AFC Game Of The Week
Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs
Bills: Outside of week one against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday in week five was the best they’ve looked all year. When they’re completely focused and clicking on all cylinders, they’re a tough group to beat. Did you all see that pass Josh Allen threw to Gabe Davis when he was pinned back all the way in his own territory? It was effortless, a flick of the wrist. That’s when I knew it was going to be a long day at the office for the Steelers. The week before against the Baltimore Ravens, they showed their mental toughness and fought back to win that game after being down by 17 points. For those of you that have followed me know that I complain about when it comes to the Buffalo Bills. One is the inconsistent running game and dominating in the trenches, while the other is depending too much on Josh Allen. It’s unacceptable for him to be both your leading passer and rusher. Take some pressure off your Quarterback please or you’ll never advance far in the playoffs or to the Super Bowl. When you face this team, know you’ll be seeing a stingy defense. They play collectively as a unit and make it tough on you to move the football on them. Defense is Head Coach Sean McDermott and Defensive Coordinator Leslie Frazier’s background. The Bills will get their chance for revenge on Sunday afternoon.
Chiefs: Yes, they’re 4-1, yes, they’re winning football games, but I don’t get that same feel as I did in years’ past. To be quite honest, they don’t scare me as much as they did before. Their offense is still good, but it’s definitely changed after losing Tyreek Hill. Of course, you still have Travis Kelce, but after him, who’s the next guy you worry about as a defense? That’s the point I’m trying to elaborate on. Odell Beckham Jr would be perfect for this offense because he’d give Patrick Mahomes a legit target that can consistently take the top off the coverage and get down the field. As I was watching that game on Monday night against the Raiders, I noticed one thing. Their red zone defense is their soft spot, and every time Las Vegas was in the redzone, they came away with points it appeared. They may not be putting teams away early as they once did, but the Chiefs are still 4-1. They are still a threat due to the simple fact they have a superstar playing Quarterback which was my reason I had them winning the AFC West because they have the best Quarterback and coach in the division. Patrick is what I call a game changer. This Sunday, they welcome a team they’ve become very familiar with to town.
Bills X-Factor: Von Miller– This is EXACTLY why you signed a player of his caliber. For a game of this magnitude. Von spent many of his early years in the AFC West, so he knows the Chiefs and what they’re capable of doing. His impact on this Buffalo defense speaks volumes. Because of him, everyone on that front seven feels they can get home to the Quarterback. The key to defeating Mahomes is to hit him behind that line of scrimmage. Don’t allow him to buy time in that pocket.
Chiefs X-Factor: Juju Smith-Schuster– Patrick is trying to get him the ball more. I’ve noticed it the last two games. Now, I feel he can be the receiver he thinks he’s capable of being because he has someone who can attempt to consistently get him the football. Buffalo will go all in on trying to stop Kelce. Look for Juju to get his looks early and often. The Chiefs are looking for him to impact the offense more. Keep the Bills secondary honest and second guessing.
Final Thoughts: I was so honored to preview that epic playoff matchup back in January. It capped off such an entertaining weekend of playoff football back then. Nine months later, here we are for the rematch. These are the two best Quarterbacks in the league. For years, we got Peyton and Brady. Now, we’re in for Allen and Mahomes the next 15 years. Look for the Chiefs to get their running game going early or attempt too because that’s the way to keep Josh and that Buffalo offense off the field. Time of possession will be key for Kansas City. For the Bills: they will expose that Chiefs secondary. Tom Brady put up big numbers against them in week four and Derek Carr made some passes attacking them just last week. What makes you think the Bills won’t do the same? Especially with the weapons they have. I could also say the same about Patrick exploiting the Buffalo secondary which has been hit by the injury bug. Buffalo will enter this game with a bitter taste in their mouths as they should because this is the team that sent them home in consecutive seasons. This should be a fun football game.
Prediction: Bills 38, Chiefs 34
