The game of the week is in the late afternoon slate this week. The undefeated Chiefs will travel to Buffalo to battle the 8-2 Bills. Patrick Mahomes is 4-3 against the Bills in his career, while Josh Allen is 3-1 against the Chiefs. It should be a battle until the final seconds, like almost every Chiefs game this season.
The Chiefs blocked a game-winning field goal attempt to win last week. It was impressive because they saw a weak spot on the Broncos' field goal unit and took full advantage. Running back Isiah Pacheco (ankle) returned to practice this week but probably does not return this week. Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) was a full participant on Thursday and should return after missing three games. Kicker Harrison Butker (knee) was placed on injured reserve (IR) and will miss at least four games.
The Bills beat the Colts 30-20 last week for their fifth consecutive victory. Wide receiver Keon Coleman (wrist) is out this week. Wideout Amari Cooper (wrist) is questionable. Tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) has not practiced this week. Dawson Knox will see increased usage if Kincaid misses this game.
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Chiefs vs. Bills Betting Preview
(Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook)
Can the Chiefs Keep Winning Close Games?
Seven of the Chiefs' nine victories have been by seven points or fewer. They are not the most dominant undefeated team, but finding different ways to win games is impressive. Turnovers will play a role in this game, as always, but fourth downs may be a factor. The Bills are 11-for-12 on fourth-down conversions; the Chiefs are eight-for-nine. Both defenses allow fewer than 50% of fourth-down conversions, so something has to give.
The Bills have the best turnover differential (+13), while the Chiefs are at -4. Mahomes has thrown nine interceptions - the highest interception percentage of his career (2.9% in one game in his rookie season). He must protect the ball or the Bills could run away with this game at home.
Who Steps up for Buffalo?
The Bills will be without Keon Coleman and could be without Amari Cooper and Dalton Kincaid this week. Coleman averages four targets per game and Kincaid is at 5.9 per game. Cooper has only received seven targets in limited snaps through two games as a Bill. Khalil Shakir (six targets per game) has to step up. The Chiefs allow the fourth-highest receiving yards per game to slot receivers. Mack Hollins would see a larger role if Cooper is unable to play. He has nine catches for 116 yards and a touchdown over his last two games while playing more than 65% of the snaps.
Josh Allen could make a difference with his legs. He had eight carries for 50 yards and a touchdown last week - his second-highest yardage total of the season. He and James Cook have a tough matchup against the Chiefs. They allow 83.2 rushing yards per game, the third-fewest in the league. The Bills need to run the ball somewhat effectively this week with several receiving options dealing with injuries.
Pick: Bills -2.5 (-105)
