Chiefs vs Bills Week 11: The Most Anticipated Matchup of 2024
Week 11 brings us what could be the NFL’s game of the year as the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs (9-0) head to Highmark Stadium to face the surging Buffalo Bills (8-2). While Bills quarterback Josh Allen maintains this is “just another Week 11 game,” the stakes and storylines suggest otherwise.
The stakes are high
The implications of this matchup extend far beyond just another regular-season win:
- The Chiefs are looking to maintain their perfect record and continue their 15-game winning streak.
- Buffalo has a chance to close the gap in the race for the AFC’s top seed.
- A Bills win could provide a crucial tiebreaker for home-field advantage in a potential playoff rematch.
- The game could help determine who hosts the AFC Championship Game.
Recent history adds extra drama
The rivalry between these teams has produced some of the NFL’s most memorable games in recent years:
- Three of Buffalo’s last four seasons ended with playoff losses to Kansas City.
- The Bills have won the last three regular-season matchups (all at Arrowhead Stadium).
- Their last playoff meeting in January saw Buffalo suffer a second-half collapse at home.
Key Matchups to Watch
Several crucial battles could determine the outcome.
- Bills’ Depleted Receiving Corps vs. Chiefs’ Secondary
- Buffalo may be missing key receivers.
- Dawson Knox will need to step up in the passing game.
- The Chiefs’ defense ranks fifth in points allowed.
- Josh Allen vs. Steve Spagnuolo’s Defense
- Allen has historically performed well against the blitz.
- The Chiefs’ defensive coordinator has his unit playing at an elite level.
- Buffalo’s run game with James Cook needs to establish itself.
- Patrick Mahomes vs. Bills’ Defense
- Buffalo ranks second in total takeaways (19).
- The Bills’ defense has been strong in the red zone.
- The Chiefs’ offense has relied heavily on late-game heroics.
The regular-season edge
An interesting pattern has emerged in this rivalry:
- Josh Allen holds a 3-1 record against the Chiefs in regular-season games.
- Patrick Mahomes remains undefeated against Buffalo in the playoffs.
National Spotlight
The networks continue to recognize the significance of this matchup:
- CBS will broadcast its “NFL Today” show live from Buffalo.
- The pregame show will begin at 12 p.m. ET from Lot 6 at Highmark Stadium.
- Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET
Bill’s Mafia Impact
The passionate Buffalo fanbase adds another dimension to this showdown:
- Former Bill Ryan Fitzpatrick demonstrated the enduring connection between the team and its fans by offering to match Spencer Brown’s $12,000 fine.
- The home crowd at Highmark Stadium should provide a significant advantage.
The Bottom Line
Although both teams downplay this regular-season match, it’s clear it’s more than just a game. The winner will gain valuable momentum heading into the final stretch of the season and, more importantly, a psychological edge for what could be another playoff encounter in January.
Buffalo enters as a slight favorite (-2.5), but as history has shown, when these teams meet, anything can happen. The combination of Josh Allen vs. Patrick Mahomes, two elite defenses, and the electric atmosphere of Bills Mafia should make this another classic chapter in what has become the NFL’s most compelling rivalry.