Bills expert reveals a player who could give the Chiefs fits that they are all too familiar with from a different rivalry
The Kansas City Chiefs are set to take on the Buffalo Bills, in a game where they are not only trying to keep their undefeated streak alive but a game that could have major first-seed implications late in the season. The Bills seem to be the second-best team in the AFC right now, and one […]
The Kansas City Chiefs are set to take on the Buffalo Bills, in a game where they are not only trying to keep their undefeated streak alive but a game that could have major first-seed implications late in the season. The Bills seem to be the second-best team in the AFC right now, and one of the best teams in the entire NFL. And, as we know, these teams always put on a show when they play one another.
This is one of the best rivalries in the sport, especially when you consider that it's not a historical rivalry or a divisional one. They play twice a year, every year, it feels like, but that's because they are both good enough to always see one another in the postseason.
Now, the Chiefs are traveling to Orchard Park, in what is a game they could very well lose seeing how they have played this year. The Chiefs are 9-09, but could easily be below .500. So, because of how big this game is, we talked to A to Z Sports' Buffalo writer and expert Jon Helmkamp and asked him a few questions.
4 burning questions for Chiefs vs. Bills in Week 11
Who’s one Buffalo Bills player on the offense that has been sneaky good this year that maybe Chiefs fans don’t know about?
Honestly, it might be Mack Hollins, who has had flashes of big plays and also is a terrific blocker. A wide receiver that can block down the field doesn’t show up in the stat sheet, but it’s crucial to springing other players for chunk plays. His ability to stretch a defense vertically, make big contested catches, and seal the edge for, say Khalil Shakir and/or James Cook, makes him a valuably “glue guy” on the Bills' offense.
And what about on the defense?
I’d give the nod to Dorian Williams, the linebacker playing in place of the injured Matt Milano (who just had his 21-day practice window opened but won’t play Sunday against the Chiefs). Williams is athletic and has a quick trigger, flying to the ball. He can occasionally get caught looking in the wrong direction, especially on pass plays, so I do worry about him handling the Chiefs’ misdirection, but he currently leads the team in tackles and is always around the ball.
Shakir seems to be a guy that Allen has been targeting a lot in the last few games. Is that because of two other guys being out, or is there a genuine connection there?
This is important, and I want everyone to know this — Khalil Shakir is the Bills’ WR1. He’s absolutely pivotal to what Buffalo does. Josh Allen and the coaching staff all rave about him, and now that he’s back and healthy from his early-season ankle injury, he’s back to being the high-volume, YAC receiver that they want him to be. You’ll see him get designed touches on screens, where he turns into essentially a running back with the ball in his hands, you’ll see him attack linebackers and put them in a blender, and occasionally, you’ll see him work deep down the field. He has the most reliable hands in the NFL, elite contact balance, and is truly special after the catch. He’s the truth.
The Chiefs are having major issues at the left tackle spot, is that an area where you can see the Bills taking big advantage this week?
If the Chiefs are having troubles at left tackle, that’s a major win for the Bills, who will line up Greg Rousseau at that spot for a large majority of the game. “Groot” is in the midst of a big breakout season, and while he doesn’t have league-leading numbers in sacks with six, and has more than twice as many pressures (41) as the second-most on the team (Ed Oliver with 20). Rousseau is a menace, and will be a crucial piece in affecting Mahomes in this game.
After their game against the Bills, the Chiefs will go on to face the Carolina Panthers before playing the Las Vegas Raiders, two games that show this schedule is only going to get easier after a brutal start.
Bills aren’t ruling out key defensive player just yet ahead of clash against Chiefs
Fingers crossed for good news.
