Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio550) - The Buffalo Bills will look to win their second-straight game and sixth of the season when they face the Kansas City Chiefs at Highmark Stadium on Sunday.
To do it, here are my three keys to the game, plus notes and stats:
1.) Force a few stops
The Chiefs come into this game averaging the most plays per-drive (7.2) and yards per-drive (40.9) in the NFL. It's a big reason they've only punted 19 times - the second-fewest in the league - and an average of only 2.4 times per-game. Kansas City has also only turned the ball over four times all season.
The Bills defense needs to force either more punts or a turnover (and maybe a couple), which means being better than their 40.24% allowed on third-down defense.
They can't allow the Chiefs offense to control the game.
2.) Get to Mahomes!
Another way to help get stops is to get to Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Not just around him, but getting him on the ground, and not allowing him to extend plays.
With Isiah Pacheco out, Mahomes comes into this game as the Chiefs' leading rusher with 280 yards and averaging 6.1 yards per-carry. Much of that is scrambling after defenses could not corral him.
The Bills need to. That will force long-yardage situations and more opportunities to make plays or get stops.
3.) Somehow, some way, unlock the passing game
As good as the Bills are running the ball, they can't live with just relying on the run game to beat a team like the Chiefs. They'll have to start throwing the ball better than they have been, and to anyone who is open.
Getting running backs involved. Taking advantage of tight ends. Wide receivers have to win.
Kansas City is last in the NFL, forcing QB hurries on just 3.4% of opposing drop backs. Josh Allen should have some opportunities in the pocket, and when that happens, he can't bail on it too soon.
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