffalo Bills	Jacksonville Jaguars
Total tackles	49	65
Solo tackles	38	45
Sacks	1	1
Tackles for loss	3	1
Passes defended	9	0
Quarterback hits	3	3
Interceptions	2	0
Interception return yards	21	0
Defensive touchdowns	0	0

Buffalo’s secondary creates decisive turnovers

The Bills’ defense recorded two interceptions, credited in the supplied statistics to Shaq Thompson and Cole Bishop.

Thompson returned his interception for 19 yards, while Bishop recorded two return yards on his takeaway. Neither interception resulted in a defensive touchdown, but both interrupted Jacksonville’s passing offense.

The late interception was particularly consequential. With Jacksonville trying to find a final scoring opportunity, Cole Bishop secured the decisive takeaway after Tre’Davious White helped disrupt Lawrence’s pass. That sequence ended the Jaguars’ last meaningful attempt to change the result.

The timing of the interception matters as much as the total. A turnover late in a close playoff game can eliminate the opponent’s remaining opportunities, whereas an interception early in a game still leaves time for both offenses to recover.

Buffalo’s two takeaways were therefore a major difference between the teams. The Bills did not need a defensive touchdown to benefit from them. Preventing Jacksonville from completing drives was enough to support the narrow win.

Jacksonville records more tackles but fewer takeaways

Jacksonville recorded 65 total tackles compared with Buffalo’s 49. That higher number reflects the amount of defensive activity during the game, but it does not automatically mean Jacksonville defended more effectively.

Tackle totals depend on several factors, including the number of plays, where those plays occur, and whether an offense completes passes or gains rushing yards before being tackled.

The Jaguars also recorded one sack and three quarterback hits, matching Buffalo in quarterback hits. However, their supplied defensive figures showed no interceptions and no passes defended.

Those numbers help distinguish pressure from disruption. A defense can reach the quarterback or make tackles without forcing an inaccurate throw or creating a turnover. Buffalo was more successful at turning its defensive opportunities into possession changes.

Sacks and pressure tell only part of the story

Both teams recorded one sack, and each registered three quarterback hits. The difference in the result cannot be explained by sack totals alone.

Buffalo’s nine passes defended suggest that its defenders disrupted multiple passing attempts, even when those plays did not become interceptions. Jacksonville’s supplied total of zero passes defended should be treated as a box-score statistic rather than proof that no individual defensive play affected a throw.

The more important distinction is the outcome of those defensive efforts. Buffalo turned two passes into interceptions, while Jacksonville did not record a takeaway.

For analysts, this is a reminder to assess defense using multiple measures:

• Sacks and quarterback hits show pressure.
• Passes defended show disruption of throws.
• Interceptions show possession-changing plays.
• Tackles for loss show an ability to stop plays behind the line of scrimmage.
• Turnovers in context show when a defensive play affected the likely outcome.

No single category explains an entire game. In this matchup, Buffalo’s takeaways and its ability to finish the final defensive sequence were especially important.

Kicking and Special Teams Stats

Special teams can be overlooked when a game features multiple touchdowns, but the Bills’ kicking performance helped create the three-point margin.

Kicker comparison

Statistic	Matt Prater, Buffalo	Cam Little, Jacksonville
Field goals made	2	1
Field goals attempted	2	2
Field goal accuracy	100%	50%
Longest field goal	50 yards	43 yards
Extra points made	3	3
Total kicking points	9	6

Matt Prater delivers a perfect field-goal performance

Prater converted both field-goal attempts, including a 50-yard kick in the first quarter and a 47-yard kick in the third.

Those two successful kicks supplied six points. His three extra points added another three, bringing his total to nine points.

His opening field goal gave Buffalo an early lead and put points on the board before either offense had established a touchdown rhythm. The later field goal helped the Bills maintain their advantage as Jacksonville began closing the gap.

In a game decided by three points, successful field goals were valuable because they allowed Buffalo to turn drives into points even when those possessions did not end with touchdowns.

Cam Little’s missed opportunity

Little made one of two field-goal attempts, converting a 43-yard kick for three points. He also made all three extra-point attempts, finishing with six kicking points.

His successful field goal helped Jacksonville add to its third-quarter total. However, the missed attempt represented an opportunity that the Jaguars could not recover.

A missed field goal does not always directly decide a game, since subsequent drives and defensive plays can change the score. In a close playoff contest, however, every unsuccessful scoring opportunity becomes more significant when the final margin is narrow.

The difference between the kickers was three points in total scoring, matching Buffalo’s final winning margin. That does not prove that kicking alone decided the game, but it highlights how special teams contributed to the final score.

Kick returns and punting

Buffalo’s Ray Davis returned four kickoffs for 119 yards, averaging 29.8 yards per return. His longest return covered 34 yards.

Jacksonville’s returners combined for four kickoff returns and 75 yards. Bhayshul Tuten recorded three returns for 49 yards, while LeQuint Allen Jr. added one return for 26 yards.

Special teams statistic	Buffalo	Jacksonville
Kick returns	4	4
Kick return yards	119	75
Average yards per return	29.8	18.8
Punts	3	2
Gross punting average	43.3	50.0
Longest punt	47 yards	58 yards
Punts inside the 20	1	1

Buffalo’s advantage in kick-return yardage gave it better average field position on kickoff returns. Jacksonville, by contrast, recorded the higher gross punting average.

These measures serve different purposes. Kick-return yardage helps show how effectively a team begins possessions after kickoffs, while punting average measures the distance covered by punts. Neither statistic independently establishes which team won the overall field-position battle.

The available numbers nevertheless show that Buffalo had a productive return game, while Jacksonville produced longer punts.

Key Moments That Shaped the 27-24 Result

The final score tells us who won, but the scoring sequence shows how the game developed.

First quarter: Buffalo strikes first

Prater opened the scoring with a 50-yard field goal, putting Buffalo ahead 3-0.

Jacksonville did not score in the first quarter. The Bills’ early lead was modest, but it established a pattern in which Buffalo found ways to score even when a drive did not end in a touchdown.

Second quarter: Both teams answer

Lawrence connected with Brian Thomas Jr. for a three-yard touchdown, giving Jacksonville a 7-3 lead after the extra point.

Buffalo responded with a long scoring drive that ended with Allen rushing for a two-yard touchdown. Prater’s extra point put the Bills ahead 10-7.

The sequence demonstrated the different ways each offense could finish a drive. Jacksonville used Lawrence’s passing to score, while Buffalo relied on Allen’s mobility near the goal line.

Third quarter: Field goals keep the margin tight

Prater made a 47-yard field goal to increase Buffalo’s lead to 13-7.

Little answered with a 43-yard field goal, bringing Jacksonville within three points at 13-10.

Neither team created a large separation in this period. Both kickers converted their opportunities, leaving the contest open heading into the fourth quarter.

Fourth quarter: A dramatic exchange of touchdowns

The final period featured four touchdowns and a 14-point scoring contribution from each team.

12:55

Q4

Parker Washington gives Jacksonville the lead

Lawrence found Washington for a six-yard touchdown. Jacksonville moved ahead 17-13.

8:56

Q4

Dalton Kincaid puts Buffalo back in front

Allen connected with Kincaid for a 15-yard touchdown. Buffalo regained the lead at 20-17.

4:03

Q4

Etienne restores Jacksonville’s advantage

Lawrence threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Etienne. The Jaguars took a 24-20 lead.

1:04

Q4

Allen scores the winning touchdown

Allen ran for a one-yard touchdown, and Prater’s extra point gave Buffalo a 27-24 lead.

The final touchdown was the decisive scoring play. Buffalo drove 66 yards over nine plays before Allen crossed the goal line from one yard out.

Jacksonville still had an opportunity to respond, but Bishop’s late interception ended that possibility. The game therefore turned on both an offensive execution sequence and a defensive play.

This ending helps explain why the box score should be read as a connected story rather than a collection of unrelated statistics. Allen’s rushing production, Lawrence’s passing touchdowns, Buffalo’s turnover advantage, and the kickers’ accuracy all contributed to the final result.

Team Efficiency: Why More Yards Did Not Mean a Win

Jacksonville actually gained more total net yards than Buffalo, according to the official NFL game statistics. The Jaguars finished with 359 net yards, while the Bills recorded 340.

The Jaguars also averaged more yards per offensive play and more yards per rushing attempt. Yet Buffalo won by three points.

Team statistic	Buffalo	Jacksonville
Total net yards	340	359
Offensive plays	62	54
Average yards per play	5.5	6.6
First downs	20	20
Third-down conversions	7 of 14	5 of 9
Fourth-down conversions	2 of 2	0 of 1
Time of possession	33:49	26:11
Penalties	7 for 39 yards	2 for 10 yards
Turnovers from interceptions	0	2

These figures provide useful context for the offensive totals.

Jacksonville produced more yards per play

The Jaguars averaged 6.6 yards per offensive play compared with Buffalo’s 5.5. They also finished with 19 more net yards.

This suggests that Jacksonville could create efficient gains when its plays worked. Its rushing attack, led by Etienne and Tuten, was especially productive.

However, yards per play do not account for every cost associated with a possession. An interception can end a promising drive regardless of how efficiently the offense gained yards earlier.

Buffalo ran more plays and controlled the clock

Buffalo recorded 62 offensive plays compared with Jacksonville’s 54 and held the ball for 33 minutes and 49 seconds. Jacksonville’s time of possession was 26 minutes and 11 seconds.

The Bills’ additional plays and longer possession time helped them sustain their offensive workload. This is particularly relevant because Jacksonville averaged more yards per play but had fewer opportunities to run its offense.

The figures should not be interpreted as proof that possession time automatically leads to victory. Instead, they show that Buffalo maintained a different rhythm, using more plays and holding the ball longer.

Fourth-down execution favored Buffalo

Buffalo converted both of its fourth-down attempts. Jacksonville converted none of its single attempt.

That difference shows how Buffalo sustained possessions in situations where failure would have handed the ball to the opponent. Jacksonville’s failed fourth-down attempt was another lost opportunity in a game with little room for error.

Turnovers changed the value of the yardage

The most important efficiency lesson is that yards and points are not interchangeable.

Jacksonville’s 359 net yards demonstrate that the offense moved the ball effectively. But Buffalo’s 340 yards produced 27 points, compared with Jacksonville’s 24.

Buffalo combined its offensive output with two interceptions, no interceptions thrown, and successful fourth-down conversions. Those elements helped the Bills turn their opportunities into the winning score.

For anyone reviewing football statistics, this game offers a clear example of why turnovers, touchdowns, and situational execution often provide more context than total yardage alone.

How to Read This Box Score Accurately

Readers looking up individual player statistics often want to know who performed best, who scored, and which numbers explain the result. A reliable approach is to separate raw production from game impact.

First, check the quarterback line for completions, attempts, yards, touchdowns, and interceptions. Those numbers establish the basic passing performance. Then examine rushing touchdowns, since quarterbacks such as Allen can make a major contribution without throwing multiple touchdown passes.

Next, compare the leading receivers by catches and yards, but also consider when they scored. Washington’s 107 receiving yards made him Jacksonville’s top receiver by yardage, while Kincaid’s touchdown was important to Buffalo’s fourth-quarter response.

Finally, assess defense and special teams. Buffalo’s two interceptions and Prater’s perfect field-goal record help explain the outcome beyond the offensive yardage totals.

For verification, consult the official ESPN box score, which is the relevant game record for this matchup. When preparing a published statistical article, use the official box score to check any player-level figures that conflict with team totals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What was the final score of the Jacksonville Jaguars vs Buffalo Bills game?

The Buffalo Bills defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-24 on January 11, 2026, in the AFC Wild Card Playoffs. Buffalo scored 14 points in the fourth quarter to secure the three-point victory.

2. How many passing yards did Josh Allen record against Jacksonville?

Josh Allen completed 28 of 35 passes for 273 yards and one passing touchdown. He threw no interceptions, recorded a 108.7 passer rating, and added 33 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.

3. How did Trevor Lawrence perform against Buffalo?

Trevor Lawrence completed 18 of 30 passes for 207 yards and three touchdowns. He also threw two interceptions and finished with an 86.4 passer rating. His three touchdown passes helped Jacksonville remain competitive, but the turnovers proved costly.

4. Who led the Jaguars in rushing and receiving yards?

Travis Etienne Jr. led Jacksonville in rushing with 67 yards on 10 carries. Parker Washington led the receiving group with seven catches for 107 yards and one touchdown.

5. Which team had more rushing yards?

Jacksonville led the rushing comparison with 154 yards on 23 carries, averaging 6.7 yards per carry. Buffalo recorded 79 rushing yards on 26 carries, averaging 3.0 yards per carry. However, Buffalo scored two rushing touchdowns, both by Josh Allen.

6. How did Buffalo win despite gaining fewer total yards?

Buffalo won by combining efficient quarterback play, two interceptions, successful fourth-down conversions, and two rushing touchdowns from Allen. Jacksonville gained more total yards but threw two interceptions and missed one of its two field-goal attempts. Buffalo’s final touchdown and late interception secured the victory.

Conclusion

The Jacksonville Jaguars vs Buffalo Bills match player stats show how a close NFL playoff game can be decided by execution rather than total yardage alone. Jacksonville produced 359 net yards, averaged 6.7 yards per rushing attempt, and recorded three passing touchdowns. Buffalo finished with 340 net yards but scored 27 points through a combination of passing, quarterback rushing, and reliable kicking.

Josh Allen was central to the Bills’ victory, completing 80% of his passes for 273 yards without an interception. His two rushing touchdowns added another dimension to Buffalo’s offense. Trevor Lawrence delivered three touchdown passes, and Parker Washington led all receivers in the supplied figures with 107 yards, but Jacksonville’s two interceptions limited its ability to turn productive plays into a win.

Buffalo’s defensive takeaways, Prater’s perfect field-goal performance, and Allen’s late rushing touchdown were decisive factors. The game ultimately illustrates why player statistics are most useful when passing, rushing, receiving, defense, and special teams are evaluated together.