The Buffalo Bills advanced to the AFC Divisional round with a 31-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday, after a snowstorm delayed the Wild Card game by more than 24 hours. The win sets up a highly anticipated rematch against the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs.
Quarterback Josh Allen delivered a standout performance, accounting for four total touchdowns. The Bills' offense overcame a slow start to build a lead, with James Cook rushing for 79 yards and Allen adding 74 on the ground. Stefon Diggs contributed 52 receiving yards.
The game was originally scheduled for Sunday but was postponed after New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency due to heavy snowfall. Around 18 inches of snow fell at Highmark Stadium, and fans were paid $20 per hour to help clear the stands. The field was cleared by kickoff, though snow remained in the seating areas.
Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph threw for 229 yards and two touchdowns with one interception, but Pittsburgh could not complete a second-half comeback after closing to within seven points. The Bills' defense held firm in the cold, with temperatures dropping to the low teens by the end of the game.
The Divisional round clash against Kansas City marks a rematch of the epic 2021 overtime game that led to the NFL changing its overtime rules. The Bills have won the last two meetings, while the Chiefs have not beaten Buffalo in regulation in their last four encounters. The game is scheduled for Sunday at 6:30pm on CBS.
