Four Things to Watch in the Bills-Chiefs Championship Showdown
1. Will the Chiefs Blitz Josh Allen?
The Bills have become a more balanced offense, reducing Allen’s pass attempts and increasing their running game. This has led to a more efficient season for Allen, who has reduced his sacks and interceptions. The Chiefs, who have a 35.8% blitz rate, need to decide whether to continue blitzing Allen, who has handled it well historically and this season. Alternatively, they can opt for a more conservative approach, as they did in their 2023 Divisional Round meeting, which limited Allen’s production.
2. Can the Chiefs Continue Ball-Control Success?
The Chiefs have won 37 straight games dating back to 2019 when they have won the turnover battle. They have won four straight in this series, including a 2023 Divisional Round victory despite being minus-1 in turnovers. To continue their success, the Chiefs need to maintain possession and limit turnovers.
3. Can the Bills Steal Possessions from the Chiefs?
The Bills are known for creating turnovers, with a net plus-7 turnover margin in their last 10 meetings with the Chiefs. They aim to get to quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who has a 262-pass INT-less streak heading into the conference title game. The Bills finished the regular season tied for third in turnovers created and have added three more in the playoffs. Getting high-pressure touches on Mahomes’ passes will be a key part of their game plan.
4. Can the Chiefs Protect Patrick Mahomes?
The Chiefs’ strong offensive line has had to adapt with the loss of left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. Joe Thuney has been filling in, but he has faced challenges as a pass blocker. The Bills’ defensive ends, Greg Rousseau and A.J. Epenesa, have had good seasons, but they need to heat up the edges better than they did against the Ravens. The Chiefs’ right side, Trey Smith and Jawaan Taylor, also struggled against the Bills’ rush in their previous meeting. If the Chiefs are to protect Mahomes, they need to be more efficient in their pass protection.
