BY TRISTAN SASSE
After starting strong to begin the 2017 season, two teams in recent slumps met from Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri on Sunday, November 26. The Kansas City Chiefs hosted the Buffalo Bills in an AFC showdown. Entering Sunday, Kansas City had lost four of their last five games, while Buffalo was losers of three straight. In a must win situation for both teams, the Bills would end victorious, 16-10. The Chiefs currently hold a one game lead over the Chargers for the AFC West division lead. Buffalo moved into the final AFC playoff spot with the win.
Game Recap
Offensive woes continued for Kansas City after failing to find the end zone a week ago. The Chiefs only had 18 yards on their first four drives. The first five drives resulted in a three-and-out. Buffalo capitalized off Kansas City’s miscues with an 11-yard touchdown pass from Tyrod Taylor to Zay Jones near the end of the first quarter.
Stephen Hauschka tacked on a 34-yard field goal, early in the second quarter, to give the Bills a 10-0 lead. Hauschka missed a 52-yard attempt near the end of the first half. On the ensuing drive, Alex Smith found Demetrius Harris for a 28-yard reception to move the ball deep in Buffalo territory. Harrison Butker answered with a 45-yard field goal in the closing minutes of the half. Hauschka redeemed himself with a 56-yard field goal to end the half. The Bills went into halftime ahead 13-3.
Buffalo had 199 yards in the opening half, while holding Kansas City to 57. The Bills also had 13 first downs, while only giving up one. For Kansas City, Smith completed 4-of-11 passes for 41 yards in the half.
After a dismal offensive performance in the opening half, Kansas City found the end zone on their first drive of the second half. Smith connected with Albert Wilson for a 19-yard touchdown to cap off an 85-yard drive. The drive also included two receptions by Travis Kelce for 35 total yards. Shortly after, Hauschka added his third field goal on the afternoon with 6:52 remaining in the third quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Buffalo was threatening but Kansas City forced a punt midway through the quarter. The Chiefs answered by moving the ball, but turned the ball over on downs with under three minutes to play. Kansas City forced a three-and-out and had one final chance with 2:28 remaining. When the Chiefs were advancing into Bills territory, Smith threw an interception to Tre’Davious White with just over a minute left. Buffalo would hold on to win 16-10.
By the Numbers
The Chiefs finished with 236 yards of offense, while the Bills had 268. For Kansas City, Smith completed 23-of-36 attempts for 199 yards. Kareem Hunt was held to 17 rushing yards on 11 carries. Tyreek Hill led the Chiefs with 41 yards, while Kelce added 39.
On a positive note, Butker set a Kansas City record with 23 consecutive successful field goal attempts.
For Buffalo, Taylor was 19-of-29 passing for 183 yards and a touchdown. LeSean McCoy had 49 rushing yards on 22 attempts. Charles Clay led all receivers with 60 yards.
Looking Ahead
Kansas City (6-5) will travel to East Rutherford, New Jersey for the second time in three weeks and face the New York Jets (4-7). Buffalo (6-5) will return home to play AFC East division rival, the New England Patriots (9-2).