The stage is set for an epic AFC Divisional playoff showdown on Sunday between the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills. This highly-anticipated matchup features two of the league’s top quarterbacks in Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, as well as two teams with championship aspirations.
Lead Up To The Game
The Bills and Chiefs have developed a spicy rivalry over the past few years, fueled by hard-fought games with playoff implications. Last year, Kansas City ended Buffalo’s season with an overtime thriller in the same round.
“This team has had a tough time beating Kansas City in big games like this in recent history, but we feel we have what it takes this time,” said Bills GM Brandon Beane.
Allen and Buffalo are out for revenge this time on their home turf. Kansas City stands in their way as the only thing preventing Buffalo from its first AFC Championship appearance since 1994.
The Bills enter the game well-rested after a bye week as the AFC’s 2-seed. The Chiefs survived a shootout against the Jacksonville Jaguars to reach this point. Buffalo demolished New England in the Wild Card round one year ago, while Kansas City outlasted Pittsburgh in overtime.
Recent Playoff History
| Year | Matchup | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Chiefs 42, Bills 36 (OT) | KC won in OT |
| 2021 | Chiefs 38, Bills 24 | KC rolls into AFC Championship |
| 2020 | Bills 26, Chiefs 17 | Josh Allen gets first playoff win |
“We know it will be a crazy environment up there, but I think our guys will be up for the challenge,” said Chiefs coach Andy Reid. “Our ability to excel in tough road games gives us confidence.”
Confidence is not lacking on either side. According to multiple Bills players, they feel this could finally be their year to topple Kansas City.
“The goal is not just getting to the AFC Championship but the Super Bowl. Gotta beat Kansas City to make that happen,” said wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
Breaking Down The Epic QB Showdown
The centerpiece of this divisional matchup is the duel between 2018 first-round pick Josh Allen and 2017 10th overall pick Patrick Mahomes. Both quarterbacks have etched their names into NFL history early in their careers with eye-popping numbers.
Key Stats for Both QBs
| Player | Pass Yds | Total TD | INT | Passer Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Allen | 4,283 | 35 | 15 | 96.2 |
| Patrick Mahomes | 4,734 | 41 | 12 | 105.2 |
They also have hardware to show for it. Mahomes won league MVP in 2018 along with Super Bowl MVP. Allen took home MVP in 2022 during a record-setting year. Regarding who is better, both fanbases unsurprisingly have their own biased preferences.
Objectively, Mahomes possesses more natural talent with his creativity and signature no-look passes. The former Texas Tech gunslinger also has the slightly better stats and accolades. However, the gap between them shrinks each season as Allen improves facets like accuracy and decision-making.
Mahomes and Allen have only faced off three times in the NFL so far, but those games catalyzed the feud between both squads. Kansas City has won two of three, yet the lone Buffalo victory came in October to snap the Chiefs’ seven-game streak in the series.
Who will win round four with a trip to the AFC Championship on the line? We’ll find out Sunday.
Buffalo’s Home-Field Advantage
By this point, most NFL fans have heard all about Bills Mafia’s raucous behavior both pregame in parking lots and during action inside Highmark Stadium. Buffalo led the league in 2022 with the fewest opponent points per game allowed at home.
“I’ve been told it’s very loud and hostile,” said Mahomes. “I’m sure it’ll be a great atmosphere. I’ve played in a lot of big games so we’ll be ready for the challenge.”
Meanwhile, Buffalo tackle Dion Dawkins warned Mahomes about struggling without the usual Arrowhead crowds behind him. Temperatures around 30 degrees won’t make things any easier on the visitors.
“It’s gonna be cold. It’s gonna be great fun,” said Allen. “Having the home fans behind our backs is going to be a huge advantage.”
The Bills hope their preparedness for wintry elements and crowd noise swings things in their favor. Buffalo’s 4-3 record against Kansas City at home compared to 1-5 on the road suggests it might.
Looking Ahead
No matter the outcome, the winner earns a spot in the AFC Championship the following Sunday night. Waiting on the other side are the Cincinnati Bengals or Jacksonville Jaguars.
If Buffalo exorcises its Kansas City demons, then the team can finally focus solely on Super Bowl aspirations. However, another loss means another long offseason of questions and second-guessing.
The Chiefs aim to continue asserting themselves as the class of the AFC until dethroned. Mahomes doesn’t want to disappoint in his first road playoff test.
With the Super Bowl taking place in Allegiant Stadium this year, both organizations want to become the first squad to play a home championship. Buffalo came painfully close last year by reaching the divisional round.
Which team will keep its dreams alive? Buffalo hopes the third time is the charm with a raucous full house behind them against their burgeoning rivals. However, writing off Mahomes and Kansas City is ill-advised based on history.
The scene is set for an unforgettable evening that may launch a new AFC power or further solidify an existing one.
To err is human, but AI does it too. Whilst factual data is used in the production of these articles, the content is written entirely by AI. Double check any facts you intend to rely on with another source.
