Buffalo (15-4) is set to face off against Kansas City (16-2) this Sunday at 6:30 p.m. EST, airing on CBS and Paramount+. According to BetMGM, the Chiefs are favored by 1.5 points. In terms of performance against the spread, the Bills have an overall record of 12-7, while the Chiefs sit at 8-10. Historically, the Bills have a slight edge in their rivalry, leading the series 30-25-1, and they were victorious the last time these two teams met, coming out on top with a score of 30-21 in Buffalo on November 17.
Last weekend, the Bills narrowly defeated the Ravens with a score of 27-25, while the Chiefs claimed victory over the Texans, finishing 23-14. When examining each team’s performance metrics, the Bills rank 10th overall in offense, with strong metrics in rushing (9th), passing (9th), and scoring (2nd). Defensively, they sit at 17th overall, with rush defense at 12th, pass defense at 24th, and scoring defense tied for 11th. The Chiefs, on the other hand, rank 16th in overall offense, notably struggling in rushing (22nd) but performing better in passing (14th) and scoring (15th). Their defense is more admirable, ranking 9th overall, with specific measures showing 8th in rush defense, 18th in pass defense, and 4th in scoring defense. Buffalo holds a considerable advantage in turnover differential with plus-24 compared to Kansas City’s plus-6.
A player to watch for the Bills is quarterback Josh Allen, who is currently experiencing an efficient season. Historically, Allen elevates his performance during the playoffs, boasting a 7-5 postseason record with a Bills franchise record of 23 touchdown passes and only four interceptions. Additionally, he has tied the NFL record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in the postseason, reflecting his dual-threat capability. Despite three playoff losses to Kansas City, Allen’s statistics against them demonstrate his effectiveness, as he has thrown for 802 yards and accounted for nine total touchdowns during those games.
For the Chiefs, all eyes will be on Patrick Mahomes. He currently shares the second-most playoff wins as a starting quarterback with Joe Montana and boasts an impressive 16-3 record in the playoffs, with two of his losses occurring in overtime and the other being in the Super Bowl. Mahomes’ postseason experience and winning history make him a crucial asset for Kansas City as they look to advance.
A pivotal matchup to monitor is the Chiefs’ defensive front against Josh Allen, who proved his capability by both passing and rushing against them in their previous encounter. In that game, Allen achieved 262 passing yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 55 yards and a critical touchdown that solidified Buffalo’s victory down the stretch.
In terms of injuries, the Bills will miss starting safety Taylor Rapp due to a hip injury sustained in last week’s game against Baltimore. Starting cornerback Christian Benford remains questionable as he navigates concussion protocol. Conversely, linebacker Matt Milano is not listed as injured after a hamstring concern. Kansas City appears to be healthy, having come out of their previous game against Houston unscathed.
Since their AFC Championship game clash on January 24, 2021, the Bills and Chiefs have met seven times, with Buffalo winning all four regular-season games but Kansas City taking all three playoff contests. Notably, Kansas City’s Super Bowl run included victories over Buffalo, and historically, the teams have faced off in notable playoff moments dating back to 1992 and prior.
Statistical highlights show that Buffalo’s recent playoff performance is notable, as they are the first team to go four consecutive playoff games without a turnover. Their overall turnover differential of plus-24 is exceptional, improved to plus-27 during the postseason. Quarterback Josh Allen’s career playoff rushing total is also indicative of his impact, placing him second in history.
The Chiefs are appearing in their seventh consecutive AFC Championship game, a streak that includes six games played at their home venue, tallying a record only exceeded by New England’s stretch from 2011 to 2018. Chiefs coach Andy Reid recently celebrated his 300th career win, joining an elite group of coaches in NFL history. Tight end Travis Kelce is also on the verge of breaking significant playoff records in both receiving yards and touchdowns, showcasing the explosive potential of Kansas City’s offense.
As these two powerhouses clash, fans can expect an exciting showdown given both teams’ illustrious playoff histories and the standout talents on each roster. The game promises to be a highlight of the NFL postseason, with implications for both franchises moving forward.
