Chiefs Vs Bills: Key Matchups

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This Sunday, it will be a meeting between arguably the top two teams in the AFC. The Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills are each 4-1 on the 2022 season. Since the only loss for these two teams, both squads are entering Sunday following two consecutive victories. Whichever of the Chiefs or the Bills starts faster may be able to control the entire game. More on that in tomorrow’s FPC Chiefs final headlines article.

Which position battles could have the greatest impact on Sunday’s outcome between the Chiefs and the Bills? Today, we will list four key matchups that we have our eyes on entering the contest between Kansas City and Buffalo. Let’s kick it off.

Chiefs Offensive Line Vs Bills Defensive Line

We hinted at starting fast already. While a lot of that will have to do with the Chiefs skills players and quarterback, Kansas City must start stronger upfront this week. The Raiders pushed them around last week. To boot, it was really the first time this season where the Chiefs offensive line was unable to corral the speed of an opposing pass rush. Orlando Brown Jr. and Andrew Wylie will have to work to stay more square to the opposing pass rushers. Whereas with the interior trio of Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith (assuming he returns), this group will have to work to create significant movement in order to keep the timing of the Chiefs offense on schedule.

Buffalo’s defense is known for its physicality in general. But specifically on the defensive line, the Bills present tremendous power and length at the point of attack. Von Miller has the reach to create missteps and mistakes, not to mention having to contain his speed off the edge. Others like Greg Rousseau, AJ Epenesa and Boogie Basham present a smoother get off at the snap compared to what most may expect. Their ability to crash hard and get upfield rapidly create odd decisions from quarterbacks. Finally, the defensive tackle duo of Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones offer superb lateral quickness, which could result in miscommunication from opposing offensive linemen.

Bills Wide Receivers Vs Chiefs Cornerbacks

Stefon Diggs may be the best receiver in the NFL, when it comes to separation, route running and counters against coverage. He can make catches in traffic. He can run away from any defender in the open field after the catch. Additionally, Diggs is able to add strength and contested catch ability over the middle of the field. You know he is going to get his yards. But, can the opposing defense keep him in front of them and tackle him after the catch?

Elsewhere, Gabe Davis is a vertical threat. With his mix of size and quickness, it is amazing to see the growth that he has shown as a route runner. Rookie Khalil Shakir plays bigger than his size would indicate in space. We are unsure if Isaiah McKenzie returns this week, as of this writing. However, the Bills do a great job of using him in a variety of ways. McKenzie is a unique threat in the red zone and out of the backfield, as well as in the slot.

The Chiefs secondary will have to make smarter decisions than they did last week. Namely, Rashad Fenton is in need of a bounce back after committing penalties and getting beat at the line of scrimmage on press man coverage reps. Those issues have haunted him in a few games this season. L’Jarius Sneed continues to be a playmaker. Yet, Kansas City will have to make sure he is not put in too many positions to get beat deep. There is a chance that rookie Trent McDuffie returns this week from his hamstring injury. If that occurs, his instincts and ball skills will be a welcome addition after we only got to see him in one game.

Chiefs Running Backs Vs Bills Linebackers

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For those that have not covered the Chiefs closely, you may be surprised at how much production Kansas City is receiving from their running backs. Clyde Edwards-Helaire has enjoyed his best start to a season in his career. With his increased volume in the passing game, it gives opposing defenses an extra layer to account for. As a runner, CEH has shown a bit more patience for reading his blocks and hitting the hole.

We have seen spurts of success from both Jerick McKinnon and rookie Isiah Pacheco. Last week, McKinnon was able to use his change of direction skills and burst to create chunk gains as the Chiefs mounted their comeback. Pacheco on the other hand, is a perfect complement to each running back. He provides a load of steam coming down the tracks. With his power and contact balance, Pacheco has no issue with running through and over defenders.

The Bills linebacker duo of Matt Milano and Tremaine Edmunds are two of the more polished linebackers in the league. For Milano, he is quicker than most would expect. With his ability to flash into the outside edges and sideline to sideline, Milano can chase down any running back. His football IQ and reads are second to none. Edmunds has endured up and down results in recent years. At the same time, he is still able to create turnovers with his finishing power at any moment.

Bills Offensive Line Vs Chiefs Defensive Line

While the numbers will not truly show it, Buffalo’s blocking unit has taken a step back recently. Injuries to Rodger Saffold, Tommy Doyle and Ike Boettger have aided that a bit. Meanwhile, when the Bills are generally getting beat upfront, it comes down to the closing speed and get off of the opposing pass rush. Dion Dawkins is their leader at left tackle. Largely, he has the length and size to hold his own against speedier opponents. Names like Spencer Brown, Ryan Bates and Mitch Morse have been inconsistent against that trait this season, however.

Chris Jones is playing like one of the top three defenders in football right now. Obviously, a horrible penalty call went against him last week and in Week 3. Outside of that, Jones has appeared to be much more spry to open this season. He is pushing blockers to the side more rapidly as well. Furthermore, Frank Clark is even enjoying one of his better stretches with the Chiefs. Eventually, the production for George Karlaftis, Carlos Dunlap and Derrick Nnadi will grow with how often they are getting home. The added quickness and tenacity that this group added this offseason should boost Kansas City’s chances in this matchup.

Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs articles and analysis throughout this week. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.