The Buffalo Bills have looked like a completely different team following the bye week.
Their latest performance, a 28-21 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, saw the offense attack the Chiefs with a balanced attack of pass and run. Defensively, Joey Bosa and the rest of Buffalo’s defensive line made life miserable for Patrick Mahomes.
Buffalo’s victory, its sixth of the season, was a good reminder that this team can beat anyone in the league. Following the victory, various media outlets released their power rankings. Here’s a look at where the Bills stand following their win over Kansas City.
ESPN: No. 1 (Up 3)
Most important game remaining: Week 15 at the Patriots
The Bills are trying to win a sixth straight AFC East title, but they have significant competition to reach that goal. After the Patriots took the first meeting, this matchup could end up being huge as the Bills look to secure at least one more postseason game in their last year at Highmark Stadium. Winning the division is always emphasized by Buffalo coach Sean McDermott as the first step to reaching the Super Bowl, and this game could prove pivotal.
Sports Illustrated: No. 2 (Up 6)
The Bills are the only team in the NFL with a higher percentage of run plays than pass plays. Anyone who is complaining about Josh Allen preserving even a little bit of himself for the stretch run is out of their minds. What Joe Brady has accomplished as offensive coordinator is the materialization of years of work in getting Allen to a more sustainable place.
USA Today: No. 7 (Up 3)
They beat the dynastic Chiefs. In the regular season. Again. Yawn −unlessthis becomes the game that tiebreakers K.C. home after Week 18.
Pro Football Talk: No. 10 (Up 1)
Their best bet for winning a playoff rematch against the Chiefs could be to hope someone else knocks them out first.
Yahoo: No. 2 (Up 3)
Defensive end Michael Hoecht’s Achilles injury doesn’t help the Bills. They’re getting thin up front. Quality defensive linemen aren’t plentiful or cheap in the trade market, but Buffalo has to try to get at least one. That’s becoming a soft spot.
Bleacher Report: No. 3 (Up 4)
The Bills have been here before. They have beaten the Chiefs during the regular season in four straight years. The previous outcomes helped lead Buffalo to the postseason.
While there, however, the Chiefs got their revenge on three different occasions.
Sunday’s performance was impressive. It shouldn’t be taken as anything more than a good outing, because history tells everyone it doesn’t translate.
The Bills must slay the dragon in the postseason before these regular-season victories are viewed as something more than they currently are.
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