Unlocking the Bills’ Playoff Victory Over the Chiefs: The Surprising Factor You Might Not Expect

Whenever the Buffalo Bills face the Kansas City Chiefs, the spotlight shines on their star quarterbacks—Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes. Both have made a name for themselves, winning three regular-season MVPs between them and delivering thrilling playoff matchups. However, the history is clear: the Chiefs have won all four postseason encounters since the 2020 season.

Yet, in a recent game, the Bills showed a new side. They triumphed over the Chiefs 28-21, revealing that it’s not just Allen who can turn the tide; it’s the team’s defense that may hold the key to playoff success.

Buffalo’s defense put on a stellar performance, limiting Mahomes to his worst game of the season. He completed just 15 of 34 passes for 226 yards and threw an interception, resulting in a low passer rating of 57.2. Interestingly, this marked the first time in his career that Mahomes had such a low completion percentage—only 44.1%.

The Chiefs, who had been averaging over 28 points per game for five weeks, could only manage 21 points against the Bills. Allen praised the franchise, stating, “They’re the pinnacle of what you want your franchise to be. Anytime you can play the best and come away with a victory, you feel pretty good.”

Buffalo’s pass rush was crucial in this game, similar to how the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles had successfully contained Mahomes in his two Super Bowl losses. The Bills sacked him three times and pressured him on over half of his passing attempts—52.6%, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. This was a significant jump, 14.3% higher than their previous matchups.

Joey Bosa, a key addition to the Bills’ roster, shined with two sacks and ten total pressures. He expressed pride in the team’s defensive effort and felt energized in his new role.

Looking ahead, the Bills need to replicate this defensive intensity if they want to compete against the Chiefs in the playoffs. Historically, they have won five straight regular-season games against Kansas City, allowing an average of only 19.8 points. In contrast, the playoffs have been a different story: in their four playoff meetings, the Chiefs have averaged 34 points.

There’s also uncertainty about whether these two teams will meet again in the playoffs. As of now, neither team leads its division, and the Chiefs find themselves out of playoff position for the first time in Mahomes’ career. A lot can change before postseason games begin in January, including injuries and trade decisions that could affect contender rosters.

Buffalo’s journey shows that it’s not just about Allen outshining Mahomes; it’s about a solid team defense that must contain one of football’s best quarterbacks. Coach Sean McDermott noted, “We’re not where we need to be, but I saw the team come together when it got tough.”

As fans eagerly await more games, the rivalry continues. How the Bills and Chiefs navigate their coming challenges will be key in determining who stands a chance in the postseason.

For more on NFL stats, trends, and updates, you can check NFL Next Gen Stats.

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