Bills Overcoming ‘Big Brother’ Chiefs Could Come Down to Centimeters

The central question revolves around whether the Buffalo Bills can finally overcome the Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs, drawing an analogy to younger siblings surpassing older ones in competitive families. Domonique Foxworth asserts the Chiefs remain the "big brothers" of the AFC, noting their regular-season struggles last year didn't prevent success, and he anticipates evaluating the gap between Kansas City and other AFC contenders this season.

Patrick Mahomes holds a dominant 4-0 playoff record against Josh Allen, despite Allen leading the regular-season series 4-1. Harry Douglas is skeptical of Buffalo's chances, stating Kansas City missing the playoffs would require "pigs to fly" and that the Bills could only win a postseason matchup if another team first upsets the Chiefs. He recounted a young Bills fan’s resignation after the 2023 AFC playoff loss, emphasizing the psychological toll an 0-5 playoff record against Mahomes and coach Andy Reid would inflict on the organization and fans.

Bills fans are divided on whether Buffalo has equipped Allen adequately to challenge Kansas City. While the team extended contracts for Khalil Shakir, Christian Benford, and Terrel Bernard, they did not retain James Cook. ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell ranked Buffalo’s non-quarterback skill players 28th in the NFL, citing unthreatening receivers like Keon Coleman, Dawson Knox, and Dalton Kincaid. Allen’s MVP-caliber ability to elevate teammates and improvise with his legs was highlighted, exemplified by his game-winning touchdown run against the Chiefs in Week 11 when receivers failed to get open.

In contrast, during the AFC Championship Game, Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo confidently blitzed with top cornerback Trent McDuffie on a critical fourth down. Allen nearly completed a spectacular play, but Kincaid dropped the pass. The article concludes that Buffalo’s capacity to create separation against Kansas City’s defense will be pivotal in determining the AFC’s Super Bowl representative.