A Buffalo victory would have significant ramifications beyond the obvious potential for a higher playoff seeding that could result in a playoff rematch at Orchard Park.
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Here are my five thoughts on the Buffalo Bills’ game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday at Highmark Stadium:
1. The regular season results between these teams are easy to dismiss, given that the Bills’ wins don’t translate to the same thing in the playoffs. They won three straight in the regular season, but lost three straight in the playoffs.
However, I am not rejecting this regular season meeting. A Buffalo victory would have significant ramifications beyond the obvious potential for a higher playoff seeding that could result in a playoff rematch at Orchard Park. First, it would give the Bills the pride of being the club that handed the Chiefs their first loss of the season. Second, it would mark the best of eight Bills triumphs. Third, it would give the Bills substantial momentum heading into an upcoming three-game stretch that includes some NFC heavyweights: San Francisco and Detroit.
Meanwhile, while the Chiefs would undoubtedly like to maintain the distinction of being the only undefeated team in the NFL, their chances of remaining perfect could easily be in jeopardy late in the season when they might have clinched it all for the playoffs and could be holders.
Having two of the league’s best teams face off this late in the season creates a playoff-like atmosphere that will not only electrify Highmark Stadium, but also capture the attention of soccer fans around the world, even those who have no allegiance to the Bills. or the leaders.
2. There is no other quarterback rivalry in the NFL that matches the marquee value of Josh Allen vs. Patrick Mahomes.
Mahomes vs. Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow is worth considering, as is Mahomes vs. Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson. However, neither has as much history or drama as Allen vs. Mahomes.
Allen and Mahomes have a way of bringing out the best in each other, with each QB knowing they need to play at the highest level possible to come out on top. Allen is 3-1 in the regular season against Mahomes. He has a touchdown pass-to-interception ratio of 9-2 to Mahomes’ 7-5, 291 offensive yards to Mahomes’ 308, 11 offensive touchdowns to Mahomes’ seven and three giveaways to Mahomes’ six.
Interestingly, the playoff comparison, aside from wins and losses, is almost even. Allen has a touchdown pass-to-interception ratio of 7-1 to Mahomes’ 8-0, 343.3 offensive yards per game to Mahomes’ 337, 9-9 offensive touchdowns and a giveaway to Mahomes’ zero.
3. Even though the focus is on the quarterbacks, this play – like so many others – will likely depend on which team controls the line of scrimmage.
The Chiefs’ strongest area is their defensive front, particularly the line. That arguably has the most to do with the team’s 9-0 record.
The Bills offensive line has consistently performed well in pass protection and is solid in run blocking. If the Bills are without right tackle Spencer Brown, who is listed as questionable due to an ankle injury, the task of keeping Allen upright could become a little more difficult. Regardless, look for offensive coordinator Joe Brady to implement a balanced attack that will include a good amount of running that will help keep the Chiefs defense off balance.
The Chiefs’ weakest area is their offensive tackle play. The Bills should be able to exploit that reasonably well with Greg Rousseau, who is a rising star this season. He was an explosive force in almost every game, generating sacks and pressures. Rousseau and Von Miller should be able to apply constant heat to Mahomes, making him uncomfortable and forcing him to make errant throws or turnovers.
4. The Bills offense will be without two of its top pass catchers, tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) and wide receiver Keon Coleman (wrist), but should be able to overcome the absences.
Buffalo’s receiver depth rose to the occasion, with Kahlil Shakir and Mack Hollins picking up much of the slack. If Amari Cooper – who is listed as questionable due to a wrist injury – plays, it should go a long way in improving the overall quality of the pass-catching group. Even if Cooper is limited, his mere presence should keep media coverage away from others.
It’s also imperative that tight end Dawson Knox steps up and contributes much more as a receiver. Allen needs that shallow target to take advantage of the openings the Chiefs leave under their deep coverage.
Expect running backs James Cook and Ray Davis to be heavily involved as receivers as well.
5. Losing Harrison Butker to a knee injury is a big blow for the Chiefs.
On the one hand, Butker is one of the best kickers in league history and as good as any active kicker in the game. On the other hand, most of the Chiefs’ games have been close, which makes reliable kicking essential to their chances of success.
The Chiefs turned to rookie Spencer Shrader, who they signed off the New York Jets practice squad. He made both field goals he attempted, from 25 and 45 yards, as a practice squad upgrade for the Jets in their 31-6 loss to Arizona last week.
