Grant’s Slants: Evaluating Andy Reid’s greatness and Bills-Chiefs preview

Buffalo Bills @ Kansas City Chiefs Preview

The Bills are coming to town to face off with the Chiefs for the first time since last year’s AFC Championship. While the Chiefs won that game handily, they are currently leaving a lot to be desired. Opposite of the Chiefs, the Bills have looked like world-beaters. They have been top-notch on both sides of the ball, most recently dominating the hapless Houston Texans by a final score of 40-0.

The Chiefs must find some stability on defense and continue their dominating ways on offense. Josh Gordon is set to play and contribute in any way that he can. Although that is an excellent thing to consider, Kansas City’s defense has been simply attrocious.

The Chiefs have been better against red zone offenses but have struggled consistently in their efforts to get lined up correctly, stop the run, and find a pass-rush. With Josh Allen and the Bills bringing their talented squad to town, it is important that the Chiefs find a way to improve themselves this week. Especially, on defense.

Prediction: Chiefs 34, Bills 31

While I am typically bullish on the Chiefs, I can’t help but consider how badly this defense has performed. Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs could pick them apart if they are not properly prepared. That said, I would expect Buffalo to struggle in their attempts to slow down the Kansas City offense.

Andy Reid has shown a willingness to run the football in the last two weeks which has resulted in big gains for the offense. With Trey Smith and Creed Humphrey paving the way on the interior of the line, teams have struggled to get to the ball carrier at the line of scrimmage. I would expect more of the same this week. Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce catching passes in the middle of the field and Clyde Edwards-Helaire running through arm tackles at the second level should be a constant sight on Sunday night.

Buffalo will be a tough task for Kansas City, however. With Tyrann Mathieu and what seems like 10 other dudes, the defense has looked less than stellar. Allen has a cannon for an arm and an underrated group of receivers. While the running game is not normally very successful, it could find a rhythm for the first time all season against the Chiefs’ putrid run defense.

That said, I would expect the Chiefs to make a few plays here and there down the stretch. As always, the team will lean too much on Mahomes but will make one or two key plays that make the difference on defense.

Player of the Game: Travis Kelce

Not to “toot my own horn,” but these have been more accurate than I would have ever anticipated. While I am not a psychic, I use reason and logic behind each pick for the player of the game. This week, I am betting that Travis Kelce will have a big game.

While that is not out of the ordinary for him, I believe that the Bills do not have a favorable matchup there. Neither the linebackers or safeties are good enough to consistently take him on in coverage. While Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde are an excellent duo, they will likely be playing high to prevent the long pass to Tyreek Hill. Hill will also attract their best cover corner, Tre’Davious White. Kelce should find openings underneath all game long interspersed with Edwards-Helaire carries.