This season has certainly not played out the way most of us would have liked and I'm not even talking about the off-the-field stuff. I'm focusing solely on the game and what's happening on the field. However, despite how dismal things might look right now, there is still hope. The Bills have the division title still in sight, the playoffs, and even the Super Bowl. It's all still there for Buffalo to achieve. But it has to start this week against the Chiefs.
The Bills have three conference wins so far this season but six of the teams currently in front of them have five or fewer. With four conference games remaining for Buffalo, they can get back into the playoff race and I believe a 10 - 7 record would get it done, as long as they win all four of those conference games, which they certainly can do.
As I said, it has to start this week against the Chiefs, so how does that look heading into the matchup? Kansas City has lost three of their last five games, including a loss last week against the Green Bay Packers. Hopefully, the Chiefs aren't too angry and come out fired up but that's not likely. The Bills have done well against the Chiefs in the regular season, but does that continue this weekend? Let's get into the five early storylines.
The Bills are 2 - 1 against the Chiefs in the regular season
The Bills have beaten the Chiefs each of the last two years in Kansas City during the regular season. I know the results from the playoffs, but it gives us hope that Buffalo can get it done for a third year in a row. Right now, I'm not concerned about what's happened in postseason play but what happens from here forward through the end of the regular season. The Bills just need to get into the playoffs, then we'll talk about what's happened in the post-season.
In 2021, the Bills defeated the Chiefs 38 - 20, and last season, they won, beating Kansas City by a score of 24 - 20. Neither team is playing particularly well right now and both will be looking for a win to get back on track. The Bills have proven they can get it done and now they have another opportunity to show once again, they can win at Arrowhead.
Both teams are limping into this week 14 matchup
Both the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs have dropped three of their last five games and during that stretch, both have lost to the Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos. The reasons for the team's recent struggles differ between the two of them. The Bills have had leads the offense provided but the defense couldn't hold up their end of the deal. Whereas the Chiefs' issues have been on the offensive side of the ball.
This game will pit each team's strengths against the other. Buffalo seems to have found their offense but with the injuries to the defense and debatable coaching decisions, they've struggled to close out games, allowing the opponent late games drive for the win. The Chiefs can't seem to get their offense going, largely due to a lack of offensive weapons and several dropped passes, where they lead the league. The Chief's defense is legit though, and we'll see what the Bills can do against them.
Both teams boast a powerful strong pass rush
The Bills have a team total of 41 sacks, tied for third-most in the league. Their pass rush is led by free agent signing, Leonard Floyd, who needs only half a sack to reach ten on the year. Ed Oliver is having a career year, as is A.J. Epenesa. Gregory Rousseau has been solid up front as well. Kansas City is tied for sixth in the league with 39 sacks.
Despite the impressive team totals for both these teams, neither has a player in the top ten. Floyd is the closest, coming in at 11th, followed by the Chiefs' highest ranked player, George Karlaftis, with eight sacks. The Bills and Chiefs are getting it done upfront with a team effort and dominant defensive fronts.
We know about the Bills injuries, but the Chiefs are hurting too
It was just announced that the Chiefs will be without their starting running back Isiah Pacheco, as well as their starting right tackle, Donovan Smith. On the defensive side, safety Bryan Cook and linebacker Drue Tranquill are out. Additionally, they have three receivers who are nursing injuries but should play, Rashee Rice, Skyy Moore, and Kadarius Toney. In the secondary, corner L'Jarius Sneed could be slowed with a knee injury but is likely to play.
The Bills got some good news, Dalton Kincaid will be on the field despite his recent thumb injury but Dawson Knox, though questionable, is likely to play as well. It'll be interesting to see how offensive coordinator Joe Brady utilizes these two tight ends together, as this will be his first time calling plays with both of them on the field. Also, Dane Jackson is a go after suffering a recent concussion and that is a big plus as well for the Bills.
Buffalo has closed out each of the last three seasons with no less than four straight wins
We've all compared this season to 2021, when the Bills were sitting at 7 - 6 and the fans were calling for Dabol's firing but instead, Buffalo went on a tear and closed out the season with four consecutive wins and two epic playoff games. What you may not know is that this team has done the same thing each of the last three seasons. In 2020, they finished the regular season with six straight wins, and last year, they finished with an incredible seven in a row.
Can the 2023 version of the Buffalo Bills do the same? If so, this would be a great time to start that win streak. I believe they can get this done and the Chiefs aren't the same formidable foe that we've seen in years past. Yes, they still have Mahomes and Kelce, but the offense is a shell of what we're used to, and this year's Bills offensive line is by far their best, which is huge against the Chiefs pass rush.