Key Points:
- The Bills’ Week 9 victory over Kansas City boosted their record to an impressive 6-2 overall.
- ESPN’s updated Power Rankings moved Buffalo from No. 4 to the top of the NFL.
- Josh Allen and the Bills are gaining momentum as they chase the AFC’s top playoff seed.
The Buffalo Bills defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 28-21 in Week 9. It was a big win, with Buffalo advancing to 6-2, seeking the franchise’s first Super Bowl win. Their only losses of the season came against the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots.
The Bills’ defense shut Patrick Mahomes down, limiting him to 250 passing yards and zero touchdowns while forcing one interception. He also completed just 15-of-34 passes.
Buffalo’s offense was led by quarterback Josh Allen and running back James Cook. Allen was a true dual threat, throwing for 273 yards and one touchdown as well as rushing for 19 yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, Cook eclipsed 100 rushing yards for the fifth time this season, finishing with 114 yards on 27 carries.
Following their Week 8 win over the Carolina Panthers, the Bills were fourth in ESPN’s power rankings. However, on Tuesday, after beating the Chiefs, those rankings were updated, and Buffalo skyrocketed to No. 1.
In the current playoff picture, the Bills only have a wild-card spot, sitting in second place in the AFC East, behind the 7-2 Patriots. ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) gives Buffalo a 95.8% chance of making the playoffs and a 10.1% chance of winning the Super Bowl.
The Road Ahead For The Bills
Sean McDermott’s team still has nine regular-season games remaining. With the New York Jets (1-7) and Miami Dolphins (2-7) struggling, it’s clear the AFC East is a two-team race between the Bills and Patriots. ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg tabbed their Week 15 matchup as the most important game remaining for the Bills.
“After the Patriots took the first meeting, this matchup could end up being huge as the Bills look to secure at least one more postseason game in their last year at Highmark Stadium,” Getzenberg wrote. “Winning the division is always emphasized by Buffalo coach Sean McDermott as the first step to reaching the Super Bowl, and this game could prove pivotal.”
It’ll be a home matchup for the Patriots at Gillette Stadium. In 14 career games against the Patriots, Allen has thrown for 2,829 yards, 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The Week 15 matchup may decide who wins the AFC East.