The Buffalo Bills take on the Kansas City Chiefs in a game that is as classic as any in the modern era. This AFC Championship re-re-rematch is one for the ages. Josh Allen and company haven't looked the same in recent weeks, as Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs surge towards the playoffs; Still, these are two competitive franchises and two quarterbacks that can will their teams to victory.
But how will it go? Who's to say how the wind blows, or what the new day will bring? Us. Let's get into the predictions.
Prediction #1 - James Cook: Feature Back
James Cook is absolutely one of the most effective running backs in the NFL today. Fresh off a season where he led the league in rushing scores, he secured a big contract extension and hasn't slowed down since. He already has 7 touchdowns in 7 games and, despite the early bye week, has the 2nd-most rushing yards in the league. James Cook is the most efficient rusher in the NFL, averaging a league-best 6.0 yards per attempt.
So it's no surprise that the Buffalo Bills are the NFL's leading rushing offense, averaging the most rush yards (164.4) and attempts (31.6) per game, as well as the second-best efficiency (5.2) per attempt. Behind Josh Allen's dual-threat skillset, and Aaron Kromer's offensive line coaching, Buffalo has revived The Electric Company of old. Certainly, they have a similar (but not identical) killer instinct. Truly, their rushing performance has become a weapon to rely on.
Kansas City is home to a defensive powerhouse, with one flaw; Their run defense is just average. It's not backbreaking for the Chiefs, but it's certainly a weak spot. They allow 4.4 yards per rush attempt, just below the league average, making them the prime target for James Cook and company to keep things balanced.
Josh Allen contributes to the rushing success with him scrambles and designed runs, but it's Cook who is the truest beneficiary. Expect him to benefit some more in a game where the Bills don't want to give anything away.
Prediction #2 - Buffalo gets aggressive early
The Buffalo Bills are a powerhouse, but they're far from perfect. One big flaw in their game is the run defense. They allow 150.3 rushing yards per game. the 2nd-most in the league. It's something many average teams fail to take advantage of, but Kansas City are disciplined. If the Chiefs run out to an early lead then the Bills may struggle to catch up, with their middling receiving core. Mahomes and company can run the ball effectively and take the game away.
It'll be up to Josh Allen and company to score fast and get ahead of the curve. Fortunately, they do just that. Buffalo averages 6.9 1st quarter points per game so far this season, third-most in the league. It is then that the Bills can rely on James Cook to run away, as he does.
Prediction #3 - Final score
These two titans are anything but ordinary, even on their worst days. The Chiefs dropped to 0-2 this year before surging back to 5-3, and Buffalo has proven themselves capable of blowing out opposition even as they struggle. The story of this game will be a matter of who punches last, but it'll be the first haymaker that sets the tone. We believe the Buffalo Bills will throw it.