ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — It’s finally Chiefs week, and the excitement in Buffalo is palpable as the Bills prepare to take on the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday. The anticipated matchup features two star quarterbacks: Patrick Mahomes leading the Chiefs with a perfect 9-0 record, while Josh Allen guides the Bills, who sit atop the AFC East at 8-2. Despite the thrilling nature of this game, fans and analysts alike might want to temper expectations due to the teams’ contrasting playoff histories.
Historically, while the Bills have managed to defeat Kansas City in three consecutive regular-season encounters, their playoff performances tell a different story. Since 2020, Buffalo has been unable to secure a win against the Chiefs in the postseason, losing all three encounters. The most gut-wrenching defeat occurred during a divisional playoff round in January, when the Buffalo defense allowed Kansas City to clinch a 27-24 victory after a missed field goal attempt from Tyler Bass. The emotional scars from the Bills’ 42-36 overtime loss three seasons ago still linger, during which time management and game strategy were heavily scrutinized. The term “13 Seconds” has become synonymous with that unforgettable game.
This Sunday’s bout doesn’t have the stakes that previous playoff games did, as both teams are firmly positioned to secure playoff berths. However, plenty of narratives add intrigue for the national audience. For the Bills, winning this matchup would not only shatter Kansas City’s shot at an undefeated season but also bolster their own standing in the AFC, moving them closer in the race for the conference’s top seed. Additionally, the Bills aim to assert their status as contenders in a season where their wins have come against teams with a collective 25-49 record, including two victories against the Miami Dolphins, who will play on Monday night. Buffalo’s only losses this season were at the hands of the more competitive Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans.
Despite predictions of a decline following offseason roster changes—including parting ways with several key players—the Bills have exceeded expectations with an impressive 8-2 record. Their recent performances suggest they’re gaining momentum together as a cohesive unit, contributing across various aspects at crucial moments. That was on display last Sunday in a tense 30-20 win against the Indianapolis Colts. The defense rose to the occasion, forcing four turnovers, which proved vital despite Allen’s two interceptions in the game and a lack of key offensive players. Cornerback Taron Johnson’s pick-six set the tone early for Buffalo.
Allen expressed his disappointment over his performance, noting he wished he could take back a few early throws. Although he has four interceptions over the last three games, he remains focused, knowing that the team is still finding ways to secure victories. Buffalo’s record reflects its resilience, with them going 4-0 when scoring a touchdown on their opening drive, but struggling when held to three points or fewer in the first quarter, as evidenced by their 4-2 mark in such circumstances.
Buffalo’s defense, which has shown strength by applying constant pressure on the opposing quarterbacks, will need to step up even more against Mahomes. He poses a more significant challenge compared to previous opponents. As Bills coach Sean McDermott continues to take a focused approach to the game, he’s letting the media echo the hype building up toward the big matchup. When asked about the surrounding buzz, he lightheartedly noted he prefers to keep informed during the offseason rather than drown in headlines during the regular season.
What Buffalo has excelled in so far is creating turnovers, ranking second in the league with 19 takeaways. However, their offense still has room for improvement, particularly in starting games strong. Although the Bills average 29 points per game, they have only managed to score 46 points in the first quarter throughout their ten games.
Among the individual performances, wide receiver Mack Hollins stepped up with four receptions for 86 yards, showcasing his capabilities in the absence of several teammates. Conversely, rookie returner Brandon Codrington faced a setback after fumbling a kickoff return that could have swung the momentum.
There are concerns surrounding tight end Dalton Kincaid, who left the previous game due to a knee injury and did not return.
As the Bills gear up to host the Chiefs, all eyes will be on how they handle the pressure and the narrative that has unfolded over the past few seasons. Following this highly anticipated match, the Bills will head into their bye week, setting the stage for a pivotal point in their season.