The Buffalo Bills concluded their season on Sunday night, facing a 27-24 defeat against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL Playoffs Divisional Round.
In a showdown of top quarterbacks, Josh Allen put on a strong performance, totaling 258 yards, scoring a touchdown through a pass, and adding two more with rushing touchdowns. James Cook contributed with 82 yards, and rookie tight end Dalton Kincaid made an impact with five receptions for 45 yards.
In the closing moments of the game, the Bills aimed to tie with a 44-yard field goal, but Tyler Bass’s miss allowed the Chiefs to secure the win. Patrick Mahomes then kneeled to run out the clock, securing his sixth consecutive spot in the AFC Championship Game.
Buffalo dominated possession, holding the ball for over 37 minutes and running 78 plays compared to Kansas City’s 47. Josh Allen, the Bills’ quarterback, completed 26 of 39 passes for 186 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 72 yards and scoring two touchdowns on 12 carries. On the Chiefs’ side, Patrick Mahomes completed 17 of 23 passes for 215 yards and two touchdowns, and Isiah Pacheco contributed 97 yards rushing and a touchdown on 15 carries.
The Bills’ season has concluded at home in the Divisional Round for the second consecutive year. Here are the highlights:
Tyler Bass missed a significant field goal attempt wide to the right for the Bills with 1:43 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Buffalo’s offense began with Josh Allen attempting a long pass to Stefon Diggs, which was incomplete. Allen then completed a 7-yard pass to Dalton Kincaid, and Dawson Knox caught a 4-yard pass to secure a first down. Allen connected with Kincaid again for an 8-yard gain, and he ran for 4 yards to obtain another first down. Despite two unsuccessful passes, Allen scrambled for 6 yards on third down but fumbled. Although it seemed like the Chiefs could score, Dalton Kincaid prevented it by batting the ball away, and Spencer Brown recovered it. Buffalo opted for a fourth-and-3 from midfield, and Khalil Shakir caught a short pass for a 10-yard first down. A few plays later, Allen completed a 7-yard pass to Trent Sherfield for another first down. James Cook ran for 1 yard, and after two incomplete passes, Tyler Bass attempted a 44-yard field goal, but he missed it wide to the right.
At the 8:23 mark in the fourth quarter, the Chiefs decided to punt the ball.
Initially, it seemed like the Bills successfully stopped the Chiefs in just three plays, but a late flag changed the situation. On third-and-5, Patrick Mahomes threw an incomplete pass intended for Rashee Rice, and Bills’ linebacker Dorian Williams was penalized for pass interference. Fortunately for Buffalo, this penalty didn’t result in any harm. Mahomes then threw two consecutive incomplete passes, and under pressure, he could only scramble for one yard on third down. Following this, Tommy Townsend punted the ball 49 yards into the end zone.
At 12:09 in the fourth quarter, Mecole Hardman Jr. fumbled into the end zone, leading to a touchback.
Mecole Hardman had two chances in the game, but unfortunately, he fumbled both times. The first fumble occurred during a play where Isiah Pacheco ran for 29 yards. In a tricky move, Hardman caught the ball but lost it to Jordan Poyer. Initially, they thought he was down at the Bills’ 1, but after Buffalo challenged, it was changed to a fumble into the end zone, resulting in a touchback for the Bills.
At 12:49 in the fourth quarter, the Bills tried a fake punt, but Damar Hamlin was stopped short of the needed yardage.
Buffalo attempted a fake punt but couldn’t convert. Facing fourth-and-5, the Chiefs only had 10 players on the field. The Bills sent a direct snap to Damar Hamlin, who was stopped after gaining 2 yards. The Chiefs took over at the Bills’ 30-yard line.
The Chiefs claimed a 27-24 victory over the Bills, with Isiah Pacheco scoring on a 4-yard touchdown run.
Kansas City has taken the lead again, scoring with three consecutive 75-yard touchdown drives in the second half. Isiah Pacheco contributed with a strong 12-yard run, bringing them close to midfield. Two plays later, in response to Buffalo blitzing, Patrick Mahomes completed a deep 32-yard pass over the middle to Marquez Valdes-Scantling, positioning the ball at the Bills’ 16. Following an 8-yard pass from Mahomes to Rashee Rice, Kansas City reached first and goal. Pacheco sealed the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run.
The Bills secured a 24-20 lead over the Chiefs with an incredible touchdown throw from Josh Allen to Khalil Shakir.
On a third-and-goal from the 13-yard line, Josh Allen faced no problem. He skillfully evaded pressure and delivered a touchdown pass to Khalil Shakir, who managed to keep both feet in the front corner of the end zone for the score.
The Bills’ offensive line showed its strength, wearing down the Chiefs. Buffalo relied on the run game, eating up the clock. Ty Johnson’s 16-yard run set up a first-and-goal from the Chiefs’ 5. After a two-yard loss and a delay of game penalty, the Bills executed the touchdown play. The entire drive covered 75 yards in 15 plays, consuming 8 minutes and 25 seconds of the clock.
Chiefs 20, Bills 17: Patrick Mahomes to Travis Kelce for Another TD
The Chiefs are back on top with another touchdown, marking three lead changes in just over 6 minutes. Patrick Mahomes led a 75-yard drive, connecting with Marquez Valdes-Scantling and scrambling for a 24-yard gain. Isiah Pacheco’s 14-yard catch set up first-and-goal from the 3. Mahomes finished it with a touchdown pass to Travis Kelce, diving for the pylon.
Halftime Score: Bills 17, Chiefs 13
The Bills dominated the first half, leading in yards, first downs, and time of possession. Josh Allen showcased his skills with 111 passing yards, 51 rushing yards, and two touchdowns. Patrick Mahomes had 114 passing yards, and Travis Kelce made key receptions for the Chiefs.
Chiefs End the Half with a Knee
Patrick Mahomes took a knee to end the half after a holding penalty moved the Chiefs back to the 25.
Bills 17, Chiefs 13: Josh Allen Adds Another Rushing TD
In response to Kelce’s touchdown, Josh Allen led a strong drive. A 15-yard pass to Stefon Diggs and an 18-yard scramble set the stage. A clutch five-yard pass to Khalil Shakir on third-and-2 led to Allen’s two-yard rushing TD, giving the Bills a 17-13 lead.
Chiefs 13, Bills 10: Mahomes to Kelce for Touchdown
The Bills had a defensive lapse, allowing Travis Kelce to score a 22-yard touchdown. The Chiefs took a 13-10 lead, and the Buffalo defense struggled to contain them.
Chiefs Safety Mike Edwards Out
Kansas City’s starting safety, Mike Edwards, suffered a concussion and won’t return.
Bills 10, Chiefs 6: Bills’ Red Zone Defense Holds Up
The Bills’ defense held strong in the red zone, forcing the Chiefs to settle for a field goal after Mahomes missed key passes.
Bills 10, Chiefs 3: Josh Allen’s 5-yard TD Run
Josh Allen scored another touchdown, this time on a five-yard run, extending the Bills’ lead. Their effective running game has been a key factor.
Bills 3, Chiefs 0: Tyler Bass Field Goal
Despite early challenges, the Bills secured a 3-0 lead with a 27-yard field goal by Tyler Bass. Josh Allen’s resilience and key passes played a role in the drive.
Buffalo Bills Inactives Today
Star linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, dealing with an ankle sprain, was inactive. Tyrel Dodson returned, likely taking Edmunds’ place. Rookie Dorian Williams or veteran A.J. Klein started at outside linebacker.