(Photo: Fox Sports)
AFC Game Of The Week
Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills
Chiefs (5-3):
Winning cures all, correct? That 0-2 and 2-3 start feels like a distant memory now, as they’ve once again found their rhythm. Let’s call it what it is: they weren’t healthy, and it showed — especially in the receiver room. Xavier Worthy missed some time, and his presence forces defenses to account for him at all times because he impacts the game in so many ways and is used in multiple capacities. Then there’s Rashee Rice, who has given the quarterback a true possession receiver on the outside and serves as his second read when Travis Kelce is double-teamed. Over the past few weeks, they’ve rounded into form after that Monday night loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The dominance they showed against the Las Vegas Raiders is the version of the Chiefs we know — not the group we saw much of last season that just scraped by and escaped with wins. On Monday night against the Washington Commanders, this was the most balanced they’ve looked in quite some time. I’ll say this: I know the Indianapolis Colts have the best record in the AFC and in the league right now, and that’s great — but let’s not pretend the Kansas City Chiefs don’t exist. If you want to go anywhere in this conference, this is still the team you have to go through. Say what you want about their record, they’ll still be there come playoff time — and possibly as one of the last four teams fighting for a trip to the Super Bowl. Today, they face a familiar opponent they’ve seen each year since 2020.
Bills (5-2):
This division was supposed to be theirs for the taking — and understandably so. The Bills have been the face of the AFC East since 2020, winning the division and making the playoffs each year. But for all their regular-season dominance, they haven’t been able to replicate that same success when it matters most — in January. Fast forward to this season: they started 4-0, lost two in a row before the bye week, and then bounced back in a big way against the Carolina Panthers. I can’t stress this enough — the Buffalo Bills are a much better football team when they feed James Cook. In their four wins, he’s touched the ball 19 or more times. In the losses, fewer than 19. That’s why I say the same thing about him as I do about Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley — he must be involved to have an impact. A perfect example was last week in Charlotte: 19 carries, 216 yards. He’s their most important offensive weapon, and they’re better when he’s “cooking” (pun intended). The concern, however, is the defense. They haven’t been playing as cohesively as they’re capable of. The team hoped Joey Bosa would make a big impact, but that hasn’t materialized. Despite New England currently sitting atop the AFC East, I’m not counting this Buffalo team out. This afternoon, they welcome Kansas City to town.
Chiefs X-Factor: Kareem Hunt
The Chiefs boast a two-headed monster in the backfield with Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt. We know what Pacheco brings to the table, but today I’ll be watching Kareem and what he can add. He’s a physical tone-setter, and the Bills’ defense can be vulnerable against power backs who run hard between the tackles — which is exactly what Kareem does. Beyond his running ability, he’s also a capable blocker and reliable receiver that Patrick Mahomes can check the ball down to. If Hunt can give the Chiefs 10–12 touches, convert short-yardage situations, and keep drives alive, it’ll swing things in Kansas City’s favor.
Bills X-Factor: Greg Rousseau
I need to see an all-out effort from Greg Rousseau today. The Chiefs’ offensive tackles remain a work in progress, which plays right into his strengths. He’s a natural pocket disruptor, and we all know how dangerous Mahomes becomes when he extends plays. Rousseau’s 6’6″ frame and edge discipline make him capable of containing rollouts and forcing Mahomes to throw from tighter pockets. Even if he doesn’t get home, his length and wingspan can affect throws and knock down passes.
Final Thoughts:
This might be the closest quarterback rivalry we’ve seen since Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady. I was fortunate to cover many of their matchups, and now I’ve had the same privilege with Mahomes and Allen. Back then, when schedules dropped, the first thing I’d look for was Peyton vs. Tom — now it’s Josh vs. Patrick. Neither of these teams have been on fire early this season, but they’re still the two best in the AFC in my opinion — and we’ll likely see them clash again in January. For Kansas City, the key is a quick, efficient passing game. Buffalo’s defense thrives on forcing long drives, so Mahomes must stay patient and attack with short and intermediate throws to Rice, Hollywood Brown, and Kelce. They should also neutralize the pass rush with motion, screens, and rollouts, and run right at the edges to slow Buffalo’s upfield push. Most importantly, establish physicality early — use Pacheco and Hunt to pound the rock and control the clock, keeping Josh Allen on the sideline. For Buffalo, it starts in the trenches — particularly on defense. The Chiefs will look to exploit their biggest weakness: stopping the run. If the Bills can stuff early-down runs, they’ll force Mahomes into long-yardage situations. When rushing the passer, discipline is key — not just sacks, but containment. Keep Mahomes in the pocket and force him into tight throws. Offensively, stay balanced. Don’t rely on Josh Allen to play Superman. Feed James Cook to keep the Chiefs’ defense honest, mix in play action, and attack Kansas City’s aggressive safeties. Finally, win in the red zone. You won’t beat this team settling for field goals. It’s always must-see TV when these two meet, and this time, I think the Chiefs snap their regular-season losing streak to the Bills in this one.
