In the wake of the Buffalo Bills’ heartbreaking 33-30 loss to the Denver Broncos on January 18, 2026, at Empower Field at Mile High, the NFL world continues to grapple with the fallout from controversial officiating decisions that many believe swung the outcome of the high-stakes AFC playoff matchup. Adding significant weight to the growing chorus of criticism, Denver Broncos legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning publicly threw his support behind Bills quarterback Josh Allen while sharply condemning the refereeing crew for what he described as a series of “egregious” and “one-sided” calls.

Manning, who spent the final four years of his legendary career leading the Broncos to a Super Bowl 50 victory in 2016, appeared on ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown on January 19, 2026, where he did not hold back. Known for his analytical precision and measured demeanor during his broadcasting tenure, Manning’s comments carried extra gravitas given his deep ties to the Broncos organization and his reputation as one of the most respected voices in the sport.

“I watched that game closely, and I have to be honest,” Manning began, leaning forward in his seat. “Josh Allen played one of the best games of his career—412 yards, three touchdowns, no picks, and he willed that team back time and time again. But when you look at the critical moments, the flags, the spots, the non-calls… it was not balanced. The Bills were on the wrong end of too many judgment calls that changed the momentum.”

Manning then proceeded to break down three specific plays that he believes cost Buffalo the victory.

The Roughing-the-Passer Penalty That Kept Denver Alive

The first moment Manning highlighted occurred in the third quarter with the score tied at 21-21. Bills linebacker Matt Milano appeared to sack Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham (who had replaced the injured Bo Nix earlier in the game) with a clean hit to the chest. However, officials threw a roughing-the-passer flag, claiming Milano drove Stidham into the ground with excessive force.

Replays showed minimal helmet contact and no clear evidence of driving the quarterback into the turf. The 15-yard penalty gave Denver a fresh set of downs, allowing them to extend the drive and eventually take a 27-21 lead on a field goal.

“That call was soft,” Manning stated bluntly. “I played quarterback for 18 years. I know what roughing feels like. That wasn’t it. You can’t penalize a defender for making a legitimate play on the quarterback in the pocket. That flipped the field position and gave Denver life when Buffalo had them on the ropes.”

The Non-Call on Defensive Holding in the End Zone

The second play Manning dissected came late in the fourth quarter. With the Bills trailing 30-27 and facing fourth-and-goal from the 6-yard line, Josh Allen lofted a fade to wide receiver Khalil Shakir in the end zone. Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II appeared to grab Shakir’s jersey and pull him down just as the ball arrived. No flag was thrown.

The incompletion ended the drive, and Denver ran out the clock for the win.

Manning paused the highlight on the broadcast and circled the contact. “Look at this. Hand on the jersey, pulling the shoulder down. That’s defensive holding 99 times out of 100. In a playoff game, on fourth down, in the end zone? That’s a game-changer. You have to call that.”

He added, “I’m not saying the refs wanted Denver to win. But consistency matters. If they’re going to let that go, then you can’t call ticky-tack stuff on the other side.”

The Overturned Spot on Allen’s Scramble

Perhaps the most painful moment for Bills fans—and the one Manning spent the most time on—was the fourth-quarter scramble by Josh Allen. With 1:42 remaining and Buffalo trailing 30-27, Allen scrambled on third-and-8, gaining what appeared to be 12 yards and a first down. The original spot was well past the sticks.

After review, officials overturned the call, ruling Allen short by less than a yard. The Bills turned the ball over on downs, and the game was effectively over.

Manning shook his head. “That spot was wrong. I’ve seen thousands of spots in my career. He got the first down. The ball crossed the line. You can see the knee down, but the ball is clearly past the marker. That review was botched, and it ended the game.”

Manning’s Full Endorsement of Josh Allen

Beyond the officiating critique, Manning went out of his way to defend and praise Josh Allen, drawing parallels to his own career and the pressure quarterbacks face.

“Josh Allen is a special player,” Manning said. “He reminds me of myself in some ways—big arm, tough as nails, willing to take hits to make plays. He’s carried that Bills team on his back for years. To come out after a loss like that, emotional, in tears, and speak honestly about what he saw… that takes courage. He’s not making excuses. He’s calling it like he sees it. And he’s right.”

Manning continued: “I know what it’s like to lose games you think you should have won because of calls. It eats at you. But Josh handled it with class. He’s the leader Buffalo needs, and he’s got my respect—full stop.”

The Broader Impact on the League

Manning’s comments have amplified an already intense debate about NFL officiating. The league has faced growing criticism for inconsistent penalty calls, particularly in high-profile games. The 2025 season saw a record number of overturned calls via replay, and many fans and analysts believe the current crew rotation and training system is failing to produce consistency.

Former referee Mike Pereira, now an ESPN analyst, responded to Manning’s breakdown by saying, “Peyton knows the game as well as anyone. When he points out specific calls like this, the league has to listen. There were several 50-50 plays that went one way, and in a playoff game, that’s magnified.”

The NFL has already announced a full review of the game tape by senior officiating staff, with results expected within the week. Commissioner Roger Goodell has not commented directly, but sources indicate the league is aware of the growing public pressure.

Peyton Manning’s intervention is particularly noteworthy because of his unique position: a Broncos icon speaking out in favor of the opposing quarterback while criticizing the officiating in a game his former team won. It underscores the respect Allen has earned across the league and highlights the universal frustration with perceived inconsistencies in the rulebook.

For Bills fans, Manning’s words serve as validation. For the broader NFL audience, they serve as a reminder that even legends aren’t afraid to speak truth to power when they believe the integrity of the game is at stake.

As the Bills regroup and look ahead to next season, one thing is clear: Josh Allen has an ally in the broadcast booth—and in the Hall of Fame. And when Peyton Manning talks about officiating, the entire league listens.