The Kansas City Chiefs visit the Buffalo Bills on Sunday in what could be a playoff preview. Here’s our preview, which includes a prediction, using the best NFL odds from the top sportsbooks.
NFL Pick: Bills -2.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Chiefs vs. Bills
Sunday, November 17, 2024 – 04:25 PM ET at Highmark Stadium
Chiefs Show Resilience Against Denver
Kansas City has proven its ability to win in any situation, stretching a remarkable 15-game win streak that dates back to last season. With Patrick Mahomes leading late-game touchdown drives, a defense making timely stands, and Harrison Butker delivering in clutch moments, the Chiefs have consistently found ways to secure victory.
Sunday’s win over the Broncos introduced a dramatic new way to clinch a game—a walk-off block. As Denver lined up for a 35-yard attempt to win, linebacker Leo Chenal broke through to deflect Wil Lutz’s kick, sealing a 16-14 victory for Kansas City.
Mahomes contributed 266 yards passing and a touchdown, pushing the Chiefs to a 9-0 start and placing them among only five Super Bowl champions to remain undefeated through their first nine games the following season.
Travis Kelce was integral to the offense with eight catches for 64 yards and a touchdown, while DeAndre Hopkins added 56 yards on four receptions. Although Kareem Hunt was held to 35 rushing yards, he was productive in the passing game, hauling in seven catches for 65 yards.
Bills Cruise Past Colts With Defense in Control
The Bills, on a five-game win streak, set an aggressive tone early against the Colts on Sunday. Taron Johnson intercepted Joe Flacco’s opening pass, returning it 23 yards for a touchdown and giving Buffalo the momentum. With rushing touchdowns from both Josh Allen and James Cook, the Bills secured a 30-20 victory.
Now at 8-2 for the first time since 1993, Buffalo has surpassed 30 points in four consecutive games. Allen completed 23 of 37 passes for 280 yards and added 50 rushing yards along with his 57th career rushing touchdown, tying O.J. Simpson for second in franchise history.
Cook added stability to the run game with 80 yards on 19 carries, while Mack Hollins recorded 86 receiving yards on six catches.
Buffalo’s defense forced four sacks, three interceptions, and a fumble recovery, while they limited Jonathan Taylor in the second half after he racked up 100 yards before halftime.
However, injuries have been a concern for Buffalo, with wideouts Keon Coleman and Amari Cooper unavailable against the Colts and tight end Dalton Kincaid exiting mid-game. Their statuses against the Chiefs remain uncertain.
Keys to the Game
This anticipated matchup pits Kansas City’s balanced and resilient approach against Buffalo’s explosive offense and aggressive defense. Both teams are riding a wave of momentum and bring top talent on both sides of the ball, setting the stage for an intense showdown.
Mahomes has been consistently excellent in tight situations, but the Bills’ defense has shown an ability to create turnovers, highlighted by four sacks and three interceptions against the Colts. Buffalo’s disciplined secondary will look to put Mahomes under pressure and disrupt his rhythm, aiming to force quick decisions that could lead to mistakes.
The outcome of this battle could hinge on Mahomes’ ability to evade the Bills’ pass rush and connect with his top targets.
Kelce remains a vital part of Kansas City’s passing game, coming through with critical catches to extend drives. With Hopkins adding depth and experience, the Chiefs’ receiving corps will challenge the Bills’ defensive backs.
Buffalo’s secondary, which has capitalized on timely interceptions, will aim to limit Kelce and Hopkins’ impact to disrupt Kansas City’s offensive rhythm. If Mahomes finds frequent connections with these two, Buffalo’s defense could face a long night.
Allen’s dual-threat capability has been a game-changer, and he’ll need to stay mobile to avoid Kansas City’s defensive front. Chenal and the Chiefs’ front seven will focus on containing Allen’s rushing ability, hoping to force him into quick decisions under pressure.
If Allen can extend plays and create with his legs, he may stretch the Chiefs’ defense. But Kansas City’s ability to limit Allen’s rushing could be key to stifling Buffalo’s offensive tempo.
Cook has been a steady presence on the ground for Buffalo, and his performance will be vital to control the game’s tempo. Kansas City’s defense will prioritize stopping Cook to force Allen into more predictable passing situations.
If the Bills can establish a strong run game, they can potentially keep Mahomes on the sidelines longer. Conversely, if Kansas City limits Cook early, they’ll be able to shift the game flow in their favor and pressure Allen to produce through the air.
Special teams and turnovers are likely to play a pivotal role, given the balance of talent between these teams. The Chiefs have relied on Butker’s consistent kicking in close games, while Buffalo’s defense has shown a knack for creating turnovers.
With both sides capable of capitalizing on mistakes, a key turnover or special teams play could be the deciding factor in what’s expected to be a close contest.
NFL Pick
This game is shaping up to be a tightly contested battle, with both teams bringing intensity and talent across the board. While Mahomes and Allen will each look to exploit defensive gaps, Buffalo’s recent injuries to key receivers could affect their offensive depth.
Kansas City’s ability to maintain scoring pressure with sustained drives might give them a slight advantage if the Bills struggle to keep pace. However, Buffalo’s home-field advantage and aggressive defense could balance things out, even if Coleman, Cooper, and Kincaid don’t play. I’m taking the Bills to win and cover.
NFL Pick: Bills -2.5 (-110) at Bet365
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