AFC: Status of Mahomes big question for Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs won their first NFL title since 1970 when they beat San Francisco in last year’s Super Bowl. When they host Buffalo on Sunday (6:30 p.m., CTV/CBS), the Chiefs will take on a franchise that went from 2000 to 2016 without even getting to the playoffs. What we get is a matchup of dynamic offences and overlooked defences, the top two teams in the conference. Here’s a look at some of the storylines:
BILLS OFFENCE
Buffalo’s ground game ranked 20th and hasn’t done much in the playoffs. It would be a boost to get Devin Singletary going behind a solid line. 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 (photo), 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. Allen to Stefon Diggs is the key offensive combination and one of the league’s best, but Cole Beasley, John Brown, Isaiah McKenzie and
CHIEFS OFFENCE
There’s always excitement when K.C. is on offence, but there’s also the uncertainty of how Mahomes will perform — and for how long — coming off the concussion sustained last Sunday. 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. The winner of the trench battles will have a big advantage. Unquestionably, though, the matchup of outstanding Buffalo cornerback Tre’Davious White and all-pro receiver 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.
SPECIAL TEAMS
K.C. placekicker Harrison Butker has been a tad inconsistent lately, and the Chiefs can’t afford that. The Bills rank first in starting field position (29.8-yard line), the Chiefs fourth (27.4).
COACHING
Andy Reid might have the most impressive coaching tree among the NFL’s current head men, and Buffalo’s Sean McDermott is on one of the branches. Reid’s innovative, risk-taking nature on offence are a hallmark in K.C. The fourth-down gamble that sealed the win over Cleveland last weekend surprised plenty of people. It shouldn’t have.