Buffalo secured a 28-21 victory over Kansas City on Sunday, improving their regular season record against the Chiefs to 5-1. Quarterback Josh Allen completed 23 of 26 passes for 273 yards and one touchdown, also adding two rushing touchdowns. Tight end Dalton Kincaid had his second game of over 100 receiving yards this season and scored a touchdown. Running back James Cook contributed with 114 rushing yards on 27 carries.
On defense, safety Cole Bishop led the team with seven tackles and four passes defensed. The Bills’ defense sacked Patrick Mahomes three times, with contributions from Joey Bosa, Michael Hoecht, Greg Rousseau, and Christian Benford.
Analysts offered several key observations following the game. Joe Rivera, Tom Viera, and Jacob Camenker from USA TODAY highlighted rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston’s late-fourth quarter interception as a pivotal moment: “If Hairston can continue to make plays and stay with speed receivers, it will give the Bills an element their defense previously lacked on the outside.” They also noted Allen’s performance keeps him in contention for MVP honors: “Allen continues to perform at a high level and was particularly sharp against the Chiefs … The 29-year-old has gotten more support this season from James Cook, but he should still put himself in the conversation to be the NFL’s first back-to-back MVP since Aaron Rodgers in 2020 and 2021.”
Pat McAfee discussed Buffalo’s approach during his show: “It’s much better to win than it is to lose in these games and if you watch the way this game went, boy, that Bills team beat the h— out of Patrick Mahomes… It’s like this Bills team has a little bit of a different attitude maybe. They seem to be the ones that want to be the aggressors… Defense thumpin’ this Kansas City Chiefs team as much as they did and obviously making plays all over the place and getting a huge win, great for the Buffalo Bills.”
Garrett Podell of CBS Sports emphasized Allen’s efficient passing—an 85.5 completion percentage—and praised Kincaid’s impact: “Allen was masterful… while also adding 19 yards on the ground and two goal line rushing touchdowns … Allen Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid proved to be the X factor in the passing game with just the second 100-yard receiving of his career…”
Head coach Sean McDermott commented on Bishop’s growth after Sunday’s game: “I felt Cole out there. Making big plays, you can sense his speed… That’s, again, the journey of a young player who is taking steps in the right direction…”
Ralph Vacchiano from FOX Sports compared Allen-Mahomes matchups to previous quarterback rivalries: “They are…the Tom Brady-Peyton Manning of their era — a matchup everyone wants to see…” He also credited James Cook’s role in Buffalo’s offense: “The Bills’ offense still has juice. That’s because Allen has never played with a more potent running back than … James Cook…”
Kyle Brandt from Good Morning Football gave his Game Ball for Week 9 to Bosa: “My Game Ball goes to who I believe was the most dominant player in the fourth quarter… Joey Bosa… He was on top of his game…”
Matt Bove at WKBW Buffalo called Hairston and Bishop “unsung heroes”: “…rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston…was all smiles as he recalled his first career interception against Mahomes… Not to be outdone, second-year safety Cole Bishop was all over…”
On The Colin Cowherd Podcast, John Middlekauff said Buffalo needed this win given their AFC East standing below New England after Week 9: “This year for the Bills, you just have to hold serve with Patriots…” Cowherd added that Buffalo’s defensive intensity affected Mahomes’ play.
Afterward, Josh Allen praised Kincaid’s development: “He’s an absolute stud. He continues to get better and better… my relationship and my trust in him is only going to continue to grow.”
