Three questions: The Bills are at a 31-year high. What does that say about them – and the Chiefs game?
Three questions on our mind after Sunday’s 30-20 Bills victory over the Indianapolis Colts.
1 What does the 8-2 start say about Bills?
It says that expectations, hopes, dreams – whatever you want to call your outlook – now are higher for this season than most expected in September.Buffalo hasn't started 8-2 since the 1993 season. That was 31 years ago. Amazing. Few people had the Bills sitting 8-2 at this point, and nobody expected them to hold a five-game lead in the AFC East.
The Bills still look like an underdog in the AFC this year to Kansas City and Baltimore. But the Bills actually have a chance to be in stronger position than they were in each of the past two Januarys, with the key factor being health. They held the No. 2 seed last year, but they were ravaged by injuries on defense for the Kansas City game.
Regardless of what happens next week against Kansas City, it’s still too early to start playing out scenarios for the Bills come playoff time. Beat the teams you’re supposed to beat and see where the chips fall.
Bills defensive tackle Jordan Phillips engages the crowd. Harry Scull Jr., Buffalo News
2 Why was the Bills' offense so sloppy?
It was slightly encouraging, given that Josh Allen made two big mistakes – the interceptions – that he doesn’t usually make. The Bills rolled up 415 yards of offense, second-most of the season, despite missing Amari Cooper and Keon Coleman. It’s good to know the passing game isn’t completely sunk with both Cooper and Coleman out.It’s obvious that Khalil Shakir is the indispensable wide receiver on the team. He’s the stir that mixes the drink (after Allen, of course).
It’s time to give a bouquet to Mack Hollins, who made key contributions for the second straight game. Curtis Samuel showed some life, which he'll need to continue to do in the coming weeks. Dawson Knox made a play, and he may need to produce more the next few weeks.
But with a great quarterback and a good offensive line, an offense can cobble together scoring drives. It was Kansas City’s formula all last season.
3 How will injuries affect them vs. Kansas City?
The Bills probably are going to have to get it done ugly on offense against Kansas City. It will be an upset if either Cooper or Coleman is ready to face the Chiefs. Could happen, but don’t bet on it. Dalton Kincaid dinged his knee in Indianapolis. He might be out.Kansas City’s defense is playing great. By every measure – yards, efficiency and other advanced analytics – the Chiefs are top-four in the NFL against the run. The Chiefs won’t be afraid to play man coverage against Buffalo’s backup wideouts. The Bills are going to have to piece drives together against the Chiefs and get some breaks.
Kansas City’s offense, however, also is dinged up and has not been dominant. The Chiefs have cracked 350 yards on offense in just three games. The Bills have done it six games. The Chiefs will be without their top running back, Isaiah Pacheco, and their wide receiver corps is all banged up. There will be a lot of factors to chew on for the next six days.