Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs: Divisional Playoffs pregame thoughts

Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs are different since they last met in Week 5

Earlier this season, the Bills went into Arrowhead and came away with an 18-point victory over the Chiefs. However, it’s been well-documented all week that the Bills will not see the same Chiefs team on Sunday.

In that game, Josh Allen accounted for over 350 yards, Dawson Knox had a career day, and Buffalo’s defense forced Mahomes into throwing two interceptions, including a pick-six. It was a beautiful performance from the Bills as they played a complete ball game, while the Chiefs were still looking to find their stride in the early parts of the season.

Kansas City was without several pieces on defense in October. Defensive tackle Chris Jones missed Week 5 due to a wrist injury.  Frank Clark, Willie Gay, and Juan Thornhill were working themselves back from injuries or had yet to see significant playing time. The Chiefs were also playing in just their fifth game with a refurbished offensive line.

On Sunday, however, the Chiefs will have a complete and battle-tested team suit up hoping to avenge its Week 5 loss. But as different as the Chiefs were personnel-wise, so too were the Buffalo Bills.

At such an early part of the season, Buffalo had yet to find a running game. They were 3-1 and hadn’t played extremely well on offense. Its defense was fully stacked with Tre’Davious White, a rotational defensive front, and depth across the roster. The Bills stuttered in the meat of its season, but have won five-straight games including last week’s drumming of the New England Patriots.

What’s different about Buffalo is its running game. Devin Singletary has solidified himself as the lead back and Allen, though capable, is less relied upon to make big plays with his legs. Gabriel Davis and Isaiah McKenzie have also emerged as dangerous weapons in Buffalo’s offense since Week 5; adding two additional pieces to its dynamic offensive arsenal.

The differences in these teams from Week 5 did not prohibit either of them from reaching this point in their journey. But as the season matures, teams evolve. And just as the Chiefs were a different ball club in Week 5, so are the Bills.