If the Kansas City Chiefs (6-4) are going to stop their flame out, they’ll need to throttle through the Buffalo Bills (5-5) at Arrowhead Stadium Sunday.
For the Bills, the game offers a chance to get back into playoff contention after experimenting with a quarterback change. You can watch it thanks to the CBS network and its affiliates at 1 p.m. EST.
The Game: Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs (-10)
O/U: 46.5
The History
The Chiefs and Bill shave played 47 times with Buffalo leading the all time series 25-21-1.
Kansas City is currently riding a three game win steak over Buffalo beginning in 2013.
BUFFALO BILLS (5-5)
The Nathan Peterman era in Buffalo wrapped up almost as quickly as it began when the rookie quarterback tossed five interceptions in the first half in a 54-24 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers last week. I can’t blame head coach Sean McDermott for making the change and seeing what he had in Peterman. Everybody knows what he had in Taylor. It’s why Taylor will probably be playing for another team next year.
I know it sounds like I’m down on Taylor, and I am, but only as a starting NFL quarterback. He’s just not. He can win games and with a great defensive performance, he can even help a team get to the playoffs. If Taylor thinks he’s a starter and wants to go somewhere and compete for that job, he’ll be out of the NFL in a couple of years. If he’s willing to ride a bench and hold a Surface tablet, he can play for another decade. Hell, if I’m the Seattle Seahawks or Dallas Cowboys, signing Taylor as a back up next season is a top priority.
Having said all that, there’s no question that playing Taylor right now gives the Bills their best chance to win. I said as much last week when they benched him for Peterman. Last Sunday when Peterman got the hook, Taylor went 15 of 25 for 158 yards and a touchdown. He was sacked once.
LeSean McCoy had a solid game, racking up 114 yards and a touchdown on just 13 carries. Zay Jones made his presence known in the offense, catching four passes for 68 yards. He’ll need to be a factor again as Kelvin Benjamin is out with a knee injury. Cordy Glenn, John Miller and Mike Tolbert will all miss the game too.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (6-4)
So, Chiefs. What the hell? There is no excuse for what happened at Met Life Stadium last week when Kansas City lost in a field goal fest to the New York Giants, 12-9. They were coming off a bye and a 28-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. This should have been a cake walk. Instead, it was more of a walk of shame.
Alex Smith finished 27 of 40 for 230 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. The guy had thrown only one pick all season before that game. Andy Reid called a dumbass trick pass from Travis Kelce and that shit got picked off too. It was just terrible all the way around.
In this game, the Chiefs need to get back to what they know will work; running the ball and the play-action pass. Kareem Hunt had 18 carries for 73 yards last week, but was shut down in the passing game, catching three passes for four yards. Instead of dialing up the tight end option pass plays, Reid needs to get Hunt the ball in space, attack the seam with Kelce and push the ball downfield with Tyreek Hill. You know, the stuff that worked when the Chiefs were undefeated.
On defense, Dee Ford is out again with his back issue. Linebacker Terreance Smith will miss with a concussion. Allen Bailey, Albert Wilson and Tamba Hali are all questionable, but practiced and should play.
The Pick
This Chiefs swoon came out of nowhere. The loss to the Dallas Cowboys wasn’t awful, but that game against the Giants should be frightening to everyone hoping this was Kansas City’s year to go to the big dance. They control their own playoff destiny and I think they get it done over Buffalo in Arrowhead. Still, this is a team that needs to get back on track in a big way. Chiefs 29, Bills 24
This week
Straight up: 1-2
Against the spread: 1-2
Last week
Straight up: 5-8
Against the spread: 4-9
Season
Straight up: 92-67
Against the spread: 79-79
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