The Buffalo Bills (13-4) roll on in their long awaited postseason journey.
In the AFC championship, the Bills will travel to Arrowhead Stadium for a clash with the Kansas City Chiefs (15-2) after a 27-25 win over the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round.
All week, topics and storylines have been discussed ahead of kickoff. In the end, regardless of what is said by players, coaches, media outlets, and fans, it always comes down to what unfolds on the field in the NFL.
And once the battle arrives, there will be a few particular things to keep in mind to look out for.
Here are five things to watch for during Sunday’s Bills-Chiefs AFC title game:
On the road
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Bills Mafia will likely travel well, but it’s still not Orchard Park… and the fact that this contest is on the road could weigh heavy on the outcome.
The Bills won their first two playoff games… both at home. On top of that, Buffalo was undefeated at Highmark Stadium throughout their entire 2024 campaign. That’s a 10-0 record.
And let’s just state a fact. The Chiefs are 3-0 against the Bills in the postseason versus “these Bills” under head coach Sean McDermott’s watch. Can Buffalo manage this road contest?
Hit the ground running
Imagn
Speaking of playing at Arrowhead Stadium, silencing the crowd will be a good idea for the Bills.
In Week 11, Buffalo beat Kansas City 30-21 at home and got off to a hot start.
The Bills picked off Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes on their opening drive and went on to score a touchdown on offense right after for a 7-0 lead.
Eventually Kansas City responded, but that early hope matters in such circumstances. It would also quiet Chiefs Kingdom and get Bills Mafia into the game.
Turnovers
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That interception on Mahomes in their meeting earlier this season was one of two by the Bills defense. That contributed to Buffalo’s defense leading the NFL with a plus-24 turnover differential in 2024. The next closest team was the Pittsburgh Steelers at plus-16.
This needs little more explanation, especially after the Bills had three takeaways against the Ravens last week. Do that again.
Playing bold?
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One massive takeaway from the Bills’ earlier win over the Chiefs was how bold Buffalo was… particularly on offense.
Late on, the Bills went for it on fourth down and did not settle for the field goal. That fourth-and-two play turned into a 26-yard touchdown run by quarterback Josh Allen and made the score 30-21… which was the final.
Last week against the Ravens was not the most explosive contest… but most are rightfully thinking this one will be. That can benefit the Bills once again.
All about the QBs?
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Allen and Mahomes were noted. For good reason.
Let’s be honest, it’s not going to come down to just those two.
Between the slew of playmakers the Bills offense has, and the big-named guys like Travis Kelce and Deandre Hopkins on the Chiefs… someone will make a game-changing play or two.
Can Buffalo make sure it’s them?
