overall since the 2019 season.
They’ll welcome the Buffalo Bills to Arrowhead Stadium.
Chiefs-Bills third quarter:
10:01 – A promising start for the Chiefs ends after Mahomes is sacked by Bills linebacker Matt Milano. The sack knocks Kansas City out of field goal possession and the Bills take over down 21-16.
Chiefs-Bills second quarter:
HALFTIME: The Chiefs lead after a high-scoring and eventful first half, 21-16.
Mahomes is 10-of-13 for 132 yards, while Allen is 13-of-20 for 150 yards. The Chiefs outgained Buffalo 217-183 in the first half and both teams have combined for 29 first downs.
0:23 – The Bills respond with a quick 7-play, 73-yard touchdown narrow the score to 21-16.
Josh Allen found Mack Hollins on a 34-yard touchdown pass on 2nd-and-10.
The two-point conversion attempt failed as Allen was stopped on a rush up the middle.
1:55 – The Chiefs grab the game’s first two-possession lead behind a touchdown run by Mahomes.
The run caps off a six-play, 34-yard drive.
Kansas City leads 21-10.
2:00 – Xavier Worthy continues his impressive play against the Bills.
He followed up his touchdown reception with this catch, setting up Kansas City deep in Buffalo territory.
The Chiefs have the ball on Buffalo’s two-yard line.
4:13 – The Chiefs scored a touchdown with an 11-play, 70-yard drive. Mahomes threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Xavier Worthy.
It’s Worthy’s seventh touchdown of his rookie season.
10:25 – The Bills take full advantage of the turnover, driving the ball 72 yards on 10 plays for a touchdown. Running back James Cook finished off the drive with a six-yard touchdown run.
Chiefs-Bills first quarter:
END OF THE FIRST QUARTER: Bills cornerback Christian Benford has been ruled out for the rest of the game with a concussion.
0:56 – For the first time in two months, the Chiefs have committed a turnover. The Bills recover a fumble after the ball comes loose after a handoff between Mahomes and Isiah Pacheco.
3:45 – The Bills respond with a score, but it’s not a touchdown.
Tyler Bass kicks a 53-yard field goal to put the Bills on the board.
8:51 – Chiefs safety Justin Reid leaves the field with a possible injury. UPDATE: He returned for the next play.
8:56 – It’s hard to start off a game any better for the Chiefs.
The defense forced a three-and-out against the Bills.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs take their first drive 90 yards for a touchdown.
Patrick Mahomes connected on a 31-yard strike to JuJu Smith-Schuster to move deep into Buffalo territory. Running back Kareem Hunt capped the drive with a 12-yard touchdown run off the left guard.
15:00 – The winner of this game will take on the Philadelphia Eagles, who prevailed 55-23 in the NFC Championship Game.
If the Chiefs prevail, it would be a rematch of the Super Bowl two years ago.
Chiefs inactives
- Justyn Ross (wide receiver)
- Wanya Morris (offensive line)
- C.J. Hanson (offensive line)
- Joshua Uche (defensive end)
- Malik Herring (defensive end)
- Ethan Driskell (tackle)
Bills inactives
- Taylor Rapp (safety)
- Sedrick Van-Pran Granger (center/guard)
- DeWayne Carter (defensive tackle)
- Ryan Van Demark (offensive line)
- Quinton Jefferson (defensive tackle)
- Brandon Codrington (cornerback)
- Mike White (quarterback)
Chiefs-Bills keys to the game
Charles Omenihu’s Return Boosts Chiefs’ Pass Rush
Defensive end Charles Omenihu’s return has significantly improved the Chiefs’ defensive stats.
In the first 11 games without Omenihu, the Chiefs recorded 25 sacks and 49 quarterback hits.
In the six games since his return, they’ve tallied 27 sacks and 47 hits, including an eight-sack performance in last Saturday’s AFC Divisional Round win over the Texans.
His presence has freed up teammates on the defensive line.
Will the Bills Win the Turnover Battle Again?
Turnovers often determine playoff outcomes, and Sunday’s game could hinge on this factor.
The Chiefs haven’t committed a turnover in eight consecutive games, while the Bills have not lost a turnover battle all season.
In Buffalo’s regular-season win over Kansas City, the Bills forced two turnovers and scored seven points off those mistakes.
Turnovers also played a key role in the Bills’ victory over the Ravens last week.
Buffalo capitalized on three Baltimore turnovers while committing none, winning the game despite being outgained by nearly 150 yards.
Third-Down Conversions Could Decide the Game
Both teams excel on third downs, ranking in the top seven in conversion rates, including the postseason.
However, they’ve also struggled at times to stop opponents on third down.
In their regular-season matchup, Buffalo converted 10 of 15 third downs, while Kansas City went 5 of 10—a strong mark but not enough to keep up.
A lack of pressure on Josh Allen contributed to Kansas City’s loss. The Chiefs’ defense failed to sack Allen and hit him only four times.
Can Hunt and Pacheco Dominate on the Ground?
Kareem Hunt’s solid performance was a bright spot in the Chiefs’ regular-season loss, as he ran for 60 yards on 14 carries.
Isaiah Pacheco, who had 97 yards on 15 carries against Buffalo in last year’s playoffs, could also play a key role.
Buffalo’s run defense has been inconsistent, which could open opportunities for Kansas City’s ground game.
Rookie Wide Receivers Could Shine
Chiefs rookie Xavier Worthy had one of his best games of the season against Buffalo, catching four passes for 61 yards and a touchdown.
However, he missed a key opportunity on a deep ball that could have led to an early second-half score.
Worthy finished the regular season with 59 receptions for 638 yards.
The Bills’ rookie receiver, Keon Coleman, averaged more than 19 yards per reception on 29 catches this season but did not play in the first meeting.
Big games from Bills tight ends?
Dawson Knox has a history of making big plays against Kansas City, and rookie tight end Dalton Kincaid has shown promise.
The Chiefs’ defense has struggled against tight ends this season, allowing 111 receptions for 1,256 yards and five touchdowns over 20 games.
Chiefs Wide Receivers Look to Rebound
The Bills may be without starting safety Taylor Rapp, creating opportunities for Kansas City’s wide receivers to make an impact.
DeAndre Hopkins and JuJu Smith-Schuster played limited snaps in last week’s win over Houston.
The Texans’ defense, which ranks ahead of Buffalo in key metrics, held Kansas City’s receivers in check.
