The Buffalo Bills are preparing for their upcoming game against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs, but despite the excitement surrounding the matchup, coach Sean McDermott is keeping things in perspective.
While the Bills have won the last three regular-season games between the two teams, what really matters is the postseason, where Buffalo has struggled.
They have lost all three of their playoff meetings with the Chiefs since 2020, including a tough 27-24 loss at home in January, when a missed field goal late in the game sealed their defeat.
McDermott also refuses to discuss a controversial decision from their 42-36 overtime loss in Kansas City three years ago, a game that became known for the Chiefs’ quick 13-second drive to set up a game-tying field goal.
This Sunday’s game doesn’t carry playoff elimination stakes, but it’s still a big opportunity. The Bills are already in a good position for the playoffs, and a win would bring them closer to the Chiefs in the race for the top AFC seed.
It’s also a chance for Buffalo to prove they are a serious contender in the conference, after padding their record against teams with losing records.
The Bills’ 8-2 start has been impressive, especially considering they’ve had to adjust after key departures in the offseason. Despite some setbacks, like injuries to key players and a few turnovers by quarterback Josh Allen, the team has rallied together to secure key wins.
The defense has stepped up in recent games, including forcing four turnovers in a 30-20 victory against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
Allen admitted that he hasn’t been perfect, with four interceptions in his last three games, but the team’s ability to win as a group has kept them at the top of their division. The defense, led by cornerback Taron Johnson’s pick-6 in Indianapolis, has been a major factor in their success.
However, against a quarterback like Patrick Mahomes, who is much more mobile and dangerous than Joe Flacco, the Bills’ defense will need to step up even more.
McDermott is focused on taking things one game at a time, not getting caught up in the hype surrounding the matchup. He acknowledged that while the media might be making a lot of noise about the game, he keeps his attention on what his team needs to do to continue improving.
