Bills vs. Chiefs Postseason Rivalry History

This Sunday at 6:30 EST, the Buffalo Bills will face the Kansas City Chiefs in the postseason for the third time in the Allen-Mahomes era, and the seventh time overall. While Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs have had the Bills’ number in the playoffs (0-2), the Bills have been able to take care of business in the regular season (3-1). Not like I needed to remind any one of that, though. Now this obviously isn’t the regular season, but this is arguably their best chance to beat the Chiefs in the playoffs. With a Tyreek Hill-less offense, and a struggling one at that, the Bills should be able to keep up with them on the scoreboard.

Let’s take a look at their rivalry through the last four years, including each QB’s stats against each other.

January 24th, 2021 – Bills 24, Chiefs 38

This was the first playoff game both elite QBs faced off. This wasn’t Allen’s best playoff game, or game in general. He finished the day going 28-48 for 287 yards, two TDs, and one INT, along with 88 rushing yards. Cole Beasley lead the day receiving, totaling 88 yards on seven receptions, including three first downs. However, as you can tell from the box score, the defense was the unit that struggled mainly.

The Chiefs had our number all day. Mahomes did Mahomes things, completing 29 of 38 passes for 325 yards and three TDs. Travis Kelce lead the day receiving like he typically does, totaling 13 receptions for 118 yards and two TDs. Mecole Hardman also had a receiving score. Running the ball, however, was tougher for KC. Their leading rusher was Darrel Williams, who had 52 yards and a TD on 13 carries.

January 23rd, 2022 – Bills 36, Chiefs 42 (OT)

This game was widely regarded as the greatest game of all time. The game that changed playoff OT rules as we know them. Two elite QBs going head to head for what happened to be five quarters of football. Josh Allen put the entire team on his back, throwing four TDs to Gabe Davis, and going toe to toe with the then-best QB in the league.

As I mentioned, Josh Allen tossed four TDs, all to the same receiver. But he also had 329 passing yards on 27-37 passing, and 68 rushing yards. Josh Allen did everything he could to keep them in the game, and win. Buffalo couldn’t get any help from the ground game, in typical Brian Daboll-era Bills fashion. Devin Singletary only mustered 26 yards on 10 attempts. However, the defense had other plans.

Patrick Mahomes tossed 378 yards and three TDs. Mahomes took over the game for KC, but they also got some help in the ground game. Clyde Edwards-Helaire rushed for 60 yards on seven attempts, and was their leading rusher not named Patrick Mahomes. Mecole Hardman also had a day on the ground, picking up 31 yards on two attempts, with a long of 25.

Total stats in those playoff games

• Josh Allen: 616 yards, six pass TDs, one INT, 156 rushing yards
• Patrick Mahomes: 703 yards, six pass TDs, 74 rushing yards, one rush TD

What should we expect this time around?

The Buffalo Bills will have their hands full Sunday in what should be another phenomenal game. While their passing game has been subpar this season, Kansas City’s ground game has been terrific, led by Isiah Pacheco. The Bills were just able to contain the duo of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren last week. Ed Oliver, Linval Joseph, and DaQuan Jones were able to clog up the middle pretty well. With another good ground team coming up again, it’s fair to assume both will be active and playing significant snaps again.

Patrick Mahomes is averaging a career worst 261 yards per game, while throwing the most INTs of his career (14), and his worst passer rating as a starter (92.6). Mahomes’ numbers are down this year without Tyreek Hill, and with a half of Travis Kelce. The Bills pass rush (should) be able to affect him passing, and a duo of Linval Joseph and DaQuan Jones should be able to contain Isiah Pacheco. If that happens, the Bills will have a very good shot at winning this game. Josh Allen and the offense are heating up at the right time, and are out for blood in the playoffs.

Featured Image Credit: Jamie Squire/Getty Images