The two great rivals meet in Week 11.
The Buffalo Bills are 3-2 over the Kansas City Chiefs since October 2021. Unfortunately for the faithful Bills Mafia, those two defeats have come when it counts – in the month of January.
Let us explore what this game means for both teams and – crucially – what do the Bills need to do to get the all-important win over their formidable opponent?
How does this game impact the rest of the season?
The elephant – or maybe Buffalo? – in the room is that the Chiefs are currently on track for an undefeated season. As a result, every team will be playing them that bit tougher.
Aside from the above though – this game is crucial in the race for the playoff bye week.
The winner of this game will have the tie breaker in the event records are even at season end.
Josh Allen’s bid to reach a Superbowl this season may hinge on whether the Bills can earn a playoff bye week and secure home advantage throughout the playoffs – something only the first seed can enjoy.
What do the Buffalo Bills need to do to earn victory over the Chiefs?
1. The pass rush is key
Gregory Rousseau, Von Miller and AJ Epenesa need to have a big day on Sunday.
Both tackle spots are a major concern for the Chiefs – resulting in Patrick Mahomes being sacked eight times in the last two games.
If the Bills cannot get pressure on the Chiefs quarterback then it will b a long afternoon for the rest of the team.
2. Depth pieces on offence must step up
Impressive rookie Keon Coleman missed the game against the Colts and has already been ruled out for Sunday.
So too has tight end Dalton Kincaid.
Newly acquired wide receiver Amari Cooper appears to be back, but is questionable with a wrist injury still.
3. Establish the run
The Chiefs have allowed the second-lowest rushing yards per attempt (3.65 RY/A) within the NFL so far this season.
The Bills offence sits 15th in the league with 4.37 RY/A.
If James Cook and Josh Allen can hurt this Chiefs defence on the ground, Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnola will have his work cut out.
Prediction
I think this game will be low scoring – a few too many Bills players are missing or nursing injuries to be able to challenge this Chiefs defence.
The Bills go into their bye week with the aim of getting everyone back to 100% fitness ready for hosting Christian McCaffrey in Week 12.
Buffalo 13-19 Chiefs
