Sean Payton’s Overtime Fake-Punt Decision in Denver’s Divisional Win Over Buffalo

In the divisional round overtime against the Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton prepared a fake punt for a fourth-and-11 situation. The play, dubbed “Rutgers Special,” had been rehearsed for a year and was crafted out of respect for Bills quarterback Josh Allen and his clutch play. At the snap, Broncos players rejected the call, opting to punt. Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen subsequently threw an interception, and Denver secured a 33-30 victory.

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The Broncos were in overtime of the divisional round. The decision to consider a fake punt reflected Payton’s strategic planning for a close game. The play’s design was described as a tribute to Allen’s reputation for clutch performances, indicating respect for the opponent’s strengths.

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Payton’s preparation was documented by ESPN reporter Seth Wickersham, who spent two weeks embedded with the Broncos’ staff during the playoffs. Wickersham observed staff meetings that covered the team’s strategies, including the fake punt. When the fourth-and-11 situation arose, the on-field unit exercised its authority to veto the call, leading to a conventional punt.

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• Overtime, 4th-and-11: Payton signals “Rutgers Special.”

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• Line of scrimmage: Players decline the fake punt; Broncos punt.

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• Bills’ first overtime possession: Josh Allen attempts a pass, which is intercepted.

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• Subsequent Broncos drive: Denver secured a 33-30 victory.

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• Final score: Denver Broncos 33, Buffalo Bills 30.

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• Fourth-and-11 situation in overtime.

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• Interception: Allen’s pass was intercepted, ending Buffalo’s possession.

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The episode illustrates the impact of coaching decisions on playoff outcomes. Payton’s willingness to risk a fake punt highlights the significance of strategic risk in high-stakes games. The players’ collective veto shows the balance of authority between coaches and on-field personnel, a dynamic that can affect game results.

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Payton told Wickersham the Broncos “had the right look” for the fake punt, emphasizing the play was prepared for a clutch moment against a quarterback known for heroics.

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The players’ refusal to execute the fake punt highlighted internal dissent regarding the risk level of the call. Their decision to punt instead of attempting the trick play suggests a cautious approach that ultimately aligned with the game’s outcome, though the alternative could have altered the result.

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• “We had the right look,” — Sean Payton, Denver Broncos head coach (as quoted to ESPN’s Seth Wickersham)

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