Which defense will come up big?
Two teams so absent from championship history for so long until recently face off for the AFC championship.
The Kansas City Chiefs won their first NFL title since 1970 when they beat San Francisco in last year’s Super Bowl. When they play host to Buffalo, the Chiefs will take on a franchise that went from the 20002016 seasons without even getting to the playoffs.
What we get Sunday is a matchup of dynamic offenses and overlooked defenses, the top two teams in the conference. Kansas City (15-2) has the confidence of a reigning champion and a charisma few NFL teams can match. Buffalo (15-3) has an undying belief that after years in the doldrums, the formula is on hand for a return to the Super Bowl.
Here’s what we figure to see.
When the Bills have the ball
Some Bills fans are worried about their team’s ability to run the ball because Buffalo ranked 20th and didn’t do much on the ground in the playoffs. It would be a boost to get Devin Singletary going behind a solid line anchored by center Mitch Morse and right tackle Daryl Williams. Of course, Josh Allen is one of the biggest threats as a runner among all quarterbacks, and he will use his feet and bulk to advantage.
Allen isn’t as proven a passer yet as Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes, but Allen’s third pro season has been superb. He has learned to read the field and make smarter decisions while also utilizing a deeper receiving corps than some recognize.
Sure, All-pro Stefon Diggs is the primary target and will cause havoc for Chiefs cornerbacks Charvarius Ward, Bashaud Breeland, Rashad Fenton and L’jarius Sneed. Allen to Diggs is the key offensive combination and one of the league’s best, but Cole Beasley, John Brown, Isaiah Mckenzie and rookie Gabriel Davis can be playmakers.
The Chiefs have All-pro safety Tyrann Mathieu and underrated Daniel Sorensen at safety and they will play significant coverage roles. They’ll need Chris Jones, Frank Clark and others up front to get some pressure on Allen while keeping him from getting outside and making plays with his legs and arm.
When the Chiefs have the ball
There’s always excitement when K.C. is on offense, but there’s also the uncertainty of how Mahomes will perform — and for how long — coming off the concussion sustained last week. Even as the Chiefs downplay it, there has to be concern. Not to be unkind, but expecting the Chiefs to advance with Chad Henne at quarterback is a long shot.
At his peak, Mahomes is football’s most resourceful QB, a gambler who comes up aces most of the time. The Bills must produce a pass rush and have the players to do it up front with Jerry Hughes, Ed Oliver and Mario Addison among a deep line rotation. The winner of the trench battles with the likes of Chiefs LT Eric Fisher and C Austin Reiter will be impactful.
Unquestionably, though, the matchup of outstanding Buffalo CB Tre’davious White and All-pro WR Tyreek Hill will be in the spotlight. The Chiefs find dozens of ways to get Hill the ball as a receiver or runner, and White is among the top shutdown cornerbacks.
Even if Hill is not a major contributor, Mahomes has unanimous All-pro tight end Travis Kelce, wideouts Sammy Watkins, Demarcus Robinson and Mecole Hardman. Kelce is most dangerous on third downs and near the end zone.