For the second time this season, the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills prepare for what’s expected to be another classic showdown, this time with a Super Bowl berth on the line. These two powerhouse teams meet again in what promises another chapter of their growing rivalry. The game will take place at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, January 26, at 6:30 p.m. EDT. Fans can catch the action on CBS/Paramount+ as the teams battle for who will be the representative of the AFC in SuperBowl 58. The Chief and Bills are led by their respective quarterbacks, Patrick Mahomes, and Josh Allen; both teams enter with star-studded rosters and high expectations. Here’s everything you need to know about this weekend’s AFC Championship Game.
Game/Team Matchup Info
The Chiefs (16-2) and Bills (15-4) have faced off seven times since their memorable AFC Championship Game in January 2021, with the Bills winning all four regular-season meetings since then and Kansas City winning each postseason matchup. Whether the Bills and their fans want to admit it, it’s clear the Chiefs hold a psychological edge. Mahomes remains undefeated against Allen in playoff contests and with a win this Sunday. Mahomes and the Chiefs can become the first team in NFL history to defeat the same opponent four straight times in the playoffs.
According to ESPN odds, Kansas City is a one-point favorite, with the over/under set at 48.5 points. The Chiefs, who enter this game as the AFC’s top seed and, as a result, are hosting the game, are also looking to avenge their 30-21 loss to the Bills during Week 11. The Bills, fresh off a close 27-25 victory over the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round, aim to finally prove their regular-season success can translate to playoff dominance.
The Chiefs rank fourth in scoring defense and have allowed the fewest points in the postseason. Meanwhile, Buffalo has the league’s second-ranked scoring offense, averaging over 28 points per game. The contrast between the Chiefs’ defense and the Bills’ high-powered offense will be one of several key matchups to watch heading into this game.
Mahomes-Led Chiefs Look to Keep Rolling
Patrick Mahomes has been the heartbeat of Kansas City’s success, especially in critical playoff moments. The two-time MVP and three-time SuperBowl champion, in just seven years as a starter, already has 14 career postseason wins, trailing only Tom Brady and Joe Montana in playoff victories.
While the offense revolves around Mahomes and his new weapons, Kansas City’s defense has been the backbone of this team’s success this season. A unit led by three-time All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones has been equally dominant. The Chiefs, in their first playoff game against the Houston Texans, finished the game with eight sacks, which is the second most in Chiefs franchise history in the playoffs, and held them to under 15 points. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has been instrumental in building another championship-caliber defense, and his unit will need to be at their best if they hope to contain Allen’s dual-threat ability.
The Chiefs’ key to victory lies in ball security. Kansas City hasn’t committed a turnover in eight straight games, but Buffalo’s opportunistic defense is tied for fifth in interceptions this season. Protecting the football and winning in the trenches is vital for Kansas City to come out with the win in this game.
Bills Seek First Super Bowl Berth Since 1994
Similarly to the Chiefs, Buffalo has relied on Josh Allen’s exceptional playmaking abilities to lead its offense. Allen tallied 41 touchdowns during the regular season and added another four in last week’s victory over Baltimore. His ability to make plays with both his arm and legs makes him one of the most dangerous players in the NFL.
The Bills’ rushing attack is also nothing to sneeze at. Their running back room is spearheaded by James Cook, who has also been a difference-maker. Cook rushed for 1,009 yards and led the league in rushing touchdowns, making him an essential weapon for Buffalo’s offense. Against Kansas City’s stout defensive front, Cook’s ability to create yards after contact will be crucial.
The Bills’ defense, however, has been inconsistent against playoff-caliber teams, allowing 33 points per game against postseason opponents. With safety Taylor Rapp and cornerback Christian Benford nursing injuries, Buffalo’s secondary must rise to the occasion to slow down Kansas City’s new-look passing attack.
Players to Watch for the Kansas City Chiefs
On the offensive side of the ball, all eyes will be on Mahomes, who is chasing his third consecutive Super Bowl appearance. His ability to deliver in crunch time has been unmatched, with a playoff passer rating of 108.6 in the fourth quarters and overtime. Mahomes’ connection with Travis Kelce, who is the Chiefs’ go-to source of offense in the playoffs, will also be pivotal. The star tight end has been Kansas City’s most reliable postseason performer and will be asked to step up once again.
On defense, Leo Chenal is the Chiefs’ X-factor. The linebacker from the Chiefs is the team’s quarterback spy whenever they face the best of the best dual-threat quarterbacks. The plan for Chenal will likely be to use him as a limited-time pass rusher but spy on Allen or focus on stopping the Bills’ run game. However, it’s unlikely, even with Chenal’s track record in containing running quarterbacks, Allen is simply on another level, and additional help from the rest of the defensive front will be required. Fortunately for the Chiefs, they have been one of the top teams all season long in stopping the run.
Players to Watch for the Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen is Buffalo’s undisputed leader and most important player on their offense. Allen has shown the ability to shine on the biggest stages, but he must not allow his biggest weakness to snare its head in this game if he hopes to finally get the better of Mahomes and the Chiefs. In the playoffs, taking care of the football has to be the most important thing. Buffalo’s chances hinge on his ability to outduel Mahomes and exploit Kansas City’s secondary, which has been susceptible this season to giving up the big plays down the field.
On defense, linebacker Matt Milano is the player to watch. Milano, an All-Pro selection, returned to the lineup for Buffalo last week against the Ravens. His impact was felt heavily as he helped to contain the Ravens running game, which had been causing havoc for every team Baltimore had faced up to that point. Milano is one of Buffalo’s cornerstone players on defense. His ability to cover Kelce and disrupt passing lanes in this upcoming game could be what dictates the Bills’ defensive success.
Final Thoughts
Sunday’s AFC Championship Game between the Chiefs and Bills promises to be a battle of titans. Kansas City seeks its fourth Super Bowl appearance in six years, while Buffalo aims to break a three-decade Super Bowl drought.
With Mahomes and Allen at the helm, this game will likely come down to which quarterback can deliver in the clutch. Whether it’s the Chiefs’ defense stepping up or the Bills finding a way to force turnovers, small margins will determine the victor. One thing is certain: fans are in for an unforgettable game.
