Buffalo is in trouble. Despite the Bills scoring an upset win over the Chiefs in Week 11, the AFC Championship Game might be a very different story, thanks to the return of several key Kansas City players who were unable to play two months ago.
The game at Highmark Stadium was a turning point in the Chiefs’ season. It was their only loss of the season and, at the time, head coach Andy Reid said that the loss would serve to put the pieces together in search of a deep run in the postseason.
The absences in that game were notable on both sides of the ball. The Chiefs managed 259 yards, 181 through the air and only 78 on the ground; meanwhile, the defense allowed 366 yards, 262 passing and 104 rushing. That could all turn around Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium, though.
Chiefs’ comebacks
Coming off a season-threatening injury, running back Isiah Pacheco made a near-miracle comeback in Week 13. Kareem Hunt and Mecole Hardman played in Week 11, but the Bills’ defense shut them down almost entirely; Pacheco’s return is sure to be impactful.
Marquise Brown could be another near-miracle comeback. The Chiefs reactivated him from Injured Reserve after the regular season, and he could see action against the Bills this weekend. Xavier Worthy did a great job against Buffalo, but Brown’s return will give Patrick Mahomes another top-tier target.
Jaylen Watson’s return is bad news for Josh Allen and the Bills’ receivers. Trent McDuffie and Joshua Williams did a great job at cornerback in the 10 weeks Watson was out, but with him on the depth chart, the Chiefs’ secondary looks unstoppable.
Finally, Charles Omenihu will solidify Kansas City’s defensive line. The defensive end hadn’t seen action in a year, so George Karlaftis had taken on the heavy load of the defense. With Omenihu on the sidelines, Reid has an almost luxury backup for when Karlaftis needs a break.
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What’s next for the Bills?
The returns of these four players change the board for Sean McDermott. The Bills head coach will have to add a big question mark next to each of these names, and it remains to be seen if his team is ready for the changes they represent.
Although almost all eyes will be focused on quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, the rest of the pieces will end up defining the game. Will the Bills be able to make the necessary adjustments, or will the Chiefs find new ways to overwhelm their opponents? We’ll find out on Sunday.