The Kansas City Chiefs are set to host the Buffalo Bills in a pivotal Week 14 game that could have huge implications for both teams heading into the home stretch of the 2023 season.
For the Chiefs, this is a must-win game. Kansas City has been reeling in recent weeks, losing three of its last five matchups. As a result, the reigning Super Bowl champions have slid to the No. 3 spot in the AFC playoff standings, and if the Chiefs stumble again on Sunday, Kansas City could find itself two games behind the top seed.
With just four games remaining on their schedule, the Chiefs are at a crossroads. Their viability as playoff contenders will be put to the test against Buffalo, and if they are handed a loss at home after a pitiful showing against the Green Bay Packers in Week 13, it may be an indication that Kansas City doesn’t have the juice to win crucial elimination games when it matters most.
Check out these three keys to a win against the Bills that could keep Kansas City in contention for a coveted first-round bye week:
Simplify the offense
Without running back Isiah Pacheco to carry the load in the ground game, Kansas City will likely be forced to lean on Patrick Mahomes more than it has in recent weeks.
Former first-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire is slated to take Pacheco’s spot as the Chiefs’ lead back, which could lead to disastrous results if Andy Reid isn’t able to get Kansas City’s air attack humming early.
Without the benefit of a consistent threat in the backfield, Mahomes will have to get rid of the ball quickly and rely on his receivers to create yards after the catch. Expect a steady dose of the screen game and plays with easy reads for the reigning MVP early in this contest to get him in rhythm.
Limit Buffalo’s success on the ground
The Bills’ rushing attack is not particularly special and tends to revolve around Josh Allen’s athletic ability in open space. Buffalo’s starting running back, James Cook, is not exceptionally physical between the tackles and relies on explosive runs to the outside for most of his production.
If the Chiefs’ defense can limit Cook’s ability to get to the edge, the Bills will have to rely on Allen to make plays deep downfield where he is more likely to put the ball in harm’s way.
Kansas City thrives against one-dimensional offenses, and if Buffalo’s ground game is properly hemmed in, the Chiefs’ secondary should have no problem causing problems for Allen when he targets his receivers in predictable situations.
Frustrate and slow down Stefon Diggs
There have been times this season when Stefon Diggs has become visibly upset with his role in the Bills’ offense.
Whether his frustrations are with Buffalo’s coaching staff, his quarterback, or the Bills’ situation in general, one thing is certain: Josh Allen is willing to do anything he can to appease his mercurial pass catcher. Diggs is among the NFL’s leaders in targets, receptions, and yardage due in no small part to Allen’s propensity to force the ball his way.
Look for the Chiefs’ secondary to pester Diggs with double teams that will force Allen to throw the ball elsewhere and potentially cause trouble on the Bills sideline.
