Mahomes, Allen Set for Another Classic as Chiefs Face Bills
Sunday’s matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills carries weight far beyond a Week 9 regular-season game. When these teams take the field at 4:25 p.m. EST in Buffalo, they’ll renew a rivalry that has defined the AFC over the past five years.
A Rematch with Playoff Implications
The Chiefs (5-3) travel to face the Bills (5-2) in a rematch of last season’s AFC Championship game, which Kansas City won 32-29. That victory marked the fourth consecutive playoff meeting between these teams since 2020, with the Chiefs winning all four postseason contests while Buffalo has taken four straight regular-season games.
The stakes are clear. Both teams enter as legitimate Super Bowl contenders, and Sunday’s result could determine playoff seeding and home-field advantage come January. For the Chiefs, it’s a chance to prove their dominance extends beyond the postseason. For the Bills, it’s another test to maintain their regular-season success against the Chiefs and set the tone for a deeper playoff run.
“They don’t like us,” Patrick Mahomes said this week, acknowledging the hostile reception awaiting the Chiefs in Buffalo. The three-time Super Bowl champion understands what this game means to Bills fans who have watched their team fall short repeatedly in the playoffs against Kansas City, including the unforgettable “13 Seconds” divisional round game in January 2022.
Quarterback Duel Takes Center Stage
This marks the ninth head-to-head meeting between Mahomes and Josh Allen, two of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks who have developed mutual respect despite their teams’ heated rivalry.
Mahomes enters the game tied for the NFL lead with 17 touchdown passes this season. If he throws at least three touchdown passes on Sunday, it will mark his fourth consecutive game with three or more scoring strikes, a feat he has accomplished only twice in his career (2018 and 2021). He also sits tied with Hall of Famer Dan Marino with 46 games throwing for at least three touchdown passes in his first nine seasons. One more would give him the record outright.
Allen, meanwhile, has thrived against Kansas City in the regular season, posting a 4-1 record with 252 passing yards per game, 13 total touchdowns (10 passing), and three interceptions. Last weekend, he improved to 36-7 when not committing a turnover, though he’s just 1-2 this season when throwing an interception or losing a fumble.
The Bills quarterback recently surpassed Cam Newton with his 46th career game featuring both a passing and rushing touchdown. His 77 rushing touchdowns, including playoffs, are tied with Newton for the most by a quarterback in NFL history.
Offensive Firepower Meets Defensive Strength
Both teams bring top-five offenses into this contest. Buffalo ranks third in the NFL at 382.9 yards per game, while Kansas City sits fifth at 378.3 yards. The Chiefs have scored at least 28 points in each of their past five games and have won four of their last five after an 0-2 start.
Allen will face his toughest test of the season against a Chiefs defense that ranks fourth in the NFL and third against the pass. Kansas City defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has a history of challenging Allen, and the Bills passing attack has struggled recently with four interceptions and a lost fumble over their past four games.
Buffalo’s ground game, led by James Cook, who rushed for a career-best 216 yards in a recent contest, could be the key to controlling the game. The matchup between Cook and the Chiefs’ run defense will be critical in determining offensive rhythm for the Bills.
For Kansas City, Mahomes benefits from a nearly full complement of offensive weapons. Receiver Xavier Worthy has returned from injury, and Rashee Rice has been dynamic since returning from suspension, catching at least five passes in 11 of his past 12 games. However, running back Isiah Pacheco remains questionable with a knee injury after missing practice this week.
Tight end Travis Kelce continues his historic consistency, catching a pass in 182 straight games, the longest streak in Chiefs history and the longest active streak in the NFL. He needs just one touchdown to break a tie with Priest Holmes for the Chiefs’ all-time record with 84.
Coaching History Adds Another Layer
Bills coach Sean McDermott spent 12 seasons working under Chiefs coach Andy Reid with the Philadelphia Eagles, including two years as defensive coordinator. McDermott is 5-5 overall against his former mentor and ranks second on the Bills’ all-time coaching list with 98 wins (including playoffs), behind only Hall of Famer Marv Levy.
The Chiefs will be without left tackle Josh Simmons due to a family situation, with Jaylon Moore starting in his place. Right guard Trey Smith practiced this week after missing last week’s game with a back injury and could return to the lineup.
For Buffalo, starting linebackers Terrel Bernard (ankle) and Matt Milano (pectoral) have resumed full practices and are positioned to return, which would significantly bolster a defense that needs to contain Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense.
A Potential Championship Preview
This game represents more than just two quality teams meeting in November. It’s a potential preview of the AFC Championship game and another chapter in a rivalry that has produced some of the most memorable games in recent NFL history.
The Bills have proven they can beat Kansas City in the regular season. They’ve won four straight games against the Chiefs outside the playoffs, converting 7 of 12 third downs in their most recent regular-season victory over Kansas City in November.
But the postseason has been a different story. The Chiefs have consistently blocked Buffalo’s Super Bowl aspirations with four playoff wins, including two AFC Championship games. Sunday offers the Bills a chance to build confidence against their playoff nemesis, while Kansas City can send a message that their dominance extends beyond January.
