Steelers Survive Overtime Battle with Bills, Advance to Divisional Round

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - In a game that had all the makings of a classic, the Pittsburgh Steelers stunned the 12-win Buffalo Bills in a 38-31 overtime thriller, punching their ticket to the Divisional Round. The win marks a redemptive step forward for the Steelers, who were ousted in last year's Wild Card round. For Buffalo, it's a second consecutive playoff heartbreak-once again falling short despite entering the postseason on a scorching 8-game win streak.

Game Recap

The game opened with a steady exchange of punches. The Bills struck first with a 5-yard touchdown run by Frank Gore Jr., but the second quarter was all Pittsburgh. Rookie quarterback Paul Hayes delivered two touchdown passes-one to Pat Freiermuth and another to Marcus Hines-while Rich Lindsey scooped up a fumble and returned it for a defensive score, propelling the Steelers to a commanding 21-14 lead by halftime.

Still, the Bills refused to back down. Josh Allen responded with precision, tossing three touchdowns-including a game-tying 8-yard strike to Dawson Knox late in the fourth quarter. A last-second 32-yard field goal by Tyler Bass sent the game to overtime tied at 31.

In overtime, Hayes once again answered the call. He led a balanced and efficient drive capped by a short touchdown pass to Calvin Austin, giving the Steelers a 38-31 lead.

By postseason rules, Buffalo got one last chance-and they marched all the way to the Steelers' 5-yard line. On 4th-and-goal, Allen rolled right and found Knox wide open in the end zone… but his pass hit the turf.

"I don't even know, man," Allen said after the game. "It just slipped. The ball came out weird-it felt like I had it, then didn't. That's on me."

Knox, who had separated cleanly from the coverage, was equally stunned.

"I thought it was six," Knox said. "I turned, the ball's there… and then it's not. I don't blame Josh. We win and lose together."

Key Stats

Paul Hayes was brilliant, going 24-of-28 for 327 yards, 3 touchdowns, and no interceptions with a 151.0 rating.

Marcus Hines led all receivers with 99 yards and a score. Ben Skowronek hauled in six catches for 72 yards, and Calvin Austin added six receptions, including the overtime touchdown.

Pittsburgh's defense forced two turnovers, including a strip sack by Jadeveon Clowney and a scoop-and-score by Lindsey. Minkah Fitzpatrick and Josh Metellus each tallied six tackles.

Up Next

The Steelers now travel to Houston for a date with the AFC South champion Texans in the Divisional Round. As for the Bills, their promising 12-5 season ends with another Wild Card exit-leaving more questions than answers for a team that hasn't advanced past the Divisional Round in back-to-back years.