ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Chiefs week is finally here, and sorry for the buffalo bills and their fans get on the bandwagon.

Juicy like Sunday’s confrontation Patrick Mahomes and the undefeated Chiefs (9-0) against jose alen and the runaway Bills (8-2), leader of the AFC East, appears, a sober perspective based on recent history is necessary.

Although the Bills have been successful in winning three straight regular-season meetings in what has become an annual showdown between AFC contenders, what stands out is Buffalo coming up empty in the games that really matter.

Whether at home or at Arrowhead since 2020, Buffalo is 0-3 in its last three playoff games against Kansas City.

That includes a 27-24 loss in the divisional round of the playoffs at home in January, in which the teams traded leads five times, and was sealed when Buffalo’s tyler bass He missed a 44-yard attempt wide right with 1:43 left.

And there’s no need to mention Buffalo’s 42-36 overtime loss in the divisional round in Kansas City three years ago.

To this day, Bills coach Sean McDermott refuses to answer questions about whether there was a breakdown in communication in having Bass kick into the end zone instead of keeping the ball in play after Buffalo would take the lead. The outing was called “13 seconds,” reflecting how much time the Chiefs had left in regulation to advance 44 yards in two plays and set up butcher harrison49-yard field goal.

On Sunday, seasons are not on the line for two teams that are already in the driver’s seat to secure a playoff spot.

But there are enough subplots to attract a national television audience.

For Buffalo, the departure marks an opportunity to end the Chiefs’ bid for a perfect season while closing the gap in the race for first place in the AFC heading into the playoffs.

Just as important, the Bills are in a position to validate themselves as conference contenders in a season in which they have improved their record against opponents that have gone a combined 25-49, including two wins against Miami (2-6), who plays on Monday. evening. Buffalo’s two losses were against Baltimore (7-3) and Houston (6-4).

Schedule aside, the Bills have already shown a lot in what was initially supposed to be a down year for the four-time defending division champions following an offseason of restructuring forced by the salary cap. Despite parting ways with six of eight captains, Buffalo won eight of its first 10 games for the eighth time in franchise history and the first since 1993.

The Bills are winning games as a group, getting contributions from each phase at critical moments, and that was evident again in a 30-20 victory in Indianapolis on Sunday.

It was the defense’s turn to step up in an outing that saw Allen throw a season-high two interceptions and deal with an injury-depleted, receiver-less offense. Amari Cooper and Keon Coleman. Buffalo forced a season-high four turnovers with cornerback Taron Johnson opening the scoring with a pick-6.

“I just try to run our offense the best I can; I don’t feel like I did that today,” Allen said. “I wish I had made a couple of shots back, especially early on, but we’ll win 8-2.”

Allen has thrown four interceptions in his last three outings, after opening the season with just two lost fumbles in his first seven games. Slow starts are still a problem. Buffalo is 4-0 when scoring a touchdown on its first drive, but 4-2 when held to three points or less in the first quarter.

On defense, the Bills applied pressure from the first snap to disrupt Joe Flacco in the pocket. The same approach won’t work against Mahomes, who is much more elusive than Flacco and oversees a balanced Chiefs attack.

McDermott maintained his game-by-game approach, letting others generate excitement early this week.

“I don’t pay much attention, but Derek lets me know from time to time,” McDermott said, referring to Bills communications chief Derek Boyko about what’s being reported.

When asked if he reads anything, McDermott laughed and said, “I do it in the off-season.”

What is working?

Creating turnovers. Buffalo’s 19 takeovers (11 interceptions, eight fumbles) rank second in the NFL through Monday, and the team has forced at least one in all 10 games this season.

What needs help?

Better starts. Entering Monday, Buffalo ranks third in the NFL averaging 29 points per outing, but the offense has combined to score 46 points in the first quarter.

Supply

W.R. Mack Hollins He filled the injury-depleted receiver void with four receptions for 86 yards, the second most in his seven-year career.

Stock down

The returnee Brandon Codrington. The rookie was rescued by alec anderson jumping on the ball to recover his fumble on a kickoff after the Colts took a 13-10 lead in the second quarter.

Injuries

TEA Dalton Kincaid He did not return after injuring his knee.

Key numbers

11-10: Allen’s record, including playoffs, in committing two or more turnovers since 2019.

Next steps

Host the Chiefs before they begin their bye week.

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