Game Preview: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills
The Kansas City Chiefs (5-3) will face the Buffalo Bills (5-2) on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. EST, with the game broadcast on CBS. According to BetMGM NFL Odds, the Chiefs are favored by 1.5 points. In terms of against-the-spread performance, the Chiefs have a 5-3 record, while the Bills sit at 3-4. The series record between the two teams shows that the Bills lead 30-26-1. Their last meeting was in the AFC championship game on January 26, where the Chiefs defeated the Bills 32-29 in Kansas City.
Recent Performances
In their last game, the Chiefs secured a 28-7 victory over the Commanders at home, while the Bills dominated the Panthers with a 40-9 win in Carolina.
Team Rankings
Chiefs Offense:
- Overall: 5th
- Rush: 9th
- Pass: 5th
- Scoring: 7th
Chiefs Defense:
- Overall: 4th
- Rush: 11th
- Pass: 3rd
- Scoring: 2nd
Bills Offense:
- Overall: 3rd
- Rush: 1st
- Pass: 15th
- Scoring: 4th
Bills Defense:
- Overall: 12th
- Rush: 31st
- Pass: 2nd
- Scoring: 9th
Turnover Differential
The Chiefs have a +5 turnover differential, while the Bills have a +2 differential.
Key Players to Watch
Chiefs – QB Patrick Mahomes
As expected, Mahomes is the focal point for the Chiefs. The two-time NFL MVP has been performing exceptionally well, surpassing 250 passing yards in each of the past five games and throwing at least three touchdowns in four of them. What's surprising is his ability to run the ball, as he's currently the second-leading rusher for the Chiefs with 280 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
Bills – DE Michael Hoecht
Hoecht made an immediate impact in his Bills debut, recording three tackles and 1.5 sacks while playing 66% of the defensive snaps. His versatility allows him to play on the edge, inside, or even at linebacker, making him a valuable asset for the Bills.
Key Matchup
James Cook vs. Chiefs Run Defense
Buffalo’s running back James Cook had a career-high 216 yards and two touchdowns in his previous game. He ranks second in the NFL with 753 rushing yards and has led the Bills to a 4-0 record when he exceeds 100 yards. The Chiefs have held opponents under 100 rushing yards in their last three games, making this matchup crucial.
Key Injuries
Chiefs:
- RB Isiah Pacheco (knee) missed practice this week.
- LG Trey Smith practiced after missing last week's game due to a back injury.
Bills:
- LB Shaq Thompson (hamstring), DT DaQuan Jones (calf), and WR Joshua Palmer (knee/ankle) are out.
- Starting LBs Terrel Bernard (ankle) and Matt Milano (pectoral) are expected to return soon.
Series Notes
This rivalry dates back to 1960 when the Chiefs were known as the Texans based in Dallas. Since 2020, the teams have met 10 times, with the Bills holding a 4-1 edge in regular-season games. However, the Chiefs have swept four playoff meetings, including two AFC championship games. The Chiefs hold a 5-2 advantage in postseason games, including a 31-7 win in the 1966 AFL championship game.
Stats and Highlights
- Both teams rank in the top five for offensive production, with the Bills averaging 382.9 yards per game and the Chiefs at 378.3.
- The Chiefs have won four of their last five games after a slow start.
- They have scored at least 28 points in each of their past five games.
- TE Travis Kelce has 83 career touchdowns and is one away from breaking the Chiefs' record.
- Kelce has caught a pass in 182 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the NFL.
- Chiefs DT Chris Jones has only two sacks through eight games.
- Mahomes is tied for the league lead with 17 touchdown passes this season.
- Chiefs WR Rashee Rice has at least five catches in 11 of his past 12 games.
- Chiefs DE Mike Danna recorded his first career interception last week.
- Bills coach Sean McDermott has a 5-5 record against Chiefs coach Andy Reid.
- QB Josh Allen has a 36-7 record when not turning the ball over.
- Allen has 77 rushing touchdowns, tying Cam Newton for the NFL record among quarterbacks.
- Buffalo converted 7 of 12 third-down opportunities against the Panthers, its best performance since November.
Fantasy Tip
With RB Isiah Pacheco nursing a knee injury, rookie Brashard Smith and veteran Kareem Hunt are likely to see increased playing time against a defense that has allowed over 130 rushing yards four times this season.