This matchup could play a significant role in determining the top seed in the AFC. Highmark Stadium will welcome the Kansas City Chiefs (9-0; 5-4-0 ATS) and Buffalo Bills (8-2; 6-4-0 ATS) at 4:25 p.m. EST. The recent history between these franchises is intense. Kansas City eliminated the Bills from the playoffs last January, marking the third time this decade they have done so. However, Buffalo has triumphed in the last three regular-season encounters, including a victory last December. The anticipation now builds for this latest chapter in their rivalry.
Read on for insights and predictions for the Chiefs vs. Bills clash.
Kansas City’s Unyielding Momentum
The Chiefs continue to defy expectations. A dramatic blocked field goal at the end of their last game allowed Kansas City to keep their perfect record intact. Many analysts draw parallels between this team and the dominant Patriots of the 2000s, suggesting that 2024 may mirror the Patriots’ remarkable 2007 season. Despite facing a challenging schedule, Kansas City’s defense has emerged as one of the league’s strongest, allowing the fourth-fewest yards and fifth-fewest points per game. They hold opponents to just 3.7 yards per carry (2nd) and 6.8 yards per pass attempt (9th), demonstrating their defensive prowess.
Offensively, the Chiefs have been efficient, currently ranking 10th in total yards per game and 11th in scoring. They have only scored fewer than 22 points in two games, both against division rivals. Despite injuries to key players, Kansas City’s offense remains functional. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes ranks 10th in passing yards per game. Although he has thrown nine interceptions, the offense continues to produce. The offensive line has only conceded 20 sacks (9th), and while the rushing attack ranks 30th in yards per carry (3.8), they manage an average of 115.1 rushing yards per game. Kansas City’s offensive efficiency is not overwhelming (19th in yards per play), but they often find ways to exploit defensive weaknesses. Will they succeed against the Bills?
Key Injuries – Harrison Butker (out); Isiah Pacheco (doubtful)
Buffalo’s Dominance at Home
Excluding two tough road games in Weeks 4 and 5, the Bills have been unbeatable. They return home riding a five-game winning streak and have not lost at Highmark Stadium since the Chiefs handed them a defeat last January. Buffalo’s offense is firing on all cylinders, averaging the third-most points per game in the league. They play smart football, allowing the second-fewest sacks and committing the third-fewest turnovers.
Quarterback Josh Allen ranks ninth in passer rating and tenth in yards per pass attempt. Running back James Cook leads a ground game that averages 4.4 yards per carry, contributing to an overall offensive output of 5.8 yards per play (9th). However, injuries have also impacted Buffalo, with tight end Dalton Kincaid ruled out for this matchup. The big question remains: Can they maintain their performance against a formidable Kansas City squad?
On the defensive side, Buffalo has shown resilience, allowing the ninth-fewest points per game. They boast 19 takeaways, the second-highest total in the league, and lead in turnover margin at +13. Buffalo has recorded 25 sacks (12th) and restricts opponents to 6.8 yards per pass attempt (10th). Nonetheless, they struggle against the run, giving up 4.9 yards per carry (29th), a concern that has surfaced even in their victories. How will they manage this vulnerability on Sunday?
Key Injuries – Amari Cooper (questionable); Keon Coleman (out); Dalton Kincaid (out); Spencer Brown (questionable)
Predictions for Chiefs vs. Bills
