(Photo: The Ringer)
AFC Divisional Playoff
(3) Kansas City Chiefs at (2) Buffalo Bills
Chiefs: The regular season was rocky, but at this point, it’s in the rearview mirror and what matters to them is the postseason. Last Saturday night against the Miami Dolphins has been labeled as the coldest game in the history of Arrowhead Stadium. They defeated Miami just how they did in the regular season which was with defense and more than enough offense. Because of the inconsistent passing attack, they’ve been able to rely more on the running game and I can’t say enough about Isaiah Pacheco. He brings balance to this team along with being an “angry runner” meaning he wants to run downhill and in between those tackles. Many joke around that you hear noises when he runs because of how speedy he is. The road to another AFC West title wasn’t necessarily the smoothest, but they got the job done regardless of the obstacles in front of them. The Wild Card round was the best I’ve seen the Kansas City Chiefs look all season long as far as a complete game is concerned. The defense that I mentioned up top neutralized an offense that’s known to turn games into track meets and when you play a team such as that, you make the game ugly and turn it into a street fight which is exactly what they did. Throughout the year, fans have been wondering who would be that other pass catcher outside of Travis Kelce to help lift their passing attack? It’s been many dropped passes this year and this shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone, but they led the league in dropped passes during the regular season. To answer the question of who would step up, it was rookie Wide Receiver, Rashee Rice. In his first playoff game, he caught eight passes for 130 yards with a touchdown. I’ll never doubt or count this group out because of one person, Patrick Mahomes. They have a chance with him each and every year. This Sunday night, they will face a very familiar opponent with a trip to the AFC Title Game on the line.
Bills: They have been in playoff mode since December 10th, 2023. Think about it. It’s been a roller coaster of a year for them At one point, this was a 6-6 football team and the thoughts of the NFL Postseason seemed very distant and impossible to happen. All they needed was one win and they closed out the regular season winning their five remaining games, including a divisional showdown with the Miami Dolphins which was for the division and they clinched the AFC East for the fourth consecutive season. I’ve said it on the radio, I’ve said it on this site and I’ll keep saying it. Ken Dorsey was holding the Buffalo Bills back and if they don’t make the decision to fire him, they are not division champs nor do they have the two seed in the AFC. They promoted Joe Brady and he’s added more of a balanced attack to the offense. They want to get James Cook the football in multiple capacities and in the passing game, they aren’t force feeding the football to Stefon Diggs. Remember, Joe was the brains of the operation in Baton Rouge for the 2019 LSU Tigers group that won the National Championship. He also had a Quarterback named Joe Burrow as well. Switching back to the NFL now, this is the hottest team in the league and they are playing with the utmost confidence as we speak. Look how they handled business against the Pittsburgh Steelers in their Wild Card game. They were able to start quickly and they didn’t look back. The only thing that concerned me was they were a little too loose in the third quarter and that’s when I feel they should’ve closed the door and put them away. This is a team that’s better equipped to make a run as I said last week prior to their game. On Sunday, they will host the divisional round in Orchard Park and will welcome a team they know all too well for an AFC Title Game berth.
Chiefs X-Factor: George Karlaftis– He’s become a key contributor to a much improved Kansas City defense. We all know Buffalo will put as much attention on Chris Jones and rightfully so as he is their best defensive player. Chris is also dangerous when the game is on the line and saves his best performances when it matters most. George has become just as important to this defense as anyone else has. He’s 6’4, 263 pounds and has a myriad of moves to help affect this Bills offense such as using his strength to get by blockers when rushing the passer and he plays with great closing speed to get to the ball-carrier. He’ll be key in attempting to contain Josh.
Bills X-Factor: Dalton Kincaid– This kid has really been coming on these last few weeks or so. Dalton will be very pivotal in this game against the Chiefs on Sunday. We’ve talked about alleviating pressure off the Quarterback meaning he shouldn’t have to feel as if he has to do everything. This is where the rookie Tight End comes into the picture. Dalton knows how to maneuver his way over the middle, in the flat and Josh will find him each time. His impact was seen in the win over the Steelers on Monday. Josh threw an absolute laser to him for a touchdown and Dalton can also help move the chains. He’s become the Bills third leading receiving with 673 yards and has averaged 76 yards per game and a touchdown in the last three weeks.
Final Thoughts: This is the one we are all looking forward to! Myself included! I’ve been privileged to preview each matchup between Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen. These two met during the regular season and this is what saved Buffalo by winning that close game in Kansas City. Over a month later, here we are. This will be the first ever playoff road game for Patrick Mahomes. This is something to watch for. A major key for the Chiefs defense will be to spy Josh. Much of the Bills success relies on this Quarterback as he’s that dual threat that can hurt a defense with his arm and legs. Offensively, get the ball in the hands of Kelce. Feed him early to get him going. Most importantly, let Mahomes do Mahomes-like things on the field. Let him do his thing and the Chiefs will be a better football team because of it. On the Buffalo side, Let James Cook do just that, cook! All pun intended. If there’s a weakness on this Kansas City defense, they struggle to stop the run as does Buffalo. This game will come down to who can contain the running game more consistently. Also, I’m attacking the middle of the field if I’m the Bills offense along with finding ways to get Stefon Diggs the ball in multiple capacities. Another thing. Come away with touchdowns, not field goals! And most importantly, Josh must play clean football. This is the third meeting between these two Quarterbacks in the playoffs. I expect this to be a thrilling game. Buffalo will finally get over the hump and beat the team that’s eliminated them in consecutive seasons years ago. I like the Bills in this one.
Prediction: Bills 24, Chiefs 21
