Can Josh Allen Outduel Patrick Mahomes in Buffalo?

by

Jan 16, 2024

The upcoming NFL playoff showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills at Orchard Park is one for the ages, and it’s going to be a landmark moment for Patrick Mahomes as he plays his first road playoff game. A lot is riding on this, and the anticipation is off the charts.

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Reflecting on some of the Chiefs’ recent history against the Bills, it’s been a bit of a rough ride. Remember the 2021 regular-season game? The Chiefs were struggling, and many thought they would turn things up a notch against the Bills. Instead, they got blown out at home, showing they weren’t as formidable as expected.

Fast forward to now, and the Bills seem to have the edge. Josh Allen is playing phenomenally, arguably on par with, if not slightly better than, Mahomes. The Bills’ receiving corps, with talents like Khalil Shakir, could be even more potent in a team like the Chiefs. Meanwhile, the Chiefs have their own strong players like Rashee Rice, but the team dynamics feel a bit different this season.

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Another point of concern for the Chiefs has been Travis Kelce’s performance in critical moments, highlighted by his drops in key games. These errors are something they can’t afford, especially against a team as strong as the Bills.

This game is likely to be a battle of margins. A few mistakes, like a fumble from Isiah Pacheco or a conservative decision from Andy Reid, could tilt the game in the Bills’ favor. Similarly, if Allen makes a couple of costly errors or tries something overly ambitious, like his memorable deep ball to a fullback in his first playoff game, it could swing the other way.

In essence, this matchup is a high-stakes game of chicken. The team that blinks first, whether through turnovers or tactical errors, will likely find themselves on the losing end. It’s going to be a thrilling game, no doubt, and one that could very well be a defining moment in the careers of Mahomes and Allen.

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Thumbnail photo via Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

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