Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs: 5 Questions Ahead Of Pivotal Week 14 Matchup
The Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs have formed quite the rivalry over the Josh Allen-Patrick Mahomes era, and there's certainly no love lost between the two clubs ahead of Sunday's matchup at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
The Bills have had more than their fair share of struggles this season, currently sitting outside the playoff picture with a 6-6 record. Coming off their bye week, they now have the unenviable task of facing the NFL's best team over the last half decade in arguably the league's toughest place to play.
Despite leading the AFC West at 8-4, Kansas City has also hit some speed bumps this season. While the Chiefs' defense is playing its best football since Mahomes took over in 2018, their offense has not looked nearly as efficient as it has in the past. They are still very likely going to make the playoffs as a division winner, but there are certainly some concerns for the reigning Super Bowl champions.
How will the latest edition of this fierce rivalry play out? Luckily enough, Jordan Foote from Arrowhead Report was kind enough to join us for some questions ahead of Sunday's matchup.
Gabe Davis
In your opinion, what has been the biggest reason for the Chiefs’ defensive improvement this season?
JF: This might be cheating, but the main reason has to be split into two different things. First and foremost, the Chiefs' rookies from the 2022 season (namely Trent McDuffie, George Karlaftis, Leo Chenal and Bryan Cook) have grown into very productive second-year players and avoided the dreaded sophomore slump. Elsewhere, Brett Veach added a veteran contributor at each level — Charles Omenihu up front, Drue Tranquill at linebacker and Mike Edwards at safety — to insulate the defense with depth. As a result, Steve Spagnuolo can dial up his most diverse and complex calls this season. It's a true group effort.
KC’s offense has still been pretty good this season, but not quite as prolific as in the past. What do you believe is the cause of those struggles and is it fixable before the playoffs start?
JF: Elements like underwhelming offensive tackle play and odd play-calling decisions have held the Chiefs back at times, as has Patrick Mahomes, but the shortcomings start and end with the wide receiver unit. Veach allowed JuJu Smith-Schuster to walk out the door via free agency and while many didn't expect his absence to be felt this year, it sure turned out to be the case. Kansas City is relying on a wideout group of unproven young players and veterans that either don't have high ceilings or have regressed. It hasn't panned out thus far. Andy Reid and company have shown signs of life since the bye week, yet the offense remains the biggest red flag on the team. It may be ironic, but it's true.
Who is someone that may not be a household name, but Bills fans should keep an eye on in this game?
JF: If Nick Bolton doesn't count as a household name just yet, it's him. The third-year linebacker is tracking to potentially make his return to the lineup after missing several weeks with a dislocated wrist. He'll be wearing a club following surgery and likely won't be his normal self in his first game back but with Tranquill dealing with concussion protocol during the week, Bolton projects to resume his normal MIKE starting role. How the Bills attack Bolton and how he reacts to it could be a swing factor in this contest. On the offensive side of the ball, it's rookie wideout Rashee Rice. While limited in his route tree, he's been head and shoulders above every other Chiefs wideout this year and is a candidate to receive six or more targets in the passing game.
Mahomes just appeared on the injury report this week, and while he’s a full
participant, do you expect it to have an affect on him on Sunday? Additionally, are
there any other injuries that you feel will have a big impact on the game?
JF: No one is at 100% at this point in this season, but Mahomes appears relatively close to it. The pectoral injury shouldn't limit him at all and was a surprise to those in Kansas City when it popped up. He's caught some nicks and bruises throughout the season but overall, he's healthy and nothing figures to impact his performance. The Chiefs had four players — Isiah Pacheco, Cook, Tranquill and Donovan Smith — miss back-to-back practices to start the week, so the final version of the injury report and subsequent designations is worth monitoring. Kansas City is a bit banged up as a team relative to where it's been at some other spots this year.
Games between these two teams are usually very close, but how do you expect the
latest edition of this rivalry to unfold and who comes away with the win?
JF: Because it's such an important game for the Bills, it's hard to see the Chiefs winning by anything more than one score if they do end up coming out on top. I'm feeling a bit dangerous, though, and am rolling with Buffalo to pull off an "upset" and keep its playoff hopes alive for at least one more week. Josh Allen usually plays Kansas City well and this year's Reid-Mahomes offense isn't the same as in years past. I still trust the Chiefs more long-term and think they win out after this game either way, although the Bills are in desperate need of a somewhat normal, winning week coming out of the bye. Let's call it a 27-23 final score in favor of the visitors.
For additional Kansas City coverage, be sure to check out Jordan's work on X @footenoted and head over to Arrowhead Report for more Chiefs news. Also make sure to check out my answers to Jordan's questions about Sunday's game.
