Denver's last playoff appearance came in Super Bowl 50 in February 2016 in NFL legend Peyton Manning's last game — and the eight-season playoff drought that followed was the second-longest in the league.
The Knicks rookie quarterback could be the answer and he stunned the Bills crowd waiting in Buffalo by launching a 43-yard touchdown pass to Troy Franklin on just the fifth play of the game.
Will Lutz hitting the post with a field goal attempt at the end of the first half was the closest thing to adding more points though, and the pressure showed in the second half as Buffalo's extra quality saw them run away with it.
Allen made a dazzling touchdown throw to Ty Johnson on fourth down in the third quarter that proved the turning point for Denver's worn-out defense, and a 55-yard touchdown catch and run from Curtis Samuel added the finishing touches.
Buffalo's 210-yard rushing performance included some crucial kicks from Allen, the undoubted star of a team desperate to win its first Super Bowl — and just back in the big game for the first time since their fourth straight loss in 1994.
MVP chants echoed around Highmark Stadium for Allen and those fans will see the favorites for this year's award next week when Jackson's Ravens visit Buffalo.
The Ravens beat the Bills 35-10 in Baltimore earlier this season when Buffalo had no answer for Jackson or Derrick Henry — a rematch would determine who would be one game away from the Super Bowl.
