As the Buffalo Bills start the second half of their season this weekend, it is impossible to ignore how tough the remaining schedule is. Six out of those eight opponents are at least 5-3, the only exceptions being the Jets and Raiders. The Kansas City Chiefs come into Orchard Park this weekend rolling. Winners of three straight and four of their last five, the Chiefs have found their winning formula. Kansas City is one of the most fundamentally sound teams in the league. They lead the NFL in rushing with a now healthy Jamaal Charles and Kniles Davis. Quarterback Alex Smith has been very steady in his two years in Kansas City only throwing 11 interceptions in 24 games. The Chiefs are led by Dwayne Bowe at wide out and Travis Kelce at tight end. Overall, Kansas City has the 26th ranked offense in the league, but their biggest strength is the defense, led by Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson, Justin Houston, and Eric Berry. With the Bills poor offensive line, the Chiefs should be able to apply a ton of pressure on Kyle Orton.
Hopefully the bye week gave the Bills some time to work in more creative schemes into the offense. Even though the Bills won by 20 points against New York, the vanilla offense was still on display. Luckily, the Bills were bailed out by six Jets turnovers. The play calling isn't the only thing that is questionable at One Bills Drive. Sammy Watkins left practice on Wednesday with a groin injury while Fred Jackson is trying to make a comeback after his knee injury in week 7. Both players are listed as questionable for Sunday. Rushing the ball will be crucial for Buffalo this week going against this very strong run defense. Specifically on first down, where the Bills are near the bottom of the NFL. Avoiding 3rd & long will help the Bills move the ball more effectively and keep the pressure off of Orton. Another thing to keep an eye on for this game is Kyle Orton going against his former team. In a very close matchup between two 5-3 teams, it could very well come down to which QB makes the fewest mistakes.
Three Keys to the Game:
1. Give Orton Some Time: To me, this game comes down to Buffalo's O-line v.s Kansas City's D-line. If they can give Orton time to sit in the pocket, he should find holes in that secondary. If not, then it could be a long day. Dialing up some play-action passes could open things up as well.
2. Know Your Opponent: The Buffalo Bills should take a long, hard look at last year's game against the Chiefs. The Bills doubled them in yards, yet lost the game because of crucial turnovers. Understand that Kansas City won't kill themselves with careless penalties and turnovers. No turnovers, control the clock, and capitalize when you get in the red zone.
3. Start Strong: Coming back against the Chiefs is always a tall task so getting an early lead in the 1st quarter is crucial. It has been a problem for the Bills, especially at home so get the crowd going early with some big plays.
My Prediction: Huge game for the AFC Wild Card picture with two 5-3 teams. The Bills being at home and coming off a bye looks good, but they always seem to lose every game I go to. That being said, I like the Chiefs in this one.
Kansas City 24 Buffalo 21 OT
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