NFL Game of the Week: Bills vs. Chiefs
The Buffalo Bills are seeing red as they travel to Kansas City seeking revenge for their loss to the Chiefs in the divisional round of playoffs last year.
This matchup was so good last year that the NFL had to change the rules for overtime in the playoffs.
Not many teams are favored against the Chiefs, especially when they are playing at Arrowhead, but the Bills aren’t like many other teams.
This very well may be the “game of the year” featuring two of the NFL’s best quarterbacks and the top two seeds in the AFC.
Josh Allen is looking like the MVP favorite so far, especially with his performance last week.
Against the Steelers in week five, Allen threw for 424 yards and four touchdowns as the Bills trampled the Steelers 38-3. Allen also sufficed two receivers who went for more than 100 yards, Gabe Davis with 171 yards and Stefon Diggs with 102.
In Week 5, Patrick Mahomes didn’t win by the same margin as the Bills did, but he still led his team back from a 10-point deficit as the Chiefs beat the Raiders 30-29.
Mahomes threw for 292 yards and four touchdowns. Although Mahomes had nine different receivers record a catch, his favorite target Travis Kelce caught all four of his touchdown passes.
Both teams have superstar quarterbacks, however, there is a disparity between the defenses.
The Bills’ defense comes into this game ranking second in total yards allowed per game, second in receiving yards allowed per game, and second in rushing yards allowed per game.
On the contrary, the Chiefs’ defense is 14th in total yards allowed per game, and third in rushing yards allowed per game, but has allowed the sixth most receiving yards per game.
The Chiefs’ defense is going to have to step up in order to win this game.
Last week, Josh Allen wasn’t sacked once on 31 passing plays. The Chief's defensive front of Chris Jones, Frank Clark, and George Karlaftis have to pressure Allen and make him uncomfortable.
This group only managed to get two sacks in their win against the Raiders. Although, Chris Jones did have a crucial strip sack that was called back due to a controversial roughing the passer penalty.
Davante Adams also torched this defense last week with 124 receiving yards and two touchdowns. This week, things don’t get much easier as Stefon Diggs and company roll into town.
While the Bills’ defense has been fantastic, there are only so many things a team can do to slow down Andy Reid’s unique offense.
Everyone and their mothers know that Travis Kelce is Mahomes’ favorite and best target, yet he still had four touchdowns last week.
Mahomes and the offense have to avoid the slow starts to games because he won’t be able to get away with it in this one.
Allen and the Bills will be putting points on the board, if the Chiefs go down early, they will be playing into the Bills’ hand.
The Bills’ defense thrives when sitting back in coverage with their four-man rush led by Von Miller and Gregory Rousseau.
This game is personal for both quarterbacks and a statement game for both teams.
The victor of this game can celebrate after this week, but there’s a good chance these teams may see each other again in the playoffs.
Jake Hernick is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jrh6589@psu.edu.
