Sport NFL Playoffs: Bills reach first AFC Championship since 1994

The Buffalo Bills booked their spot in the AFC Championship Game for the first time since 1994 thanks to a 17-3 win over the Baltimore Ravens.

© Getty Images Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen

Not since reaching Super Bowl XXVII had the Bills featured in the AFC title decider, but second-seeded Buffalo ended that 27-year drought after downing the Ravens on Saturday.

The Bills used a 14-0 third quarter to progress in the NFL playoffs as the Ravens – seeded fifth – were held scoreless in the second half in windy Buffalo.

Bills quarterback Josh Allen finished 23-of-37 passing for 206 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions, while he was sacked twice.

Households could save £500 on their bills by switching providers

Household bills have fallen to their lowest level for three years for homes who switch providers, new research has revealed. Those actively searching for better deals could save hundreds on their bills with average annual costs falling by £174, according to Compare the Market.It found that household bills for three key areas, car and home insurance along with energy, cost a total of £2,527 in 2020, the lowest figure since 2017.The research suggested that households could save £494 if they switch to the cheapest suppliers for all bills.

Check out the NFL Playoff Picture for the latest team performance stats and playoff eliminations. AFC Divisional Round playoff preview: Ravens at Bills . NFL Playoff Picture. Stay up to date on your favorite team's playoffs chances.

The National Football League playoffs for the 1995 season began on December 30, 1995. The postseason tournament concluded with the Dallas Cowboys defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers in

Ravens star Lamar Jackson was 14 of 24 for 162 yards, no touchdowns and an interception before he was ruled out with concussion against the Bills.

The definition of lit. #BudLightCelly | @BudLight pic.twitter.com/Y6hLhMYmIE

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 17, 2021

The Ravens were made to pay for their inefficient kicking in the opening quarter, which saw Justin Tucker miss two field goals.

Tucker was 11-of-11 on field-goal attempts inside 50 yards in his postseason career, but he was 0-2 on such field goals against Buffalo.

Buffalo's Tyler Bass also missed a field goal, but he managed to convert a 28-yard attempt to give the Bills a 3-0 lead at the end of the opening quarter.

Gallery: Hockey history in 30 images (Espresso)

Super Bowl 2021: when does the NFL’s championship game kickoff, date, coverage start time and how to watch in UK

The Kansas City Chiefs will look to retain their Super Bowl crown in the coming weeks as teams compete in the playoffs © Who will get their hands on the Vince Lombardi Trophy in 2021? (Pic: Getty Images) The NFL's showpiece event, the Super Bowl, is fast approaching.With the playoff action hotting up, fans are eagerly following each game week to see who will make it through to Super Bowl 55.Reigning champions Kansas City Chiefs remain in the fight to defend their crown - but the challengers are circling with all eyes on the Vince Lombardi Trophy.Here’s all you need to know ahead of Super Bowl 55.

The National Football League playoffs for the 1998 season began on January 2, 1999. The postseason tournament concluded with the Denver Broncos defeating the Atlanta Falcons in Super

The National Football League playoffs for the 1991 season began on December 28, 1991. The postseason tournament concluded with the Washington Redskins defeating the Buffalo Bills in Super

Tucker made no mistake from 34 yards to level the scores at half-time before the Bills took control in the third quarter.

Allen threw a three-yard pass to star team-mate Stefon Diggs with less than 10 minutes to play and Taron Johnson all but ended Baltimore's hopes with a dazzling 101-yard interception return during the closing stages of the period.

Reigning MVP Jackson was ruled out of the fourth quarter due to concussion after taking a hit from Bills defensive end Trent Murphy on the final play of the third period.

Turning point – Bills pull away in third

The Bills and Ravens could not be separated until the game was blown open in the third quarter.

Allen and Diggs combined for the showdown's first TD before Johnson's electric run essentially sealed Baltimore's fate in front of 6,700 fans amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Johnson matches record

Buffalo's Johnson tied the record for longest intercepted return touchdown in a playoff game, according to NFL Research. Green Bay Packers defensive end George Teague also returned an interception 101 yards for a TD against the Detroit Lions in 1993.

Per Stats Perform, the Bills-Ravens game became the first postseason game where there were three missed field goals in the first half since the 1992 AFC Championship Game between the Bills and Denver Broncos.

What's next?

Super Bowl champions the Kansas City Chiefs or Cleveland Browns are next up for the Bills in the AFC Championship Game on January 24.

The Ravens, meanwhile, will have a busy offseason following back-to-back exits in the Divisional Round.