NFL · 1 year ago

How the Bills Can Beat the Chiefs: 5 Keys to Divisional Round Victory

Zack Cook

Host · Writer

Stefon Diggs Scores a Touchdown
Even with two very capable offenses and star quarterbacks, you get the sense that points may be at a premium on Sunday. Stefon Diggs has struggled under new offensive coordinator Joe Brady, and it's time for him to step up, regardless of the amount of targets he gets. Diggs finding the endzone and creating an explosive play is essential for the Bills in this crucial matchup.
No Turnovers From Josh Allen
The one flaw in Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen's game is the one or two mistakes he's prone to on a weekly basis. Allen can't afford to turn the football over against a strong Kansas City defense. A big reason that the Bills haven't been able to go deep in January revolves around the mistakes that Allen has continued to make in these big spots. If Allen is able to finish the game with no turnovers on Sunday, it would be surprising to us if the Bills don't advance to the AFC Championship Game.
James Cook has a Day
When the Bills and Chiefs last met on December 10, running back James Cook was a factor and rushed for 5.8 yards per carry. Cook has added an explosive element out of the backfield that the Bills have been missing. With Josh Allen already having the ability to scramble, adding Cook to the mix helps keep other defenses honest. Cook helping control the clock for the Bills is a must in the Divisional Round.
Don't Let Patrick Mahomes Dictate the Terms
The Bills are set to welcome Patrick Mahomes for the first road playoff game of his career on Sunday. It's going to be loud in Buffalo, and that should help cause confusion for a Chiefs offense that's already been inconsistent this year. The Bills know Mahomes can create plays on the fly, and they can't afford to make mistakes with busted coverage. If the Bills can keep Mahomes relatively in check, we like their chances.
Limit the Damage From Pacheco
The Bills and Chiefs have already met this season, which saw Buffalo edge Kansas City 20-17. The Chiefs were missing running back Isiah Pacheco in that contest and struggled to run the football. Pacheco is a major part of the Chiefs game plan and it's integral that the Bills limit big plays from him. Kansas City wants to control the clock, and the Bills can't afford to let them do that.
Stefon Diggs Scores a Touchdown
Even with two very capable offenses and star quarterbacks, you get the sense that points may be at a premium on Sunday. Stefon Diggs has struggled under new offensive coordinator Joe Brady, and it's time for him to step up, regardless of the amount of targets he gets. Diggs finding the endzone and creating an explosive play is essential for the Bills in this crucial matchup.
No Turnovers From Josh Allen
The one flaw in Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen's game is the one or two mistakes he's prone to on a weekly basis. Allen can't afford to turn the football over against a strong Kansas City defense. A big reason that the Bills haven't been able to go deep in January revolves around the mistakes that Allen has continued to make in these big spots. If Allen is able to finish the game with no turnovers on Sunday, it would be surprising to us if the Bills don't advance to the AFC Championship Game.