Here are three key matchups to watch in the Buffalo Bills versus the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game.
All season long it’s been noted by many members of the National media, like this tweet from Pro Football Focus, that the only team capable of beating the Kansas City Chiefs is the Buffalo Bills. Well, all of that conjecture will be moot on Sunday, January 24th at 6:40 p.m. ET on CBS, when the two teams kick-off.
The matchups in this contest are tender. Each team is capable of fireworks on offense. And both defenses have rounded into form down the stretch. If the Bills are going to prevent the Chiefs from heading to a second consecutive Super Bowl, here are three key matchups they’ll need to come out on top of to win the conference.
Stefon Diggs vs. Bashaud Breeland
Stefon Diggs put together one of the best seasons a wide receiver has ever had for the Buffalo Bills. He’s consistently shown the propensity to get open and has made the most of his targets in each game. Diggs has continued his league-leading production in the postseason. He currently has the most yards (234) and most receptions (14) and leads all receivers in both categories.
Bashaud Breeland is Kansas City’s top cornerback. He missed the first four weeks of the season serving a suspension and exited last week’s matchup against the Cleveland Browns due to a concussion. He’s officially listed as questionable for the AFC Championship Game. And if he can’t escape the NFL’s concussion protocol by Sunday, the Chiefs will be in for a long day against Diggs and company.
There are few things in life that are guaranteed. Death, taxes and Stefon Diggs getting six or more targets in an NFL game. The Bills are going to throw the ball to test Kansas City’s secondary. Diggs may see a lot of double teams which could open up targets for other pass catchers. And if the Chiefs aren’t at full strength in their secondary, Diggs could be in for another big game.