2024 AFC Championship Preview: Chiefs vs. Bills (1-26-25)

By: Lamonte Thomas

Headline Photo Credit: Imagn Photos

Bills. Chiefs. Part 4 in 5 years. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is 3-0 in the playoffs against Buffalo’s quarterback Josh Allen going back to the 2020 AFC Championship. If the Bills were ever to be the favorites in this matchup, it is now — They have downed Kansas City 30-21 earlier this year in Buffalo, and they are fresh off a huge win in the quarterback duel of the year between Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. What better time to finally get over the hump and shadow of the Chiefs than to stop them from a historical Super Bowl three-peat. 

Chiefs Head Honchos vs Bills Dominant Streak

Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Chris Jones are flat-out playmakers for the number one seeded Kansas City. These key players are pivotal when playing in Arrowhead. When Buffalo beat KC earlier this year they were 2.5 point favorites, and they may have a better argument to be favorites now — except Kansas City is undefeated at home. The impossible task of beating the Chiefs seems only conquerable by the Buffalo Bills. And the big question for the Bills is — How much do you blitz Patrick Mahomes? His numbers against the blitz this year? QB Rating (25th – 81.6%), Completion Rate (32nd – 56.3%), per PFF. As tempting as it seems to send the pressure, Mahomes caused Houston to have a serious problem when they sent extra pass rushers. Look for Bills cornerback Rasul Douglas to be a target for the Chiefs quarterback to pick on. When quarterbacks have thrown at Douglas this season they have a quarterback rating of 122.0, with four touchdowns to show for it.

Buffalo’s Explosive Offense vs Kansas City’s Defense

During their week 11 meeting, Kansas City kept Buffalo to 104 rushing yards. Since week 15, they have allowed 146 rushing yards per game– and Buffalo has made two of the top rushing defenses (Denver & Baltimore) have their worst games of the season. Kansas City pressured almost half of Josh Allen’s passing attempts in their regular season meeting, and it hardly slowed him at all. The gameplans of these two teams will be so cerebral.

The Legacy – 3 – Peat vs The Long Awaited Super Bowl

However this turns out – history will be made. Kansas City is looking to be the first ever team to win three straight Super Bowls, while Buffalo is aiming to change their notoriety from being one of the greatest dynasties to never win a championship. Let the games begin!