Two of the biggest arms in football, Josh Allen and reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes, face off for the first time. Both teams are coming off tough losses caused by lackluster defensive performances. Will the Bills be able to contain Tyreek Hill and Mecole Hardman? How are the Chiefs going to control Allen and his weapons?
Allen has silenced the critics this year. He has led the Buffalo Bills to a 4-1 record through five games while throwing for 1,589 yards and 14 touchdowns. He has been criticized for how much he turns the ball over, but he has only thrown three interceptions, one of which was a drop by Andre Roberts that resulted in a tipped ball, and another was a catch by Tyler Kroft that Rams’ safety John Johnson III ripped away from him.
Last week, the Titans kept him under control. If the Bills want to be successful, they’re going to have to let Allen throw the ball deep. John Brown, Stefon Diggs, and Gabriel Davis have to create space deep. The Bills really missed the presence of superstar cornerback Tre’Davious White and coverage linebacker, Matt Milano last week. Both of these guys as well as John Brown and interior offensive lineman Quinton Spain are questionable. Tight end Dawson Knox is the only Bill that has been ruled inactive for Monday’s showdown.
Mahomes is quietly near the top of the MVP race with Allen and Russell Wilson right now. He has 1,474 passing yards with 15 total touchdowns and only one interception. He is going to have to look to pick apart Josh Norman after Norman’s poor showing against Tennessee. His connection with Hill is going to be crucial for the offense to show out; Hill has yet to accrue a 100-yard receiving game this year. It might be tough sledding for Clyde Edwards-Helaire as the Buffalo defense has been stingy when it comes to giving running backs any room to operate. If Milano is limited or inactive, Travis Kelce could have a field day with Tyrel Dodson or even Tremaine Edmunds in coverage. The Chiefs enter Monday without wide receiver Sammy Watkins. Franchise offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz carries a questionable designation as well.
This could be a game of offensive firepower with a serious lack of defense, or the Bills could flop as they did against Tennessee. The key to the game for Buffalo is to keep Mahomes on the sidelines for as long as possible. They need to establish the run game and take time-consuming drives. Kansas City has to shut down the run and pressure Allen. When he feels a lot of pressure, he’s far more apt to make mistakes.
Game Info
Date: October 19, 2020
Start Time: 4:00 P.M. cst
Location: Kansas City, MO
Stadium: Arrowhead Stadium
TV Info: FOX
Betting Odds Sponsored by Jazz Sportsbook
Points Spread: KC -5 (-110) | BUF +5 (-110)
Moneyline: KC -230 | BUF +190
Over/Under: O 56.5 (-110) | U 56.5 (-110)
Given the two team’s high-powered offenses and struggling defenses, taking the over is the best play. While five points isn’t a lot, backing the Bills with the points is the smarter bet. If you like the Chiefs, take them on the Moneyline.
Prediction
With Buffalo likely getting White and Milano back, they are going to hold Patrick Mahomes relatively in check. Kansas City will be fiery coming off a divisional loss and their defense will make some big plays against Allen and the Bills.
Final Score: Kansas City Chiefs 27, Buffalo Bills 23
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