The Kansas City Chiefs pulled out a gutsy victory in the divisional round over the Buffalo Bills. The defending Super Bowl champions held on for the 27-24 win, punching their ticket to another AFC Championship game.
Patrick Mahomes proved he could win on the road in the postseason with a magnificent performance. Travis Kelce and Isiah Pacheco set the tone with early production and carrying on throughout the night. Marquez Valdes-Scantling picked a great time to have his best game of the year after such a dreadful year receiving during the regular season.
On defense, the unit pushed forward following injuries to safety Mike Edwards and linebacker Willie Gay. The final Bills drive was thwarted by the effort of Chris Jones, slightly disrupting Josh Allen’s shot in the endzone for a potential go-ahead touchdown pass. Critical plays by Tent McDuffie, Justin Reid, and L’Jarius Sneed helped to slow the Buffalo passing game in the second half.
The Chiefs set their sights on another AFC title game for the sixth consecutive season, but this time on the road away from Arrowhead Stadium. The top-seeded Baltimore Ravens await them in their quest to win back-to-back Super Bowl titles.
Here’s a look at how the stock is trending for some players after the divisional round victory at Highmark Stadium:
Stock Up: Patrick Mahomes
It was the first road post-season game and victory away from Arrowhead Stadium for Mahomes. The hungry Buffalo crowd didn’t rattle the reigning league MVP, as he controlled the offense all night. He ended the night with 215 yards passing and two touchdowns while scrambling for 19 yards.
Stock Up: Travis Kelce
The postseason energy provided by Kelce in the passing game made life easier for Mahomes in the hostile environment at Highmark Stadium. He led the team in receiving on Sunday night with five catches for 75 yards and two touchdowns.
Stock Up: Isiah Pacheco
Running angry is doing the job for Pacheco, who maintained his intensity throughout the night. He finished the game with 15 carries for 97 yards and a touchdown, averaging 6.5 yards on the ground.
Stock Up: Marquez Valdes-Scantling
The veteran receiver was an essential target for Mahomes as he hauled in a season-high two catches for 62 yards. His two completions stretched the Bills’ defense as he returned to form as a productive deep ball target.
Stock Up: Chamarri Conner
The early injury to Mike Edwards forced the rookie defensive back into action, and he delivered. Conner finished the game tied for the team lead in tackles with eight.
Stock Down: Mecole Hardman
The speedy receiver barely had a chance to showcase his skill due to his inability to secure the football. Hardman fumbled twice in the game, with the second being a turnover into the endzone for a touchback.
