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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Ed Easton Jr.

Chiefs stock watch: Which players impressed during divisional round vs. Bills?

The Kansas City Chiefs pulled out a gutsy victory in the divisional round over the Buffalo Bills. The defending Super Bowl champions held on for the 27-24 win, punching their ticket to another AFC Championship game.

Patrick Mahomes proved he could win on the road in the postseason with a magnificent performance. Travis Kelce and Isiah Pacheco set the tone with early production and carrying on throughout the night. Marquez Valdes-Scantling picked a great time to have his best game of the year after such a dreadful year receiving during the regular season.

On defense, the unit pushed forward following injuries to safety Mike Edwards and linebacker Willie Gay. The final Bills drive was thwarted by the effort of Chris Jones, slightly disrupting Josh Allen’s shot in the endzone for a potential go-ahead touchdown pass. Critical plays by Tent McDuffie, Justin Reid, and L’Jarius Sneed helped to slow the Buffalo passing game in the second half.

The Chiefs set their sights on another AFC title game for the sixth consecutive season, but this time on the road away from Arrowhead Stadium. The top-seeded Baltimore Ravens await them in their quest to win back-to-back Super Bowl titles.

Here’s a look at how the stock is trending for some players after the divisional round victory at Highmark Stadium:

Stock Up: Patrick Mahomes

Oct 29, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) scrambles with the ball in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

It was the first road post-season game and victory away from Arrowhead Stadium for Mahomes. The hungry Buffalo crowd didn’t rattle the reigning league MVP, as he controlled the offense all night. He ended the night with 215 yards passing and two touchdowns while scrambling for 19 yards.

Stock Up: Travis Kelce

Jan 21, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) makes a catch against Buffalo Bills safety Jordan Poyer (21) during the first half for the 2024 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The postseason energy provided by Kelce in the passing game made life easier for Mahomes in the hostile environment at Highmark Stadium. He led the team in receiving on Sunday night with five catches for 75 yards and two touchdowns.

Stock Up: Isiah Pacheco

Jan 21, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) rushes the ball against the Buffalo Bills in the first half of the 2024 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Running angry is doing the job for Pacheco, who maintained his intensity throughout the night. He finished the game with 15 carries for 97 yards and a touchdown, averaging 6.5 yards on the ground.

Stock Up: Marquez Valdes-Scantling

Aug 13, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) warms up with wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (11) before a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

The veteran receiver was an essential target for Mahomes as he hauled in a season-high two catches for 62 yards. His two completions stretched the Bills’ defense as he returned to form as a productive deep ball target.

Stock Up: Chamarri Conner

Nov 3, 2023; Frankfurt, Germany; Kansas City Chiefs safety Chamarri Conner (27) participates in special teams drills at DFB Campus. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The early injury to Mike Edwards forced the rookie defensive back into action, and he delivered. Conner finished the game tied for the team lead in tackles with eight.

Stock Down: Mecole Hardman

Jan 13, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (12) reacts during the first half of the 2024 AFC wild card game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

The speedy receiver barely had a chance to showcase his skill due to his inability to secure the football. Hardman fumbled twice in the game, with the second being a turnover into the endzone for a touchback.

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