The Buffalo Bills playoff prospects were not looking great entering Week 14 at 6-6. They had to travel to Kansas City to play a Chiefs team that has ended their season two of the past three years.
Josh Allen and the offense got off to a great start and built a 14-0 lead but struggled to find the same success towards the end of the game. They did just enough to win 20-17 over the Chiefs to move to 7-6 and these are the grades for each position on the offense.
Grading the Buffalo Bills offense in Week 14 against the Kansas City Chiefs
Quarterback
It was not a great game statistically for Josh Allen as he had only 233 passing yards with one touchdown and one interception while also picking 32 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. The rushing touchdown was impressive based on the fact that he was stopped at roughly the three yard line but carried what seemed like half the Chiefs' defense to the end zone.
He also made a terrible read late in the game with Gabe Davis running wide open for what would have been a touchdown right before the two minute warning. However, it wasn't all on Allen as the players around him had numerous drops during the game.
In the end, the Buffalo Bills got the win in a tough enviornment and Josh Allen deserves a lot of credit for that.
Week 14 Grade: B
Running Backs
While there were a number of players who didn't help Josh Allen, that can't be said for James Cook. The second-year running back was involved early and had a 25-yard touchdown reception. He finished the game with 58 rushing yards and 83 receiving yards on 15 touches.
The Bills also got production from Latavius Murray (who had an incredible 21 yard reception) and Ty Johnson also was productive with 19 rushing yards on five carries. There isn't too much to be critical for this group's performance and gave the offense balance.
The biggest question at this point is why wasn't James Cook more involved in the second half? He had over 50 receiving yards in the first quarter but didn't seem to be on the field as much late in the game. There is no question he is the most dynamic running back and creates a different dimension for this offense.
Week 14 Grade: A-
Wide Receivers
It was an ugly game for the wide receivers and the Chiefs cornerbacks certainly won the battle here. It starts with Stefon Diggs, who had only four receptions for 24 yards but had 11 targets. There were a number of catchable throws that he just dropped, which is rather uncharacteristic of him.
As for Gabe Davis, it was another quiet game as he had only two targets and didn't catch either. If he got the throw from Allen at the end of the game, it would have certainly changed his stats but the fact is that Davis was not involved as much as he should be as a starting wide receiver in this offense.
The best play from this position was Deonte Harty, who had a 25 yard reception on third down that extended their final drive that led to the go-ahead field goal. He certainly helps this grade but it is still a down week for the position.
Week 14 Grade: C-
Tight Ends
The Buffalo Bills got Dawson Knox back this week and actually finished the game as the second-highest receiver for the offense with 36 receiving yards on three receptions. However, Dalton Kincaid was the tight end who led the way in targets with eight and caught five of them for 21 yards.
It was a good balance between the two and the Buffalo Bills offense is better when both are on the field and involved.
Week 14 Grade: B
Offensive Line
The Buffalo Bills offensive line was winning the line of scrimmage in the first half and the offense as a whole was benefiting from it. However, in the second half the Chiefs made the necessary adjustment and were basically in Josh Allen's face for the final two quarters.
The Bills quarterback would be sacked three times and the Chiefs had 10 hits. This defense certainly does a good job pressuring the quarterback but it would have been great to see the starters stay consistent over all four quarters.