KC Chiefs vs. Bills recap: Quick thoughts from the Divisional Round

Second-tier options come up big

Everyone knows that wide receiver Tyreek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce are going to get theirs in a given game. It’s why both players are perennial Pro Bowlers and likely future Hall of Fame candidates in Canton when they’re ready to call it a career. But a big storyline on Sunday night was just how ready the Chiefs’ second-level skill position players on offense were able to step up and produce when called upon.

Running back Jerick McKinnon continued his strong postseason showing with another solid game working in tandem with Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who returned to play after missing three weeks. Mecole Hardman came up big on multiple plays, including the touchdown run on which he displayed both patience and top speed. Byron Pringle came up with multiple big catches to both keep drives going and gain six points. Tight end Noah Gray had small but important catches that moved the chains, too.

The Chiefs might not have gotten what they thought they would from a Josh Gordon signing, but in the absence of a Sammy Watkins-like receiver, the team has watched several other players lean into their roles and contribute when asked—even when the lights are as bright as they were on Sunday.