ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Patrick Mahomes has made enough trips to Buffalo to know he and the Kansas City Chiefs shouldn't expect a warm welcome from Bills fans on Sunday.
"They don't like us," Mahomes said.
Can you blame them?
Since 2020, Mahomes and the Chiefs have blocked Josh Allen and the Bills' path to the Super Bowl with four playoff wins, including Buffalo's 32-29 loss in the AFC Championship Game in January.
The most memorable was Kansas City's 42-36 overtime win in a divisional-round meeting in January 2022, since dubbed "13 Seconds." That's how much time Mahomes had to complete two passes for 44 yards and set up Harrison Butker's tying, 49-yard field goal on the final play of regulation.
The stakes of Sunday's meeting aren't as high, yet the Chiefs (5-3) and Bills (5-2) have playoff seeding to think about.
If there's any solace in Buffalo, it's that the Bills have won four in a row in the regular season against their fellow AFC contender.
Buffalo fans may not like the Chiefs, but the team certainly has the Bills' respect.
Allen recounted the number of times he and Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo have exchanged greetings following games, no matter the outcome.
"Sometimes it just kind of happens, we're walking by and sometimes we look for each other," Allen said. "Yes, I would say there is mutual respect, at least I hope there is."
Allen is 4-1 the regular season against KC, averaging 252 yards passing with 13 overall touchdowns (10 passing) and three interceptions.
On Sunday, the quarterback will be challenged by Spagnuolo's defense, which ranks fourth in the NFL and third against the pass. Kansas City has allowed a combined 652 yards and 24 points during a three-game win streak.
Meanwhile, Allen and the Bills' passing attack have struggled over a four-game stretch in which he's thrown four interceptions, lost a fumble and had difficulty finding open receivers downfield.
Buffalo has a dynamic ground attack featuring James Cook, who rushed for a career-best 216 yards and scored twice in a 40-9 win over Carolina last weekend.
Receiver Xavier Worthy is back for Kansas City after hurting his shoulder in Week 1. Fellow wideout Rashee Rice has been a dynamic option since his return from a six-game NFL suspension for his role in a high-speed car crash in Dallas in March 2024.
Whatever welcome Mahomes receives, the quarterback intends to enjoy what should be a raucous atmosphere.
"When you watch on TV growing up, that's the environment you want to play in," he said, before noting it could be his final game at the 52-year-old stadium, with the Bills moving to a new facility across the street next year.
"I love playing in historic stadiums, and that stadium has had so many great players play in it," Mahomes said.
HAIR-RAISING
Bills Coach Sean McDermott fondly recalls his 12 seasons with the Eagles, when he worked under now-Chiefs Coach Andy Reid. And yes, those memories include Reid firing McDermott as Philadelphia's defensive coordinator following the 2010 season.
McDermott said Reid's encouraging words in dismissing him helped him turn a low point into eventually landing the Bills job in 2017.
The two remain close.
"He is very thorough," Reid said, before joking about McDermott going bald. "I had him when he was a pup. I joke, I had him when he had hair."
HAPPY HUNT-ING
The Chiefs will be without leading rusher Isiah Pacheco, who hurt his knee against Washington on Monday night, and leaving one of their thinnest position groups even thinner. Kareem Hunt is in line to get more snaps alongside rookie Brashard Smith. And Elijah Mitchell could be active for the first time this season after signing as a free agent.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) throws against the Carolina Panthers during the first half an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) throws against the Carolina Panthers during the first half an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)