The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Buffalo Bills 27-24 on Sunday night in a thrilling AFC Divisional playoff game that came down to the final play. Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker drilled a 45-yard field goal as time expired to lift Kansas City to their fifth straight AFC Championship game appearance.
Back-and-Forth Battle Goes Down to the Wire
The game featured four lead changes, with neither team leading by more than seven points. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Bills quarterback Josh Allen put on a show, with both signal callers racking up over 300 passing yards and combining for four touchdowns.
In the end, Mahomes made one more play than Allen. With just 13 seconds left, Mahomes found tight end Travis Kelce for a 25-yard pass to the Bills’ 30-yard line. That set up Butker’s game-winning kick that kept Kansas City’s Super Bowl hopes alive.
“It was an incredible football game between two great football teams,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “To come here and win against that team, I’m proud of our guys for battling all night.”
Allen was left devastated by the result, another gut-wrenching playoff exit after losing a classic to the Chiefs in last year’s divisional round as well.
“It sucks the way it ended,” Allen said. “We wanted to win that game and had our opportunities. Hats off to them, but this one stings.”
Mahomes Leads Late Game-Winning Drive
For the second straight year, Mahomes thwarted the Bills’ Super Bowl dreams with late-game heroics. Last year he led the Chiefs to the game-tying field goal before Kansas City won in overtime. This time, he engineered a similar drive in just 13 seconds.
“He’s the MVP for a reason,” Bills defensive end Von Miller said. “We had a chance to stop them, we just didn’t execute. But all the credit goes to Pat.”
| Stat | Patrick Mahomes | Josh Allen |
|---|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 378 | 329 |
| Passing TD | 3 | 2 |
| INT | 0 | 0 |
| QB Rating | 131.4 | 94.8 |
Mahomes finished with 378 yards through the air with three touchdowns and no interceptions, outdueling Allen who had 329 yards, two touchdowns and no picks. The Chiefs QB also led Kansas City with 47 rushing yards as he continues to emerge as one of the NFL’s most dangerous dual-threat playmakers.
Costly Bills Mistakes Prove Decisive
The Bills had their opportunities to close out Kansas City. But ultimately self-inflicted wounds came back to haunt them.
The most costly mistake came late in the third quarter with Buffalo driving deep in Chiefs’ territory. Allen completed a pass to Stefon Diggs inside the 10-yard line, but the Pro Bowl receiver fumbled trying to fight for extra yards. Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton scooped up the loose ball and returned it 86 yards for a touchdown to swing momentum back in Kansas City’s favor.
That wasn’t the only error that damaged Buffalo’s chances. Early in the fourth quarter, having regained the lead 24-20, they opted to go for a 4th-and-inches from Kansas City’s 3-yard line. But running back Devin Singletary was stuffed for no gain on the questionable play call.
The Bills had another opportunity to put the Chiefs away after Kansas City tied the game 24-24 with just over four minutes remaining. Buffalo kicker Tyler Bass missed a 55-yard field goal attempt with 3:37 left, opening the door for Mahomes’ late heroics.
Kelce Dominates Again as Chiefs Receiving Corps Steps Up
Kelce continued his postseason brilliance, hauling in eight catches for 108 yards and a touchdown. The All-Pro tight end came up with several clutch third-down conversions to continually extend drives.
While star wideout Tyreek Hill left last offseason, Kansas City’s new cast of pass catchers rose to the occasion. Wide receivers Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Kadarius Toney and Justin Watson combined for 10 receptions, 185 yards and two touchdowns.
Mahomes masterfully spread the ball around, with eight different Chiefs recording a catch.
“We know we can beat anyone with Number 15 behind center,” Kelce said referring to Mahomes. “He’s the best in the world, especially when it matters most.”
What This Means Moving Forward
With the win, the Chiefs advance to host the AFC Championship game against either the Cincinnati Bengals or Jacksonville Jaguars next Sunday. They are two wins away from a third Super Bowl appearance in four seasons.
The Bills are left still seeking their first ever championship after another agonizing playoff defeat. While they have arguably the league’s most talented roster, they will have to wait until next year for another shot at the Lombardi Trophy.
If these teams meet again in the playoffs next season, fans could be in for more unbelievable drama. But for now, Mahomes and the Chiefs continue to stand in the way of Buffalo ending its title drought.
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