This matchup is long-awaited and overdue, as the Buffalo Bills visit the Kansas City Chiefs. The prize? A trip to Super Bowl LIX. But football is a team game, and we're not in the business of attributing a win to a single player. This is not Josh Allen vs Patrick Mahomes, but 53-men aside playing in unity to impose their will and bring the 'W' to New Orleans in two weeks.
For the purpose of this exercise, both Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes will be excluded from the list. Quarterback is obviously the most important position in the game and these two are neck and neck.
10) OL Joe Thuney
The Kansas City Chiefs offensive line has had an average season, it's seemed. They have neither enforced their will in the run game or given Mahomes the boost he needs to get this passing game up to the levels of the last few seasons. Still, they're a capable and experienced unit. Joe Thuney has been the bright spot, moving to left tackle to make a bigger difference and succeeding. He'll need to bring that elevated play on Sunday against a Buffalo Bills pass rush that has been quietly effective this season.
9) DE Greg Rousseau
The Bills played contain with Lamar Jackson, keeping him in the pocket and forcing the Baltimore Ravens' offense to play a one-dimensional game. It worked wonders, and they may do the same with Mahomes. Kansas City has dipped in passing effectiveness this year, and Greg Rousseau will need every inch of his lengthy frame to ensure Mahomes stays in the pocket. He's had a number of splash plays against the KC QB before, and could have another in the near future.
8) TE Travis Kelce
Travis Kelce may be the greatest tight end to ever play the game; He certainly has a case. This year, however, he's been quiet. Quiet by his standards is still very effective, but in any other season he could have been #1 on this list. When these two teams met in the regular season, Kelce put up two catches for eight total yards. His lack of production contributed to the two-score Bills win. Now, he'll be facing different coverage, but must find ways to make plays.
7) LB Matt Milano
Though this Buffalo All-Pro may not be the same player he was when he dominated the league less than two years ago, his return to the lineup after missing over a season and a half has paid dividends. Numerous plays were made against the Ravens on the back of his role, and he'll seek to impact this one the same. He missed the first matchup between these franchises this season, but he's active this weekend. His role will be fluid but from blitzing, to spying, to covering tight ends and running backs, Milano will need to bring his A-game for the Bills.
6) CB Trent McDuffie
Trent McDuffie was one of the NFL's top corners this season, despite the lack of recognition he received. He definitely earned his Second-Team All-Pro nod. If the Buffalo Bills had a #1 receiver, he could be the one KC needs to dominate this game. Fortunately for Buffalo, they have a spread of talent. Unfortunately for Buffalo, McDuffie will still be covering someone. When they need to call a receiver to beat McDuffie one-on-one, they better hope they have the right play dialed up.
5) TE Dalton Kincaid
Though he missed the first meeting between these teams this season, Dalton Kincaid is significant for the Bills chance to win this one. Kansas City are a different team than the one Buffalo faced earlier this year, and so are the Bills. A solid blocker and ideal chip-and-run threat, Kincaid force defenses to consider him on every play. All that, against a Chiefs defense that allows the most yards to tight ends in the NFL, spells success. As Buffalo leans into a power run offense, the safety valve that Kincaid becomes is a needed outlet. He won't be the only one to play this role, but he's well-equipped.
4) LB Nick Bolton
Nick Bolton isn't typically a flashy player, but an anchor for the Kansas City Chiefs. He led the team in tackles this season, and was consistent in ways KC found invaluable. Now he's recovering fumbles, making interceptions, and getting to the QB. Credit to DC Steve Spagnuolo for utilizing him so well, but Bolton has put the work in. In this game, and extra rusher or some short stops could be the difference. Bolton can be that difference maker.
3) S Damar Hamlin
If it wasn't for the injury report, Damar Hamlin might not have been to high up this list. With his fellow starting safety Taylor Rapp missing this game, Hamlin becomes a focal point for the Chiefs offense. He'll have to step up to ensure rookie Cole Bishop is covered as he makes his fifth career start. Hamlin has quickly become an adept safety in this Buffalo Bills defense, but he can't fill two spots at once. To take away the Kansas City deep ball, and cut off those breakaway runs, he must be at his best.
2) OL Dion Dawkins
The two most important players in this one are the same two who decided the game last time Buffalo was knocked out of the playoffs by Kansas City. Dion Dawkins is coming off the best year of his career, and he's continued to impose himself of defenses in the postseason. As Josh Allen's blind side, he'll be facing off against the best Kansas City has to send, dealing with multiple blitzes and mixed pressure packages, as well as some of the scariest pass-rushers in the NFL. If he's upright at the end of this, it could spell success for Buffalo.
1) DL Chris Jones
Few men have done more damage to a franchise in recent history than what Chris Jones has done to the Buffalo Bills. It's no overstatement to say that Jones is as responsible for the Chiefs' successes as anyone. Last season, he was the other side of the coin, making the play through Dion Dawkins to put the game away for Kansas City. His performance against the run and the pass will be the tipping point in this bated-breath showdown. His season may have been a quieter one, but his postseason is still undecided.