Copyright yardbarker
It’s the game of the season yet again as the two standout teams of the AFC this decade face off, with the dynastic Kansas City Chiefs traveling to Highmark Stadium to face the Buffalo Bills, for what is set to be a Week 9 classic. This marks the 10th installment of the Mahomes–Allen rivalry, and while Mahomes has won all four playoff meetings, Allen holds a 4–1 lead in regular-season matchups. With both teams still battling for playoff seeding and the conference still wide open, this is a perfect opportunity for each side to make a major statement. Here’s a complete preview of what should be another titanic showdown on Sunday. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills Betting Odds Moneyline: Chiefs (-125), Bills (+115)Spread: Chiefs (-2), Bills (+2)Over/Under: Over 52.5 (-110)/Under 52.5 (-110) Game Preview Despite most of the hype surrounding this matchup being attributed to the legendary quarterbacks on each team, history shows that these games are often decided by a single play. Last year, Allen made the scramble of the season in the regular season and then failed to pick up a corner blitz in the playoffs that ended Buffalo’s season. When the margins are so thin, all three phases of the game cannot afford to relax, as one mistake could end up deciding the outcome. Running the football will be crucial for both teams. The Bills are 10-1 when James Cook rushes for over 100 yards, while the Chiefs have a top-12 rushing defense this season. On the other hand, Buffalo’s run defense ranks second-worst in the league, but Kansas City’s ground game has struggled at times. Whichever team establishes the run will not only find its rhythm but also keep the opposing superstar quarterback off the field for longer stretches. This will be the first time the Bills face this version of the Chiefs offense, featuring Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown, and Travis Kelce, a quartet that has helped Kansas City score at least 28 points in each of its last five games. No team has managed to slow them down so far, and Sean McDermott’s defense will have its hands full against Mahomes, who is playing at an MVP level by both the eye test and statistical measures. For Allen, he cannot approach this as a game where he needs to play hero ball or take risks that could lead to turnovers. If he protects the ball, makes big plays at the right moments, and involves James Cook early, he can replicate the formula that has beaten nearly every opponent, including the Chiefs, in last year’s regular season. Key Players to Watch Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs): Is there any doubt? Some games mean more to every player, and this is one of them. Another regular-season loss to Allen won’t mean much to Mahomes legacy until Allen beats him in the playoffs, but he enters this game as the favorite and aims to haunt the Buffalo fanbase once again as the Chiefs seize an invaluable head-to-head lead in the seeding battle. Josh Allen (Bills): For Allen, this is a home game against the greatest player of his generation and the only one he still has to look up to. The reigning MVP has another chance to make a statement here. With a lack of premier weapons, much of the Bills’ success will ultimately come down to how far he can carry them, and this game will be no different. The Chiefs started slowly, while the Bills stumbled midseason, and neither currently sits atop their division standings. But despite their records, these are still the two best teams in the AFC, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see them meet again in the postseason. But while the Chiefs have corrected most of their early-season mistakes, thanks largely to the return of their wide receivers, the Bills defensive issues persist. Buffalo rarely loses at home, given its pedigree, but Kansas City is currently playing like the best team in the world. They might prove to be a challenge too big, too soon, for a Bills team still trying to figure out its ideal schemes moving forward. Prediction: Chiefs 31 – 27 Bills
