Here is who national experts predict will win KC Chiefs at Buffalo Bills game
Week 11 is great for NFL fans because there are some high-profile games.
The Eagles beat the Commanders in Thursday’s matchup for the lead in the NFC East. There’s a huge AFC North tilt between the Steelers and Ravens on Sunday. But the biggest game unquestionably is the Chiefs-Bills showdown in Orchard Park, New York.
It’s a historic matchup in one way. CBS Sports noted this will be only the fifth time since 1970 that teams with eight wins or more meet in Week 11 or earlier. The Chiefs, 9-0, have already had their bye week, which makes it all the more special.
But can the Chiefs get past the 8-2 Bills? Here is who 83 experts are picking in the game, which starts at 3:25 p.m. and is being broadcast on KCTV (Ch. 5) and KWCH, (Ch. 12) in Wichita.
A 22-20 Chiefs win is the call from the Associated Press’ Rob Maaddi. Here is a passage from his story: “The Chiefs barely stayed undefeated thanks to a blocked field goal on the final play against Denver. Their plus-58 point differential is the lowest of any of the 34 teams that have started 9-0. But Patrick Mahomes relishes the underdog role. The Chiefs have won five straight games as underdogs, including a victory at San Francisco in Week 7. Mahomes is 11-3 during his career as an underdog.”
The Bills are the pick for seven of eight writers at CBS Sports: Pete Prisco, Will Brinson, Ryan Wilson, Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, John Breech and Jared Dubin. Going with the Chiefs is Tyler Sullivan. Prisco predicts a 27-23 score. Here is an excerpt from his story: “The Chiefs haven’t looked great on offense this season, while the Bills and Josh Allen have most of the time. This is one of those games Allen and the Buffalo offense will outplay the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes. Bills win it.”
The Chiefs will prevail 25-23, says the Sporting News’ Bill Bender. Here is part of what he wrote: “Mahomes is going to be asked to do more in this game. Mahomes has seven TDs and five INTs with an average of 31.5 rushing yards per game in ... regular-season games with the Bills. Both quarterbacks will let it rip in the second half, and we expect the same-as-usual instant classic.”
A 27-24 Buffalo win is the prediction from the Arizona Republic’s Jeremy Cluff. This is part of what he wrote: “The Bills have won five in a row and are a perfect 4-0 at Highmark Stadium. Josh Allen and Buffalo will win a thriller over Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.”
The Bills are the pick for six of eight writers at the Athletic: Chad Graff, Larry Holder, Ben Standig, Josiah Turner, Josh Kendall and Nick Kosmider. Going with the Chiefs: Austin Mock and Tashan Reed. This is from Stephen Louis Goldstein’s story: “This is top-shelf stuff. Sunday’s installment has the recognizable beats — Patrick Mahomes vs. Josh Allen leading two AFC inner-circle title contenders. But there are a few wrinkles that make this one especially cool. The Chiefs, of course, are going for an undefeated season. Kansas City acquired star veteran DeAndre Hopkins midseason, and Buffalo brought in Pro Bowl receiver Amari Cooper. Allen is on pace for the fewest interceptions of his pro career; Mahomes is on pace for the most of his. The defenses are both in the top 10 in points allowed. Chiefs pass rushers Chris Jones and George Karlaftis are among the best one-two punches off the edge. The Bills tout a top-heavy pass rush and are tied for fourth in turnover rate. Chiefs-Bills games seem to make new types of abstract art out of win-probability charts. Sunday’s game is the undisputed headliner of Week 11.”
Picking the Bills are four of the seven USA Today writers: Chris Bumbaca (21-17 final score), Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz (23-16), Richard Morin (31-30) and Jordan Mendoza (27-26). Taking the Chiefs are Jarrett Bell (24-21), Tyler Dragon (24-23) and Lorenzo Reyes (22-20). This is what Mendoza wrote: “Kansas City has gotten all sorts of magic to get to 9-0. That all stops this week. Josh Allen has played well against the Chiefs — in the regular season — and the Bills make a case to be the best AFC team by ending the perfect season in Kansas City.”
Going with the Chiefs are three of five writers at NFL.com: Ali Bhanpuri (24-23 final score), Brooke Cersosimo (26-23) and Dan Parr (24-21). Picking the Bills: Gennaro Filice (28-23) and Tom Blair (26-23). This is a snippet of what Filice wrote: “Fading Patrick Mahomes feels like fading the sun. But the best player in the sport is having his worst statistical season. And Kansas City hasn’t exactly rampaged its way to 9-0, winning seven games by one possession. Shoot, the Chiefs don’t even have the best point differential in their own division. And now they’re visiting a Bills team that has won 22 of its last 24 regular-season games at home and boasts the top point differential in the AFC this year.”
Picking the Chiefs are four of six Sports Illustrated writers: Albert Breer, Mitch Goldich, Gilberto Manzano and Matt Verderame. Going with Buffalo: Conor Orr and John Pluym.
Taking the Bills are eight of 10 experts at the NFL Network.
The Chiefs will win, say six of 10 Dallas Morning-News members: Tim Cowlishaw, Joey Hayden, Kevin Sherrington, Abraham Nudelstejer, Craig Miller and Damon Marx. Picking the Bills are Calvin Watkins, Newy Scruggs, David Moore and Dana Larson.
The Bills are the choice for six of the 11 ESPN experts: Stephania Bell, Mike Clay, Jeremy Fowler, Kalyn Kahler, Moses Moody and Seth Wickersham. Taking the Chiefs: Kimberly Martin, Jason Reid, Lindsey Thiry, Matt Bowen and Dan Graziano.
The Chiefs are the pick for three of four Buffalo News writers: Jay Skurski, Mark Gaughan and Ryan O’Halloran. Picking the Bills: Katherine Fitzgerald.
Picking the Chiefs are both Pro Football Talk writers: Mike Florio (24-23 final score) and Chris Simms (24-20).
Taking the Chiefs are four of seven SB Nation writers: JP Acosta, David Fucillo, Brandon Lee Bowton and Mark Schofield. Picking the Bills are James Dator, Jared Mueller and Matt Warren.
It’s a split decision from SiriusXM’s Bruce Murray and Rich Gannon.
This story was originally published November 17, 2024 at 6:02 AM.
