AFC: Bills at Chiefs

So much will depend on Mahomes’ condition. While journeyman backup Chad Henne did well enough after Mahomes departed Sunday in the third quarter, even making two big plays to clinch the win, the Chiefs would be severely hampered if Mahomes can’t play.

Andy Reid, whose willingness to gamble and always play to win should be lauded regardless of circumstance, has designed a nearly unstoppable attack — when Mahomes is behind center. It’s hard to imagine Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill and the other threats being, well, as threatening without him.

Reid maintains there’s something else at play in KC. Asked what impressed him most about the Chiefs holding off the Browns, he replied:

“Probably just the intestinal fortitude of the guys pounding through, not getting down when Pat went down. That’s easier said than done.

“Somebody asked that just about the quarterback, so just that part of it, having that trust, having earned that respect from the guys I think is big.

“But listen, nobody got down. I mean, there was nobody that was hanging their head or moping throughout the game.”

Nor will they against the Bills, who have been the AFC’s best team the last two months.

The Bills have won 11 of their last 12 games and eight straight to match the team’s longest run since 1990.

They’re also the most balanced of the four remaining contenders, and they might have more confidence than anyone.

The Bills lost at home to the Chiefs in a COVID-19 delayed game in October, 26-17. That game was played in wet weather.

The early betting line is Kansas City giving 3 ½ points. Mahomes’ condition, not the field conditions, will determined the odds.

And quite possibly who goes to the Super Bowl.