In the NFL’s divisional weekend, one matchup stands out as the marquee showdown – the Buffalo Bills taking on the Kansas City Chiefs for a coveted spot in the AFC Championship Game. This game inevitably harkens back to the unforgettable divisional round clash from two playoffs ago, often regarded as one of the best football games in the modern era of the NFL. However, this time around, there’s a significant difference – Patrick Mahomes will be playing in his first true road game in his playoff career, as Josh Allen and the Bills host the Chiefs.
As of now, the betting odds favor Buffalo, with the Bills being a 2.5-point favorite and an over/under of 46.5 points. The odds are likely to stay put, and it would be a surprise if they were to reach 3.5. A jump to three might be plausible, but anything beyond that would be seen as disrespecting Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Mahomes boasts a 75% winning percentage on the road in his career, making it clear that he can perform away from home.
Mahomes, when considered as an underdog or a pick’em, has the best coverage percentage among active NFL quarterbacks. He’s not an underdog frequently, and in fact, it’s quite rare to see the Mahomes-led Chiefs as more than a four-point underdog. It’s worth noting that at just 28 years old, Mahomes is already eighth all-time in postseason wins as a quarterback.
With all these factors in mind, there are plenty of reasons for the Kansas City Chiefs to be confident that they can not only cover the spread but also emerge victorious. However, there’s a lingering doubt as well, stemming from their recent loss to the Bills just two months ago. It wasn’t a fluke defeat; it raised concerns about the Chiefs’ ability to score enough points. The Chiefs’ struggles on offense were evident in games like the one against the Miami Dolphins, where, despite the win, they failed to put the ball in the end zone consistently. Harrison Butker had to make five field goals, and key plays were left on the field.
As the Bills and Chiefs prepare for this highly anticipated showdown, it’s a game filled with promise and intrigue. Can Mahomes overcome his first true road playoff challenge, or will the Bills continue their impressive run and secure their spot in the AFC Championship Game? NFL fans are in for a treat as these two powerhouse teams collide once again.
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