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In Week 8, the Chiefs delivered a comprehensive 28–7 win at home over the Washington Commanders. Patrick Mahomes threw for 299 yards and three touchdowns despite two early interceptions, while Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice combined for big-play receiving nights. Kareem Hunt chipped in with two touchdowns on the ground. Defensively, Kansas City held Washington to just 260 total yards and shut down their offense after halftime. (arrowheadpride.com) Through seven games, the Chiefs have been upgraded—or upgraded themselves—on both sides of the ball. Offensively, Mahomes remains supremely efficient, particularly through intermediate reads and pre-snap motion, while the running game has become more than just an adjunct with Hunt and backups stepping up when needed. Defensively, the pass rush has had spurts, turnover generation stays above average, and situational defense—which includes third-down stop rate and scoring percentage in the red zone—has shown improvement.
Injuries
Offense – Isiah Pacheco – Status: OUT (MCL sprain) (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) Defense – *No major new injury updates reported*
Coaching & Scheme
Offensively, Andy Reid leans into an evolved version of his spread offense paired with built-in max protects, all meant to create space for Mahomes to manipulate coverages. Pre-snap motion and shifts are staples, allowing receivers like Rice, tight end Kelce, and deep threats to beat man or get favorable matchups in zone. When the run works—especially early—it softens linebackers and frees up Mahomes conditions to improvise. Defensively, Steve Spagnuolo has tweaked his unit to be more hybrid: defensive fronts that shift between 3-4 and nickel, depending on matchup, with more emphasis on fourth-down defense and explosive play prevention. The rush, while not elite in sustained pressure, has made timely plays: jump-ball coverage in the red zone, tight containment on rollouts, and awareness to limit yards after catch.
Matchup Analysis
In Buffalo this Sunday, Kansas City will try to isolate matchups in the passing game; expect heavy usage of tight ends in seams, picks and rub routes to test Buffalo’s linebackers and open targets for Rice over the middle. Mahomes will need clean pockets, which—given Buffalo’s emerging edge rush—won’t be easy. The loss of Pacheco weakens Kansas City’s early-down run threat, meaning they may lean pass-heavy early, opening themselves up to predictable blitzes. Buffalo’s front line can challenge zones especially if they crowd outside gaps and force Mahomes to step up. In coverage, Kansas City will want single-high safety shells with man coverage over the top to contain deep shots, especially late. Time of possession looks like a Bills advantage if they can hang on to the football.
Team Summary
This Chiefs squad remains dangerous: Mahomes is playing with unfinished business, and their weapons are deep. But without Pacheco, their run fits become more limited, meaning they must protect throughout. Defensively, they are better in key zones and down-and-distance, but they don’t yet inspire total trust against power rushing teams. Their win over Washington showcased that when Mahomes is clean, they can dominate—but if Buffalo can disrupt pass protection and control pace, this game could get dicey. A field position battle and situational football—third- and fourth-downs, turnovers—may determine the winner.
Key Takeaway
Kansas City enters slightly favored at –1.5, but the line is razor-thin and Buffalo’s strengths align well to counter many of KC’s paths to victory. ---