One key stat could be huge difference-maker in Chiefs-Bills
There's good news for a Kansas City Chiefs defense that is about to play against one of the NFL's best quarterbacks.That quarterback — Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills — leads an offense that's tied for the NFL's eighth-most giveaways (offensive interceptions and fumbles) in the league with 20. As Chiefs reporter Matt McMullen narrates in […]
There's good news for a Kansas City Chiefs defense that is about to play against one of the NFL's best quarterbacks.
That quarterback — Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills — leads an offense that's tied for the NFL's eighth-most giveaways (offensive interceptions and fumbles) in the league with 20.
As Chiefs reporter Matt McMullen narrates in this enlightening video, the Bills are 1-5 this season when turning the ball over two or more times in a game:
Meanwhile, Buffalo is 5-1 when turning the ball over one or fewer times. This stat means there's extra pressure on the Chiefs' defense to force the Bills into mistakes on Sunday.
Luckily, Allen averages slightly over one interception per game this season. Nabbing two picks — or forcing at least one offensive fumble in addition to a pick — could go a long way in keeping the ball out of Allen's hands and getting Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes a couple of extra possessions. With the Chiefs' offense not playing up to standard this year, Mahomes could certainly use those.
The flip side of the turnover stat
There's one thing the above stat doesn't mention, however. The team that's tied with the Bills for 20 giveaways? Yeah, that's the Chiefs.
Mahomes currently has 10 picks this year and is pacing for 14 — that would be the highest regular season total of his career. Combine that with the Chiefs' offense fumbling eight times this year, and you have a Chiefs-Bills game that could be tracking to be a turnover-heavy affair. It doesn't help K.C. that the Bills hold the league's second-most takeaways with 21 as well.
There are a couple of positive notes that favor the Chiefs in this regard. First, the Chiefs are returning linebacker Nick Bolton to their defense this Sunday. Bolton had an interception earlier this season and two last year, so he could provide an extra boost against Buffalo.
The other note is that, unlike the Bills, K.C. has been able to overcome its turnover issues many times this season. The Chiefs are 4-2 against opponents this year when turning the ball over two or more times in a game. So, even if the Chiefs give the ball away Sunday, they may be able to stay afloat and snag the victory.
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