NFL Playoff Preview 2021-22 Divisional Round: #2 Chiefs vs. #3 Bills
In a rematch of last year’s AFC Championship Game, the Buffalo Bills will be yet again traveling to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs. The Bills steamrolled the Patriots in the Wild Card round with a 47-17 win, where their offense was rolling the entire night. The Chiefs were tasked with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card round, and won 42-21, prompting a rematch between the two offensive juggernauts.
Back in October, the Bills won their matchup against the Chiefs by a score of 38-20. However, it’s worth noting that the Chiefs weren’t clicking as a team at all earlier in the season. So bad, they even nearly lost to the Giants at home. Patrick Mahones and company have since rejuvenated their offense. The Bills played well throughout the season and won the AFC East Division relatively comfortably. This, like any other matchup between the two, should be incredibly exciting.
How The Bills Can Win
#1 Get Josh Allen Going Early
It’s no shock to say much of the Bills’ success going forward rides on Josh Allen. While he’s most effective in his passing game, he and Offensive Coordinator Brian Daboll have really started to utilize him on the ground. When these two teams met back in October, Allen had 3 carries for 42 yards on the Bills’ first possession alone. Get Allens’ legs churning early, and it will put a lot of pressure on the Chiefs’ defense.
#2 The Secondary Has to Show Up
Patrick Mahomes is one of the best at picking apart defenses. Regardless, everyone has a weakness. In their 38-20 win, the Bills featured coverages that used primarily two safeties. A combination of cover 2 and cover 4, daring Mahomes to throw the ball deep and challenge their veteran safeties, Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer. I would expect the Bills to run similar defensive schemes to their earlier matchup and try to get Mahones throwing underneath consistently.
#3 Stay Stagnant in the Red Zone
The Chiefs are going to get yards regardless of the looks you show them. They’re just too good of an offense to just lay down for the entire game. For the Bills to win this game, their defense will have to step up in the Red Zone. The Chiefs, believe it or not, sit 10th in the league when it comes to Red Zone Scoring Percentage. If the Bills can force the Chiefs to kick field goals here and there rather than give up the touchdown, it could save them in the end.
How the Chiefs Can Win
#1 Stop Josh Allen on the Ground
For the Bills to win they have to get Josh Allen going on the ground. So how does Kansas City win? Stop Allen on the ground. In week 5, Allen was the leading rusher for Buffalo. It’s no secret Buffalo will try and get him going on the ground early. If there’s any Defensive Coordinator who I think is up to the task of stopping him, it’s Steve Spagnuolo. He’s the only coordinator, offensive or defensive, to win a Super Bowl with multiple franchises. He’s going to have to think outside of the box to beat Allen, and I think he’s up to the task more than any other defensive coordinator.
#2 The Offense Must Be At Their Best
Let’s face it. The Bills have a better defense than Kansas City. For either team to win, they’re going to have to show up in both facets of the game. The Chiefs absolutely have to extend drives, eat time up, and let their offense go to work. The best thing they can do as an offense besides score is keeping Buffalo’s Offense on the sidelines. Along with that, they have to really be at their best when they get to the Red Zone. I wouldn’t expect Andy Reid to roll over and kick the field goal if he likes his chances.
#3 Come Out Swinging, on Both Sides of the Ball
The first five-or-so drives by the Chiefs against the Steelers last week looked horrible. Lucky for them, Big Ben and company didn’t take advantage of the lackluster start. The Bills, however, you cannot allow that to happen with them. You have to come out swinging and cannot allow for three-and-outs on multiple drives to start the game. The Bills will take advantage of that. Subsequently, the defense also has to establish themselves early in the game as well. If they can have a few early successful stops against the Bills’ offense, it could prove to be the difference as the game goes on.
This is going to be an awesome game. I wouldn’t be surprised if this serves as the AFC Championship Game before the AFC Championship Game. Whoever comes out on top here has a huge edge in the AFC Championship Game. I would expect a shootout between the two teams and their high-flying offenses. It could completely come down to whoever has the ball in their hands last. When the Chiefs won last year’s playoff matchup, Stefon Diggs stood there in disbelief, vowing for the team to be back. Here’s your opportunity. I like the Bills in this game, but barely. I think this is the year they really take the next step, but you really can never count out Patrick Mahones and the Chiefs. Bills, but barely.
Prediction: 34-30 Buffalo Bills
Vendetta Sports Media is sponsored by Monkey Knife Fight, the fastest-growing DFS site in the industry. MKF’s unique style and gameplay make betting fun and easy. Use our promo code ‘VENDETTA’ or use the link below to get a 100% instant match on any deposit. Let them know that we sent you!
