Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs: Risers and Fallers

A look back at the Buffalo Bills’ Week 12 win against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Buffalo Bills might have saved their season with their Week 12 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. And at Arrowhead, no less.

Coming in as massive underdogs, the offense played just well enough to support a stellar afternoon by the defense.

After getting torched three straight weeks, Sean McDermott and Leslie Frazier got their defense to stand up and shut down a Kansas City offense that has tons of playmakers. Getting out of K.C. without hearing much from Kareem Hunt, Travis Kelce, and Tyreek Hill is a massive achievement.

A win Sunday against the New England Patriots isn’t a must, but it would go along way for Buffalo’s playoff hopes.

You know the drill, each week during the regular season this column will provide the three ways the Bills can secure a victory. So, without further ado, here are the Three Keys to the Game for the matchup against the Chiefs, which kicks off 1:05 p.m. Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium on CBS.

Risers

Tre’Davious White

This one was easy.

Not only did Tre’Davious White come up with the game-saving interception, but he shut down every Chiefs wideout he faced. White had three balls thrown his way and only allowed one reception for six yards.

The former LSU standout is making a solid case for Defensive Rookie of the Year. White earned an 84.2 from Pro Football Focus in Week 12.

Micah Hyde

We’re sticking with the defense again.

Micah Hyde continues to prove that he’s one of the best free-agent signings league-wide. The talented safety was given PFF’s game ball after earning an 85.6.

Hyde had balls thrown his way twice and didn’t yield a reception. He also added a tackle and a run stop.

Stephen Hauschka

Stephen Hauschka has been tremendous for the Bills this season, and it continued against the Chiefs.

Hauschka went 3-for-4 including a 56-yarder. His only miss was a 52-yard kick that was rushed due to poor time management by Sean McDermott.

Hauschka has been relied on time and time again by the Bills and could be again in Week 13.

Fallers

Dion Dawkins

Dion Dawkins has often flourished at left tackle this season.

However, Week 12 wasn’t one of those games. The rookie earned a 47.9 from PFF.

Buffalo Bills

While Dawkins did well in the running game, earning an 85.0 run score, he struggled in the passing game. He gave up five hurries and “a handful of quick pressures” according to PFF.

LeSean McCoy

LeSean McCoy was set up for the opportunity to have a big game.

But that didn’t happen.

McCoy was extremely inefficient against the Chiefs, especially on the ground. He rushed for just 49 yards on 22 carries. McCoy did catch four passes for 30 yards.

Buffalo’s going to need a better game out of its star running back if it wants to hang with the Patriots.

Brandon Tate

Brandon Tate has often given the Bills a spark in the return game which was the case against Kansas City.

However, he almost cost them during a punt return against the Chiefs.

It was during the third quarter, and Buffalo had just stopped the Chiefs near midfield. Dustin Colquitt punted the ball down to the Bills’ 11, where Tate muffed the catch. Somehow he recovered it to avoid disaster.

Next: Buffalo Bills playoff chances: the good and bad news

Buffalo was leading 16-10 at the time.