NFL Games Recap Sunday January 11, 2026: Wild-Card Drama, Grit, and Playoff Statements

Key Takeaways

Josh Allen powered Buffalo to a historic road playoff win with sheer toughness and efficiency
San Francisco used creativity and resilience to knock out the defending Super Bowl champions
New England’s defense announced itself as a postseason force by overwhelming Justin Herbert

Introduction

NFL Games Recap Sunday January 11, 2026 delivered exactly what playoff football promises: intensity, innovation, and defining moments. From quarterback heroics and trick plays to dominant defensive performances, the AFC and NFC wild-card matchups set the tone for an unforgettable postseason. As teams fought to keep their championship dreams alive, Sunday’s games reshaped narratives, ended title defenses, and ignited belief in locker rooms across the league.

Buffalo Bills 27, Jacksonville Jaguars 24

Josh Allen Leads a Historic Road Playoff Breakthrough

Buffalo finally erased a decades-long road playoff drought behind an indomitable performance from Josh Allen. The Bills quarterback absorbed relentless punishment yet delivered precision, leadership, and two rushing touchdowns to lift Buffalo past Jacksonville.

Allen completed 28 of 35 passes for 273 yards and added two scores on the ground, including the decisive 1-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter. His fourth-down sneak earlier in the drive symbolized Buffalo’s resolve, as he refused to go down while being dragged toward the goal line.

Despite Jacksonville’s efficient passing attack—Trevor Lawrence threw three touchdown passes—the Jaguars were undone by turnovers at critical moments. With a chance to mount a game-winning drive, Lawrence’s tipped pass was intercepted, sealing Buffalo’s first road playoff victory since the early 1990s.

According to Jaguars coach Liam Coen, Allen’s quick decision-making neutralized the pass rush, while Bills coach Sean McDermott praised his quarterback’s warrior mentality, noting it elevated the entire team.

Buffalo now heads to Denver, carrying confidence and momentum into the divisional round.

San Francisco 49ers 23, Philadelphia Eagles 19

Trick Plays and Timing End a Championship Defense

San Francisco’s postseason creativity was on full display as the 49ers eliminated the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles in Philadelphia. Brock Purdy delivered the late heroics, throwing a go-ahead touchdown to Christian McCaffrey in the final minutes.

The defining moment, however, came earlier in the fourth quarter. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings, a former high school quarterback, executed a perfectly timed double-reverse pass to McCaffrey for a 29-yard touchdown. The play, designed by offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak, stunned the Eagles and swung momentum permanently.

Philadelphia struggled to respond offensively. Jalen Hurts took responsibility for a late fourth-down miss, while the Eagles’ offense managed only 36 yards in the third quarter. Despite a strong rushing effort from Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia failed to capitalize on opportunities.

Purdy overcame two interceptions to throw for 262 yards, earning a road playoff win that eluded him earlier in his career. The 49ers now advance to face NFC West rival Seattle, with hopes of another deep playoff run—even as questions linger about George Kittle’s injury status.

New England Patriots 16, Los Angeles Chargers 3

Defense and Discipline Define Patriots’ Return to the Postseason

In Foxborough, playoff football returned with a familiar identity: dominant defense. The New England Patriots suffocated Justin Herbert and the Chargers, advancing with a methodical 16-3 victory.

Rookie quarterback Drake Maye delivered a poised playoff debut, throwing for 268 yards and connecting with Hunter Henry for the game’s only touchdown. While Maye committed a turnover, the Chargers were unable to convert mistakes into points.

The Patriots defense stole the spotlight, sacking Herbert six times and forcing multiple fumbles. Herbert, playing less than two months after hand surgery, acknowledged his limitations, while Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh described his quarterback as a warrior who fought through adversity.

Coach Mike Vrabel emphasized physical readiness before the game, and his team embodied that philosophy from start to finish. New England now awaits the winner of Houston vs. Pittsburgh, riding defensive confidence into the divisional round.

Key Points Summary

Josh Allen delivered one of the toughest performances of the postseason to end Buffalo’s road playoff curse
San Francisco’s trick-play execution neutralized Philadelphia’s experience and ended its title defense
New England’s defense dominated from start to finish, limiting the Chargers to three points

Conclusion

Sunday’s NFL wild-card games reminded fans why playoff football is unmatched in drama and intensity. Veterans rose to expectations, young quarterbacks announced themselves, and coaches leaned on creativity and toughness to gain an edge. As Buffalo, San Francisco, and New England move forward, they carry not just wins, but identity-defining performances that could shape the rest of the postseason. January football doesn’t reward perfection—it rewards belief, resilience, and courage under pressure, and Sunday delivered all three in abundance.

FAQ

What made Josh Allen’s performance historic?
He led Buffalo to its first road playoff win in more than 30 years while accounting for three total touchdowns without committing a turnover.

Why was the 49ers’ trick play so important?
The Jennings-to-McCaffrey touchdown shifted momentum and demonstrated San Francisco’s creative approach, catching the Eagles off guard.

How did the Patriots shut down the Chargers?
Relentless pass rush, disciplined coverage, and consistent pressure held Los Angeles to 207 total yards and no touchdowns.

Who do the winning teams play next?
Buffalo travels to Denver, San Francisco visits Seattle, and New England hosts the winner of Houston vs. Pittsburgh.

Sources

CBS Sports – Bills vs Jaguars wild-card recap
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20260111_BUF@JAC/
CBS Sports – 49ers vs Eagles wild-card recap
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20260111_SF@PHI/
CBS Sports – Patriots vs Chargers wild-card recap
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20260111_LAC@NE/

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