Story by
Jaguars lose in NFL playoffs, 27-24 to Bills in wild card round
- Story by
- Jaguars lose in NFL playoffs, 27-24 to Bills in wild card round
The Jacksonville Jaguars (13-5) fell just short against the Buffalo Bills (13-5), losing 27-24 in the wild card round of the NFL playoffs .
A 36-yard pitch and catch by Bills QB Josh Allen to receiver Brandin Cooks led to a game-winning touchdown for Buffalo. Jacksonville's defense hadn't allowed very many explosive plays during the game, but did on two pivotal scoring drives for the visiting team.
Advertisement
The Jaguars' offense struggled with consistency all day, especially in the passing game. Offensively, the Jaguars punted, turned the ball over on downs, threw an interception or missed a field goal on five of their first six possessions of the game.
Jacksonville had a 7-3 lead early before losing the lead for much of the contest until a 3-yard touchdown from quarterback Trevor Lawrence to wide receiver Parker Washington early in the fourth quarter. The Jaguars took a 17-13 lead with about 12 minutes left in the game.
With Jacksonville's loss, they'll go home disappointed, but likely optimistic for the future. In the team's first year under head coach Liam Coen, the Jaguars won 13 games for just the second time in franchise history. Their AFC South title marked the third in franchise history .
They ended the regular season on an eight-game winning streak.
Advertisement
Jaguars offense struggles in first half vs. Bills
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) tackles Buffalo Bills linebacker Shaq Thompson (45) after throwing an interception during the first quarter in an NFL football AFC Wild Card playoff matchup, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. Bills lead 10-7 at the half over the Jaguars. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrencedidn't have his most accurate outing in the team's first half against the Bills.
Lawrence completed 9 of 15 passes for 88 yards, one touchdown and an interception. Still, the QB looked good enough to score points, including a three-yard TD toss to Brian Thomas Jr.
At the end of the first half, Lawrence threw the ball 34 yards to give Jacksonville a chance at a field goal.
After a five-yard offsides penalty, the Jaguars lined Cam Little up to attempt a 54-yard field goal that was ultimately just a bit wide left. It marked Little's first miss in 20 attempts dating back to the regular season.
Advertisement
Before that drive, Lawrence had thrown three-straight incompletions. His last completion ahead of the final drive of the first half was a 12-yard completion to WR Jakobi Meyers with about 13:21 remaining in the first half.
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten (33) dives forward for a first down during the first quarter in an NFL football AFC Wild Card playoff matchup, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. Bills lead 10-7 at the half over the Jaguars. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
In the second half, Jacksonville scored two touchdowns and a field goal.
Jaguars rookie running backs come up big early vs. Buffalo
Jaguars rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten became an early spark for Jacksonville's offense. Near the end of the first quarter, Tuten got the bulk of the team's carries, taking the ball for 20, 13 and 14 yards on the team's first scoring drive of the game.
Lawrence did the rest with a three-yard touchdown pass to Thomas to get the lead, 7-3, with the second quarter just starting.
Advertisement
Fellow rookie back LeQuint Allen made his presence known, forcing a fumble on the ensuing kickoff return by Bills back Ray Davis . The fumble was recovered by linebacker Devin Lloyd.
On the next drive, the Jaguars gambled from the Buffalo nine-yard line, going for it on 4th-and-2. The Bills turned that drive into a 10-play, 92-yard touchdown drive to go up 10-7.
Jaguars defense gives up 90-plus-yard drive vs. Bills
Bills signal a touchdown by Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) during the second quarter in an NFL football AFC Wild Card playoff matchup, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. Bills lead 10-7 at the half over the Jaguars. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
Jacksonville's defense has played well in recent weeks, especially during the team's eight-game winning streak to end the season as AFC South champs.
Still, old habits reared their head on Sunday against Allen and the Bills. Jacksonville gave up a 10-play, 90-yard drive after a quick change due to a turnover on downs by Jacksonville.
Advertisement
The drive marked the first time Jacksonville has allowed a 90-plus-yard drive since Week 10 against the Texans . The Jaguars gave up a 14-play, 93-yard touchdown drive in that game.
In the drive against Buffalo, the Jaguars gave up plays of 15, 11, 12 and 36 yards through the air.
In the first half, Jacksonville did not have a pass breakup, interception, forced fumble, tackle for loss, sack or quarterback hit on defense.
Parker Washington continues to thrive as Jaguars top receiver
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (11) hauls in a reception during the second quarter of an NFL football AFC Wild Card playoff matchup, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
The Jaguars were looking for their second lead of the game early in the fourth quarter, turning to a familiar face in Washington. Washington finished the season as the team's leading receiver with 58 catches for 847 yards and five touchdowns during the regular season.
Advertisement
Down 13-10, the Jaguars turned to Washington again for a six-yard touchdown pass to take the lead with about 13 minutes left in the contest.
Up to that point in the game, Washington led the team in targets, receptions and yards with 11 targets, six catches, 76 yards and a touchdown. Washington finished the game with seven catches for 107 yards and a TD.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars lose 27-24 to Josh Allen, Bills in NFL playoffs
