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5 things to watch as the Chiefs play the Bills in AFC Divisional Round

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5 things to watch as the Chiefs play the Bills in AFC Divisional Round


The NFL’s Divisional Round will kickoff this weekend, a four-game schedule that concludes with a matchup between the (12-6) Kansas City Chiefs and the (12-6) Buffalo Bills. The AFC rivals will play at High Mark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, kicking off at 5:30 PM Arrowhead time.

The Bills are a 2.5-point betting favorite in this game, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. It’s a rare case of the Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes playing as the underdog, mainly because it’s the first time in his career he’s playing on the road in the playoffs.

That’s because Buffalo came into Arrowhead Stadium in Week 14 and escaped with a 20-17 victory. With the home-field advantage on their side this time, the Bills will be geared up to avenge the two previous postseason losses.

I have five things to watch in what will be an actual battle:

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1. Containing Josh Allen

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Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images

The Bills’ offense has evolved to not rely as much on quarterback Josh Allen over the six-game win streak; the offensive line and run game have stepped up. Still, the team leans on Allen to take off and make a play himself on crucial downs.

A good example was his 52-yard touchdown run last week. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo couldn’t help but gaulk a little when describing him to reporters on Thursday.

“When you put that tape on, and he’s running, the way he makes people miss at 6 feet 5, it’s amazing,” Spags marveled. “I don’t know where we’ve ever seen that… he could probably play fullback in this league, or tight end, offensive tackle, defensive end, linebacker, and be an All-Pro at all of them; I’m really not kidding, if he wanted to do that.”

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Allen was heavily pressured by the Chiefs in Week 14, facing a season-high pressure rate of 49% according to NFL NextGen Stats. He wasn’t able to find as much scrambling room as previous matchups due to the Chiefs’ athleticism in their four-man rushes. At times, the fourth rusher would be linebacker Willie Gay Jr. reading Allen’s movement.

Look for the Chiefs’ pass-rush scheme to play with awareness of Allen’s ability to break the pocket.

2. Covering Bills’ variety of pass catchers

Buffalo Bills v Kansas City Chiefs

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Allen will be looking to scramble against the Chiefs because Spagnuolo trusts his man coverage, and Kansas City’s secondary has momentum heading in. Buffalo will be missing wide receiver Gabe Davis; plus, wide receiver Stefon Diggs has a foot injury that limited his practice participation in Friday, after missing Thursday.

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In Week 14, cornerback L’Jarius Sneed limited Diggs to 24 yards over 11 targets. That matchup could be even more important this time, and Sneed’s going into it with respect.

“He’s a great receiver,” Sneed noted in the locker room Thursday. “Smart, great route runner… he’s been hard working, that’s why he’s been one of the top receivers in the league.”

The rest of the pass defense has plenty to account for themselves. Running back James Cook had receptions of 25 and 27 yards last matchup, taking advantage of the Chiefs’ first game without linebacker Drue Tranquill and safety Bryan Cook; it was also Nick Bolton’s first week back from the wrist injury.

A healthier middle of the field will also need to account for tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox. The duo have come on strong: Kincaid has 230 yards and a touchdown over the last three games, while Knox has scored in each of the last two.

3. Attacking a depleted Buffalo defense

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Buffalo Bills v Kansas City Chiefs

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A similar story to the Miami Dolphins last week, the Bills were ambushed by the injury bug on defense. Starting cornerback Christan Benford, safety Taylor Rapp, and linebacker Baylon Spector have all been ruled out from playing, while linebacker Terrel Bernard, slot cornerback Taron Johnson, and cornerback Rasul Douglas are questionable.

Bernard is the team’s snap leader at linebacker and was replaced last week by the injured Spector. Johnson is the snap leader at his position, and Douglas has been the starter opposite Benford down the stretch; he is trending to play.

The Chiefs will try to take advantage with tight end Travis Kelce, whether he finds room himself or open things up for others. Kansas City should find success manipulating the second level of Buffalo’s defense.

4. Isiah Pacheco setting pace

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AFC Wild Card Playoffs - Miami Dolphins v Kansas City Chiefs

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Chiefs’ starting running back Isiah Pacheco did not play in Week 14, and his substitutes only managed 58 yards in his absence.

His role will be crucial to keeping the Chiefs’ offense out of pressure situations in a hostile environment. Buffalo’s run defense won’t make that easy, but Kansas City must attack the ground game in a similarly aggressive fashion as last week. Even if it wasn’t always efficient, the team accumulated 147 rushing yards and consistently sustained drives deep into opponent territory.

The focused effort can open up play-action windows, just like it did against a Miami defense working through injury.

5. Stepped up Chiefs’ run defense

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Buffalo Bills v Kansas City Chiefs

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On Thursday, Spagnuolo noted that the Bills’ offense has “become really challenging with the run game.” He noted James Cook, who has at least 13 carries in the team’s last five games.

It’s the commitment Buffalo has shown to a true rushing attack, and that will be a challenge for a Chiefs’ run defense down its starter at the point of attack: nose tackle Derrick Nnadi was ruled out with a tricep injury.

Veteran defensive tackle Mike Pennel will be relied on in his absence, but so will the entirety of the defensive line to not allow Cook easy access into open space. Look for defensive ends Charles Omenihu and Mike Danna to be used inside more often.

The linebackers must also hunt down Cook on handoffs to limit explosive runs. That can keep Buffalo behind the sticks, putting Josh Allen under pressure.

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~!@[WATCHLIVE!TV]>> NOW Portland Thorns FC vs Kansas City Current Match 𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄 Free Streams ON Tv Channel

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~!@[WATCHLIVE!TV]>> NOW Portland Thorns FC vs Kansas City Current Match 𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄 Free Streams ON Tv Channel


Portland Thorns FC vs Kansas City Current Match

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[WatchLive]TV!!!] Portland Thorns FC vs Kansas City Current 𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄 Streams ON Tv Channel

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[WatchLive]TV!!!] Portland Thorns FC vs Kansas City Current 𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄 Streams ON Tv Channel


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Predicting Which Kansas Basketball Players Will Stay or Transfer

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Predicting Which Kansas Basketball Players Will Stay or Transfer


With the offseason quickly ramping up, several Kansas basketball players will have a pivotal decision to make in the coming weeks. Those with remaining collegiate eligibility will have to determine whether they are returning to Lawrence or exploring other opportunities on the open market.

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The Jayhawks are no strangers to losing talent to the transfer portal, as five players departed to other schools last year (six if you include Flory Bidunga’s brief stint in the portal).

Although KU has the ability to retool its roster with transfers across the country, there are some guys whom the program would certainly like to retain. But which players will end up leaving the university for more favorable options, and how many will there be?

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Flory Bidunga: Declare for NBA Draft

Bidunga took the biggest leap of any player on the roster this offseason, seeing his scoring average nearly triple in addition to winning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. He is one of the most dominant rim protectors in the country and proved that by averaging 2.6 blocks per game.

After spending two years in Lawrence, Bidunga now has another critical decision to make after he nearly left last offseason. There have even been rumors of him transferring to another school, even with the NBA Draft on the radar.

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Mar 12, 2026; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward Flory Bidunga (40) drives to the basket around TCU Horned Frogs forward David Punch (15) during the first half at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images | William Purnell-Imagn Images

Most mock drafts place him in the early-to-mid second round range, leaving some potential for his stock to rise if he returned to college. However, as an undersized center who likely won’t develop a perimeter game anytime soon, it’s difficult to see where he could improve his draft position.

Going to the NBA feels like the smartest and most logical decision for Bidunga. He would complete his lifelong dream of playing in the pros and could develop at his own pace with a team willing to invest in him.

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Bryson Tiller: Stay at Kansas

A redshirt freshman who joined the team late last season, Tiller defied the odds and earned a spot in the starting rotation despite recovering from foot surgery. He was one of Bill Self’s most trusted options and formed a double-big pairing with Bidunga.

His final month or so of the season was quite abysmal, as he saw his averages plummet and his production take a massive hit. However, it is far too early to give up on the Overtime Elite product just yet.

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Tiller has a smooth post game and a lot of good attributes to his skill set. Bringing him back should be one of the biggest priorities for the coaching staff this offseason, and if he’s promised a starting spot at power forward next year, it is reasonable to assume he returns.

Elmarko Jackson: Transfer from Kansas

Jackson has endured a rough ride in Lawrence since committing to the Jayhawks as a McDonald’s All-American three years ago. Following an underwhelming freshman season, he missed the entire 2024-25 campaign due to a torn patellar tendon before returning this season, where he didn’t fare much better than two years ago.

Coming out of high school, Jackson was viewed as a player with immense potential. But after three years at the school with virtually no improvement, it might be best for him to spend his final two years of eligibility elsewhere.

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Mar 22, 2026; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Elmarko Jackson (13) controls the ball against St. John’s Red Storm guard Oziyah Sellers (4) in the first half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images | Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

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Unfortunately, allowing the game-winning basket to St. John’s that ultimately ended the season embodied what his tenure at KU has been like. That might be the last memory fans have of Jackson in the crimson and blue.

Kohl Rosario: Transfer from Kansas

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Rosario had high expectations going into the year, starting as a member of the starting five before eventually being phased out of the rotation. The Miami native was touted as a strong 3-point shooter coming into college, but massively struggled from beyond the arc for most of the year, leading to a difficult path to playing time.

Even when Rosario wasn’t hitting his shots, though, he contributed with his athleticism and on the glass as a hustle player. Rosario is absolutely someone the coaching staff should prioritize this offseason. However, it may be best for him to leave the program to look for other opportunities.

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Mar 3, 2026; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Kohl Rosario (7) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Desert Financial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

He showed flashes throughout the year yet was never trusted heavily by Coach Self. He proved he belonged in the rotation in the Big 12 and NCAA tournaments, where he made an immediate impact when he entered and outplayed other bench options.

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Ultimately, Rosario will already be competing with freshman wings Trent Perry and Luke Barnett for playing time next year. If the coaches are not going to give him minutes, there is little reason to believe he will stay another year at KU as such a high-potential player.

Paul Mbiya: Stay at Kansas

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After riding the pine for the majority of the regular season, Mbiya showed real promise in the NCAA Tournament, scoring a season-high eight points in the Round of 64 and playing strong minutes in place of Bidunga against St. John’s in the first half as he battled foul trouble.

With his otherworldly wingspan and frame, Mbiya feels like someone who could blossom into a star long-term. Even with his raw offensive game, he has traits that should allow him to improve once he refines his skill set.

Mbiya could technically transfer this offseason without it being a massive surprise, but that stretch at the end of the year may have been enough to earn Coach Self’s trust. At the very least, he could be playing double-digit minutes per game next year as the backup five.

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Jamari McDowell: Stay at Kansas

McDowell committed to Kansas as a member of the Class of 2023, making him and Jackson the longest-tenured players on the roster. He has been a steady bench piece who plays sparingly but offers defensive intensity and outside shooting when he enters the game.

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Unlike Jackson, McDowell didn’t have the same level of hype coming out of high school and was never viewed as much more than a role player. He is best suited to play short spurts off the bench to provide an offensive spark when needed.

Given his clear love for Kansas, his situation is far different from Jackson’s. McDowell feels like someone who is content with limited minutes and simply wearing a Jayhawk uniform with pride.



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