Why the Chiefs’ receivers had such a big night in AFC Championship Game win vs. Bills
Before any interview, the Chiefs’ wide receivers group had a task to complete: a team photo, wearing AFC Championship hats and T-shirts. And smiles.
Wait. A couple of guys were missing. Take 2.
They finally got the shot, and there were plenty of reasons to pose. A week after just one of the Chiefs’ wide receivers caught a pass against Houston, five pitched and helped pushed the Chiefs past the Buffalo Bills 32-29 in a thriller on Sunday at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Rookie Xavier Worthy led the way with six receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown. Marquise “Hollywood” Brown caught passes from Patrick Mahomes on the Chiefs’ first two snaps.
JuJu Smith-Schuster completed the longest play of the game for the Chiefs with a 31-yard reception. He also had one for 29 yards.
And DeAndre Hopkins recorded his first postseason reception since 2019 and advanced to the first Super Bowl of his decorated NFL career.
Although it won’t be added to his season totals, Justin Watson came up with a huge play, too, streaking across the back of the end zone for a two-point conversion reception after the Chiefs’ final touchdown.
“On got-to-have-it plays, we feel like we’ve got the guys who can step up,” Brown said.
This group didn’t start the season together. Not in its entirety. Worthy was the team’s first-round draft pick, and Brown was the big free-agent signing. Watson, in his third season with the Chiefs, is the experienced hand.
Smith-Schuster signed in the preseason and Hopkins joined in a trade with the Tennessee Titans in Week 7.
Now they’re headed to the Super Bowl to meet the Philadelphia Eagles on Feb. 9. Hopkins, a 12-year veteran, was especially emotional after Sunday’s win, soaking in the on-field celebration.
“I’ve been in this league for 12 years, and I haven’t gotten this far,” Hopkins said. “I’m taking it in. Hopefully, I’ll be able to take it in after the next game.”
This big game happened a week after only Worthy, among the wideouts, caught a pass in the Chiefs’ AFC Divisional Round game against the Houston Texans.
“I mean we weren’t part of the game-plan,” Worthy said. “We have other ways to win. It just shows our versatility as a team.”
But in this tense struggle between the AFC’s top two seeds, the Chiefs needed all of their strengths, and Mahomes served noticed of the team’s intention as soon as the Chiefs got the ball. First down, strike to Brown for 11 yards. Second down, quick slant to Brown for nine more.
The 31-yard Smith-Schuster reception came later on that series, which ended with a Kareem Hunt touchdown run as the Chiefs took a 7-0 lead.
After the Bills went ahead 10-7, the Chiefs responded with Worthy’s first career postseason touchdown. From the 11, he broke outside from the slot, caught the ball at the 6 and dove across the goal line.
But the next series produced Worthy’s highlight play. Under duress, Mahomes lofted a pass toward the pylon and Worthy. But Bills safety Cole Bishop appeared poised to snare an interception.
Bishop and Worthy tangled and Worthy fought for possession. He came up with the ball and the play survived a replay review.
The Chiefs had the ball at the 3 and two plays later scored a touchdown for a 21-10 lead.
“Any ball in that area was mine,” Worthy said.
On a night when tight end Travis Kelce, coming off a huge game against the Texans, was limited to two catches for 19 yards and running backs Isiah Pacheco and Samaje Perine caught the final two passes on the game-clinching possession, the Chiefs’ wide receivers had a heck of a game.
“We found a way to get it done,” Brown said. “And It’s a surreal feeling, and just to be in this position is a blessing.”
This story was originally published January 27, 2025 at 6:00 AM.