Week 11 in the NFL brought more chaos, with at least five games on Sunday being decided by a single score. Notably, the Green Bay Packers and Indianapolis Colts won their games by just one point. Meanwhile, as a result of their performance, the Buffalo Bills have earned the title of our NFL Team of the Week for the second time this season, having previously received this honor in Week 8.
Joshua Patrick Allen is Him
Josh Allen was a huge reason why the Bills handed the Chiefs their first loss in 15 games (dating back to last year). In this wildly exciting contest, Allen went 27-for-40 with 262 yards and one passing touchdown. Known for being a dynamic player, Allen was also the Bills’ leading rusher with 12 carries for 55 yards and a game-sealing rushing touchdown.
At the end of the game, Patrick Mahomes had completed 23 of 33 passes for 196 yards, along with three touchdowns and two interceptions. This indicates that Allen was more careful with the football, even when throwing deep passes 20-plus yards downfield.
Mahomes’ final interception ultimately ended the Chiefs’ hopes for an undefeated season. Allen has significantly improved his deep-ball game compared to previous seasons, an area where Patrick Mahomes had always outperformed him. This past Sunday, Allen demonstrated why he deserves to be in the MVP conversation.
4th-and-2, two point game vs. the Chiefs. And Josh Allen does that. 26-yard TD run. Incredible play. pic.twitter.com/Xx7Jrbm6J8
— Alaina Getzenberg (@agetzenberg) November 18, 2024
Bills’ Receivers Stepped Up
The Bills are undeniably a fantastic team. However, they have been plagued by injuries this season, particularly at the wide receiver position. Before the game, tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) and rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman (wrist) were both ruled out due to injuries.
In addition to Coleman, Amari Cooper dealt with a wrist injury but played through it. Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins were also managing ailments.
This situation meant that other players in the wide receiver corps needed to step up, and they did just that. Buffalo’s leading receiver was Khalil Shakir, who recorded eight catches for 70 yards. Next was Samuel, who made five catches for 58 yards and also scored a passing touchdown. Following them, Dawson Knox, Hollins, and Cooper combined for eight catches and 122 yards.
Bills’ Defense Showed Out
Buffalo’s defense has been exceptional all season, and they upheld that impressive performance in this game. The Bills’ defense picked off Patrick Mahomes not just once, but twice, with Terrel Bernard and Taylor Rapp each making a crucial interception. Throughout the game, the Chiefs struggled, experiencing several drives that ended in three-and-outs, largely due to Buffalo’s strong defensive play.
Terrel Bernard is one of the smartest football players I’ve ever seen https://t.co/EyzaELBeXj
— Kevin Massare (@KevinMassare) November 18, 2024
Additionally, the Bills were able to penetrate Kansas City’s formidable offensive line and sack Mahomes twice. Bernard, who had a spectacular game, and Von Miller each took down Mahomes once.
The key to Buffalo’s success in this game was their ability to apply constant pressure on Mahomes, forcing him to make mistakes that are rarely seen from him. They did this all without Matt Milano, who is still sidelined with a bicep injury.
The Bills ultimately accomplished something that had not been achieved in 15 games, dating back to last season: they defeated the Chiefs.
With this loss, the Chiefs’ impressive nine-game winning streak this season comes to an end.
Unless something catastrophic happens, it appears that the Bills have the AFC East title secured. The matchup between Mahomes and Allen has emerged as a new heavyweight quarterback rivalry, reminiscent of the legendary battles between Tom Brady and Peyton Manning from years past.
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