Chiefs vs. Bills 2013 game preview: Buffalo attempts to end Kansas City’s win streak
The Bills host the Chiefs in an AFC clash on Sunday.
The Kansas City Chiefs will travel to Buffalo to face the Bills in Week 9. The undefeated Chiefs are looking to expand their win total, but the Bills have been a tough out throughout the season. Buffalo remains without rookie quarterback and first-round pick E.J. Manuel, but backup Thad Lewis has performed admirably in his absence.
Kansas City's defense will look to stop Lewis from getting any offensive momentum. If Justin Houston and Tamba Hali can get to the quarterback, it could be a long day for the Buffalo crowd. If the Bills can put up points, then the Chiefs may have get out of their comfort zone and rely on big plays to top Buffalo.
Meet the Bills
The Bills enter Week 9 with a 3-5 record and are hoping to turnaround their season with an upset win over the Chiefs at home. Defensive end Mario Williams has been a major bright spot throughout the year and is among the top pass rushers in the league with 11 sacks. His ability to get to the quarterback has helped his secondary and linebackers create turnover. Rookie Kiko Alonso has been a major surprise and currently leads the team with four interceptions.
On offense, the Bills have relied heavily on the run game. While C.J. Spiller missed the Bills' recent loss to the Saints, he and Fred Jackson have been fixtures all year. Lewis will have to continue to be consistent and get the ball to Stevie Johnson to stay close in this game against the Chiefs.
Meet the Chiefs
The Chiefs feature the league’s best defense and currently own the NFL’s best unit at bringing down opposing quarterbacks. Justin Houston and Tamba Hali are both among the leaders in sacks and both are in the double-digits in quarterback takedowns. Kansas City’s defense is also able to produce turnovers with its impressive secondary.
On offense, the Chiefs are less impressive. Alex Smith has been able to manage the offense and avoid losing games, but offers very little as far as scoring goes. Running back Jamaal Charles has been productive but his ability to run has yet to open up the passing game. The 8-0 Chiefs are looking grab their ninth win of the year after winning just two in 2012.
Local Takes: Bills
Brian Galliford of Buffalo Rumblings believes Fred Jackson has been surprisingly good this season and could be a big part of the Bills’ attack moving forward:
He was supposed to be over the hill. He was supposed to play second fiddle to a high draft pick, just like he was supposed to play second fiddle pretty much every year of his career. 2013 was supposed to be the year that C.J. Spiller emerged as the Bills’ workhorse back. Instead, Spiller has been dinged up (and not as productive as expected when healthy), Jackson leads all Bills running backs in both playing time and touches, and the 32-year-old veteran continues to make big plays for a struggling offense that needs as many of those as it can get. Jackson remains as good as ever, and arguments that he’s the team’s mid-season MVP are valid. He’s also tied a career high with six rushing touchdowns in just eight games.
Local Takes: Chiefs
Joel Thorman of Arrowhead Pride believes rookie Marcus Cooper has played very well this season and is just another member of the Chiefs' great defense that the Bills will have to contend with:
He didn't do much in the first couple weeks of the season but he stepped up in a big way since then. Sure, he's been beaten but he's also played so well that the Chiefs had to find a way to get him on the field even if it meant moving Brandon Flowers, Dunta Robinson or others around.
Follow the Fun
Be sure to check out SB Nation’s team blogs, Arrowhead Pride and Buffalo Rumblings, for more analysis and highlights from the game.
Add these fine follows to your Twitter timeline:
Our first All-22 post of the week looks at #Bills DE/OLB Jerry Hughes in coverage vs. the Saints: http://t.co/WYyntySRsv
— Buffalo Rumblings (@BuffRumblings) October 29, 2013
Bills fans apparently making shirts for Chiefs (via @billsfantaticsbf) pic.twitter.com/IsWjcw6plL
— Arrowhead Pride (@ArrowheadPride) October 29, 2013
Prediction
Three of SB Nation’s NFL experts picked the Chiefs to remain undefeated while two picked the Bills to pull the upset.
Odds
The Chiefs are the 3.5-point road favorite against the Bills, according to OddsShark.
Next Week
The Chiefs will be on bye in Week 10, while the Bills will travel to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers.
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