The Buffalo Bills (5-2) return home off a statement beat and face the Kansas City Chiefs (5-3), setting up a classic clash of contrasts in Week 9. Led by a bruising ground attack, Buffalo dismantled Carolina in Week 8—James Cook racked up 216 rushing yards and two scores while the defense sacked Andy Dalton seven times in a 40-9 rout. Meanwhile, Kansas City has shuffled back into form, riding wins in their last two after a rough 0-2 start, and still boasting that high-octane Mahomes offense. Buffalo is hurting though. Defensive tackle Ed Oliver will undergo surgery for a torn biceps and is out indefinitely, leaving a sizeable void in the interior pass rush. And their receivers remain banged up: Joshua Palmer (ankle/knee) and Dalton Kincaid (oblique) both missed time in Week 8 and carry question marks. The Chiefs, despite injuries elsewhere, benefit from stability under Mahomes and a relatively lighter defensive injury report thus far. Betting markets have opened this one razor-thin: Chiefs favored by about 2-3 points on the road. The public leans toward a tight, high-scoring affair—expect the total to hover around the low 50s. But consider: Buffalo has been strong at home underdog, and Kansas City is still searching for consistency. If the Bills can control the clock with Cook and limit Mahomes’ opportunities off schedule, the spread could get ugly. National relevance is clear: a tiebreaker in the AFC Wild Card race, momentum for Mahomes chasing his fourth straight AFC West crown, and Josh Allen’s chance to finally flip the script against Kansas City post-season haunting. If Buffalo wins, they stun the betting world and reclaim narrative control. If KC takes it, they reinforce their dynasty case and prove their recent stumbles were just speed bumps. Expect fireworks and a title vibe Sunday.