The Kansas City Chiefs are heading to the AFC championship game for the sixth consecutive season after securing a 27-24 victory over the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on Sunday night. This marks the third postseason defeat for the Bills at the hands of the Patrick Mahomes-led Chiefs, adding another heartbreaking loss to Buffalo’s record.
In the final minutes of regulation, the Bills had a chance to either take the lead or force overtime when they reached the Chiefs’ 26-yard line. However, they were unable to get into the red zone and had to settle for a field goal attempt, which ended up being wide right. Despite a strong effort from both teams, the Chiefs’ defense stepped up when it mattered, stopping the Bills on their final three drives and forcing a turnover on downs, a three-and-out, and a missed field goal.
Mahomes had a stellar performance, completing 17 of 23 passes for 215 yards and two touchdowns. Travis Kelce caught both of his touchdown passes and finished with 75 yards on five receptions. On the other side, Josh Allen completed 26 of 39 passes for 186 yards and one touchdown, while also rushing for 72 yards and two scores.
Kansas City’s offense dominated for the majority of the game, only punting once in the fourth quarter. They capitalized on big plays, with eight going for 20 or more yards, the most in a single game this season. Mahomes connected with Kelce for a 22-yard touchdown in the first half and set up another touchdown with a 30-yard pass to Marquez Valdes-Scantling and a 24-yard scramble. The Chiefs’ defense, while not their strongest performance, made crucial stops when necessary, especially after Mecole Hardman’s fumble into the end zone resulted in a touchback.
Buffalo had opportunities to capitalize on mistakes by Kansas City, after a failed fake punt and a fumble by Hardman led to a touchback. However, they were unable to make the most of these chances, going three-and-out and having a game-tying field goal missed by Tyler Bass. The Bills’ defense struggled to contain the Chiefs’ offense, giving up an average of 7.7 yards per play. Star receiver Stefon Diggs was also held to just 21 yards on three catches.
Overall, the Kansas City Chiefs proved their dominance and secured their spot in the AFC championship game once again, leaving the Buffalo Bills heartbroken for the third straight postseason. Despite a valiant effort from both teams, it was the Chiefs who emerged victorious and advanced to the next round of playoffs.
