Kansas City Chiefs vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats
The Kansas City Chiefs vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats from the AFC Championship Game tell the story of one of the closest playoff battles of the 2024 NFL season. Kansas City defeated Buffalo 32-29 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, advancing to the Super Bowl after a game decided by execution in critical situations. Patrick Mahomes completed 18 of 26 passes for 245 yards and one touchdown, while Josh Allen completed 22 of 34 passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns. Both quarterbacks avoided interceptions, making the three-point margin even more significant.
One date clarification is important for readers checking different databases. The official NFL game summary records the AFC Championship as being played on Sunday, January 26, 2025. Some search results or time-zone-adjusted listings may display January 27.
The final score was Kansas City 32, Buffalo 29. The Chiefs entered the matchup with a 15-2 regular-season record and an 8-0 home record, while Buffalo entered at 13-4 and 5-4 on the road. Despite that difference, the statistical profile shows how closely matched the teams were.
Buffalo actually finished with 374 total yards compared with Kansas City’s 368. The Bills also rushed for 147 yards compared with 135 for the Chiefs. Yet Kansas City converted more efficiently on third down, produced more first downs, and made enough decisive plays to win. The official NFL statistics show Kansas City with 28 first downs compared with Buffalo’s 22 and a 55.6% third-down conversion rate compared with Buffalo’s 35.7%.
Kansas City Chiefs vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats: Game Overview
The AFC Championship was a classic example of why box-score totals cannot always explain the entire result.
Buffalo had several statistical advantages. The Bills gained more total yards, ran for more yards, completed more passes, and possessed the ball slightly longer. Kansas City, however, was more efficient in several high-value areas.
The Chiefs converted 5 of 9 third downs, while Buffalo converted only 5 of 14. Kansas City also converted its only fourth-down attempt, whereas Buffalo converted 4 of 6. The Bills were perfect in the red zone at 3-for-3, while Kansas City finished 4-for-6.
That combination created a fascinating statistical contradiction. Buffalo was productive enough to move the football consistently, but Kansas City was more efficient at turning important possessions into points.
| Category | Buffalo Bills | Kansas City Chiefs |
| Final Score | 29 | 32 |
| Total Yards | 374 | 368 |
| Rushing Yards | 147 | 135 |
| Passing Yards | 227 net | 233 net |
| First Downs | 22 | 28 |
| Third Down | 5/14 | 5/9 |
| Fourth Down | 4/6 | 1/1 |
| Turnovers Lost | 0 | 1 |
| Time of Possession | 30:32 | 29:28 |
| Total Offensive Plays | 68 | 63 |
| Touchdowns | 4 | 4 |
The numbers make the game especially useful for evaluating quarterback performance. Neither team won because of a huge turnover advantage, and neither offense dominated the other in total yardage.
Kansas City won because its offense repeatedly found answers at critical moments.
The official NFL statistics show that Buffalo held a six-yard advantage in total offense, but Kansas City still scored three more points.
Josh Allen’s Performance for Buffalo
Josh Allen produced one of the stronger statistical performances in the game despite Buffalo’s defeat.
He completed 22 of 34 passes for 237 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. His completion rate was approximately 64.7%, and his passer rating was 104.7. He was also responsible for 39 rushing yards on 11 carries.
The most important part of Allen’s performance was his ability to protect the football through the air. Kansas City’s defense did not intercept him, and Buffalo finished with no lost fumbles despite recording four fumbles overall.
Allen’s passing line also needs to be viewed in context. His 237 gross passing yards became 227 net passing yards after two sacks for 10 yards. Kansas City therefore did not completely shut down Buffalo’s passing game, but it generated enough pressure to influence several possessions.
Allen’s rushing ability added another dimension. His 11 carries for 39 yards helped Buffalo produce 147 rushing yards as a team.
Allen’s Statistical Breakdown
| Statistic | Josh Allen |
| Completions | 22 |
| Attempts | 34 |
| Completion Rate | 64.7% |
| Passing Yards | 237 |
| Passing TDs | 2 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Sacks | 2 |
| Rushing Attempts | 11 |
| Rushing Yards | 39 |
| Passer Rating | 104.7 |
The numbers show that Allen was not the primary reason Buffalo lost.
The bigger issue was that Buffalo needed more successful conversions on third down. The Bills went 5-for-14, compared with Kansas City’s 5-for-9. That difference meant the Chiefs sustained more drives despite running five fewer offensive plays overall.
That is an important lesson when analyzing quarterback statistics. Passing yards and touchdowns tell only part of the story. Third-down efficiency, sack avoidance, red-zone performance, and the ability to sustain drives often determine whether otherwise strong quarterback numbers translate into a playoff victory.
Patrick Mahomes’ Performance for Kansas City
Patrick Mahomes finished with 18 completions on 26 attempts for 245 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions.
His completion rate was 69.2%, while his passer rating was 111.9. He was sacked twice for 12 yards, leaving Kansas City with 233 net passing yards.
Mahomes did not produce a massive passing touchdown total, but his efficiency was more important than volume.
He averaged 9.4 yards per completed pass attempt according to the box-score statistics, compared with Allen’s 7.0 yards per attempt. Kansas City therefore generated more passing efficiency despite throwing eight fewer passes.
Mahomes also contributed 43 rushing yards on 11 carries and scored two rushing touchdowns. That rushing production was particularly important because it gave Kansas City another way to finish drives.
Mahomes’ Statistical Breakdown
| Statistic | Patrick Mahomes |
| Completions | 18 |
| Attempts | 26 |
| Completion Rate | 69.2% |
| Passing Yards | 245 |
| Passing TDs | 1 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Sacks | 2 |
| Rushing Attempts | 11 |
| Rushing Yards | 43 |
| Rushing TDs | 2 |
| Passer Rating | 111.9 |
The contrast between the quarterbacks is interesting.
Allen had more completions and two passing touchdowns. Mahomes had fewer attempts, fewer completions, but more passing yards and a higher passer rating. Mahomes also added two rushing touchdowns, giving him three total touchdowns.
That is why looking only at passing statistics can give an incomplete picture of quarterback impact.
James Cook Led Buffalo’s Rushing Attack
James Cook was Buffalo’s leading rusher and one of the most productive individual players in the game.
Cook carried the ball 13 times for 85 yards, averaging 6.5 yards per carry. He scored two rushing touchdowns and produced a 33-yard long run.
His 85 rushing yards represented more than half of Buffalo’s 147 rushing yards.
| Buffalo Rusher | Carries | Yards | Average | TD | Long |
| James Cook III | 13 | 85 | 6.5 | 2 | 33 |
| Josh Allen | 11 | 39 | 3.5 | 0 | 13 |
| Ty Johnson | 6 | 19 | 3.2 | 0 | 8 |
| Ray Davis | 2 | 4 | 2.0 | 0 | 4 |
| Team Total | 32 | 147 | 4.6 | 2 | 33 |
Cook’s 6.5-yard average stands out against Kansas City’s team rushing average of 3.9 yards per carry.
This suggests Buffalo was capable of generating explosive rushing plays. The Bills did not lose because their running game was ineffective. In fact, their 147 rushing yards were 12 more than Kansas City’s total.
The challenge was converting that production into enough overall scoring to overcome Kansas City’s late-game execution.
Kareem Hunt Powered Kansas City’s Ground Game
Kareem Hunt led Kansas City in rushing with 17 carries for 64 yards and one touchdown.
His 3.8-yard average was not particularly explosive, but volume and situational effectiveness mattered. Hunt handled nearly half of Kansas City’s 35 rushing attempts.
Mahomes followed with 11 carries for 43 yards and two touchdowns. Xavier Worthy added 16 rushing yards on two carries, while Isiah Pacheco had 12 yards on five attempts.
| Kansas City Rusher | Carries | Yards | Average | TD | Long |
| Kareem Hunt | 17 | 64 | 3.8 | 1 | 12 |
| Patrick Mahomes | 11 | 43 | 3.9 | 2 | 12 |
| Xavier Worthy | 2 | 16 | 8.0 | 0 | 8 |
| Isiah Pacheco | 5 | 12 | 2.4 | 0 | 5 |
| Team Total | 35 | 135 | 3.9 | 3 | 12 |
The rushing comparison reveals a useful difference between the teams.
Buffalo generated more rushing yardage per attempt, but Kansas City scored three rushing touchdowns compared with Buffalo’s two. That one-touchdown difference helped compensate for Buffalo’s 12-yard advantage on the ground.
Mack Hollins Was Buffalo’s Leading Receiver
Mack Hollins led Buffalo’s receiving group with three receptions for 73 yards and one touchdown.
His 24.3 yards per reception was easily the highest average among Buffalo’s primary receivers, and his longest reception went for 34 yards.
That production came on only four targets, making his contribution particularly efficient.
James Cook also recorded three receptions for 49 yards, while Khalil Shakir led the team in receptions with six for 46 yards. Amari Cooper added four catches for 33 yards.
| Buffalo Receiver | Receptions | Yards | Average | TD | Long |
| Mack Hollins | 3 | 73 | 24.3 | 1 | 34 |
| James Cook III | 3 | 49 | 16.3 | 0 | 23 |
| Khalil Shakir | 6 | 46 | 7.7 | 0 | 24 |
| Amari Cooper | 4 | 33 | 8.3 | 0 | 10 |
| Dalton Kincaid | 2 | 13 | 6.5 | 0 | 11 |
| Keon Coleman | 1 | 12 | 12.0 | 0 | 12 |
| Dawson Knox | 1 | 7 | 7.0 | 0 | 7 |
| Curtis Samuel | 1 | 4 | 4.0 | 1 | 4 |
| Ty Johnson | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| Team Total | 44 | 237 | 10.8 | 2 | 34 |
The distribution shows that Buffalo did not rely on one receiver for all of its production.
Shakir caught six passes, Cook produced 49 receiving yards, and Hollins provided the biggest chunk of yardage per catch. That balance helped Buffalo keep its passing offense productive even though Kansas City eventually won the game.
Xavier Worthy Was Kansas City’s Top Receiver
Xavier Worthy led the Chiefs with six receptions for 85 yards and one touchdown.
He averaged 14.2 yards per reception and also contributed two rushing attempts for 16 yards. His receiving performance was particularly important because Kansas City spread the ball across several players.
Worthy’s 85 receiving yards were the most by any Chiefs player.
JuJu Smith-Schuster added 60 yards on two catches, including a 31-yard reception. Hollywood Brown finished with 35 yards on three catches, while Travis Kelce recorded two receptions for 19 yards.
| Kansas City Receiver | Receptions | Yards | Average | TD | Long |
| Xavier Worthy | 6 | 85 | 14.2 | 1 | 26 |
| JuJu Smith-Schuster | 2 | 60 | 30.0 | 0 | 31 |
| Hollywood Brown | 3 | 35 | 11.7 | 0 | 15 |
| Travis Kelce | 2 | 19 | 9.5 | 0 | 11 |
| Samaje Perine | 1 | 17 | 17.0 | 0 | 17 |
| Isiah Pacheco | 2 | 12 | 6.0 | 0 | 10 |
| DeAndre Hopkins | 1 | 11 | 11.0 | 0 | 11 |
| Kareem Hunt | 1 | 6 | 6.0 | 0 | 6 |
| Team Total | 36 | 245 | 13.6 | 1 | 31 |
The receiving numbers show a major difference in efficiency.
Kansas City produced 245 passing yards on 36 receptions, while Buffalo recorded 237 yards on 44 receptions. The Chiefs therefore averaged 13.6 yards per reception compared with Buffalo’s 10.8.
That does not mean Kansas City consistently dominated through the air. Instead, it shows that the Chiefs generated more yardage each time they completed a pass.
Kansas City Chiefs vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats and Defensive Performance
Defense was another area where the game remained remarkably close.
Buffalo recorded 64 total tackles, including 41 solo tackles. The Bills produced two sacks, three tackles for loss, one pass defended, and seven quarterback hits.
Kansas City recorded 67 total tackles, 40 solo tackles, two sacks, three tackles for loss, three passes defended, and eight quarterback hits.
| Defensive Category | Buffalo | Kansas City |
| Total Tackles | 64 | 67 |
| Solo Tackles | 41 | 40 |
| Sacks | 2 | 2 |
| Tackles for Loss | 3 | 3 |
| Passes Defended | 1 | 3 |
| QB Hits | 7 | 8 |
Cole Bishop led Buffalo with 10 total tackles, including nine solo tackles.
For Kansas City, Chamarri Conner and Drue Tranquill each recorded nine total tackles.
The numbers suggest neither defense completely overwhelmed the opposing offense. Both produced two sacks, and both generated pressure, but Kansas City’s secondary produced three passes defended compared with Buffalo’s one.
More importantly, Kansas City’s defense made critical stops when Buffalo needed to sustain drives.
NFL analysis of the game highlighted a decisive fourth-down play late in the contest when Kansas City used a disguised pressure package against Allen.
That moment illustrates why defensive statistics should not be judged only by totals. A single third-down or fourth-down stop can have greater value than several routine tackles.
Turnovers Were Surprisingly Limited
Turnovers are often one of the easiest ways to explain a playoff result, but this game was different.
Buffalo recorded four fumbles but recovered all of them. Kansas City recorded one fumble and lost it.
Neither team threw an interception.
| Turnover Category | Buffalo Bills | Kansas City Chiefs |
| Fumbles | 4 | 1 |
| Fumbles Lost | 0 | 1 |
| Interceptions Thrown | 0 | 0 |
| Turnovers Lost | 0 | 1 |
This means Buffalo actually had the better turnover margin.
Yet the Bills still lost.
That is significant because it demonstrates how efficiently Kansas City performed in other phases. The Chiefs overcame their only lost turnover by converting key opportunities and maintaining a higher third-down success rate.
The official NFL analysis also noted that Buffalo gained six more total yards and committed one fewer turnover than Kansas City.
In other words, the final score cannot be explained by simply saying Kansas City won the statistical battle. It did not win every statistical category.
It won the categories that mattered most at critical moments.
Special Teams Numbers
Special teams played a supporting but important role.
Buffalo kicker Tyler Bass made his only field-goal attempt from 53 yards and converted both extra-point attempts for five total points.
Kansas City kicker Harrison Butker made his only field-goal attempt from 35 yards and converted all three extra-point attempts for six points.
| Special Teams Category | Buffalo | Kansas City |
| Field Goals | 1/1 | 1/1 |
| Long Field Goal | 53 yards | 35 yards |
| Extra Points | 2/2 | 3/3 |
| Kicking Points | 5 | 6 |
Kansas City also received a strong return contribution from Nikko Remigio.
Remigio returned four kickoffs for 107 yards, averaging 26.8 yards per return. He also returned one punt for 41 yards.
Buffalo’s Ray Davis returned one kickoff for 28 yards, while Khalil Shakir returned one punt for six yards.
The difference in return yardage was substantial.
Kansas City generated 148 combined kickoff and punt return yards, while Buffalo produced only 34. Field position is often difficult to quantify through a standard box score, but this advantage gave the Chiefs additional value beyond offensive statistics.
Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring Breakdown
The scoring pattern explains the game’s changing momentum.
| Quarter | Buffalo Bills | Kansas City Chiefs |
| First | 3 | 7 |
| Second | 13 | 14 |
| Third | 6 | 0 |
| Fourth | 7 | 11 |
| Final | 29 | 32 |
Kansas City started with a 7-3 advantage after the opening quarter.
The second quarter became more productive for both offenses. Buffalo scored 13 points, but Kansas City scored 14 and carried a 21-16 lead into halftime.
The third quarter was the most unusual part of the game.
Buffalo scored six points while Kansas City failed to score. That allowed the Bills to enter the fourth quarter with momentum and an opportunity to take control.
Instead, Kansas City responded in the final quarter.
The Chiefs scored 11 points in the fourth quarter, compared with Buffalo’s seven. That four-point scoring advantage was ultimately enough to turn a close game into a three-point victory.
Why the Chiefs Won Despite Fewer Total Yards
The simplest answer is efficiency.
Buffalo produced 374 total yards compared with Kansas City’s 368. The Bills also produced 147 rushing yards compared with Kansas City’s 135.
But Kansas City recorded 28 first downs compared with Buffalo’s 22. The Chiefs converted 55.6% of their third downs, while Buffalo converted 35.7%.
Those numbers reveal a different type of advantage.
Kansas City was better at keeping drives alive.
The Chiefs needed only nine third-down attempts to convert five times. Buffalo needed 14 attempts to reach the same number of successful conversions.
That difference matters because failed third downs frequently lead to punts or field-position disadvantages. Successful third downs extend drives and create additional opportunities for points.
Kansas City also converted its only fourth-down attempt.
Buffalo converted four of six, which sounds impressive, but the two failed attempts were costly because fourth-down plays often represent high-leverage possessions.
Red-Zone Efficiency Was Another Key Difference
Both teams were productive in the red zone, but Kansas City’s profile was more complicated.
Buffalo scored touchdowns on all three of its red-zone opportunities, producing a 100% red-zone touchdown rate.
Kansas City scored touchdowns on four of six red-zone trips, a 67% rate.
At first glance, Buffalo’s red-zone rate looks better.
However, Kansas City reached the red zone more frequently and still produced 32 points. The Chiefs were able to combine rushing touchdowns, passing production, and kicking points to maintain scoring pressure.
This is another example of why percentage statistics need volume and context.
A 100% rate on three opportunities is excellent, but it does not necessarily produce more points than four successful scores on six opportunities.
The Passing Efficiency Battle
The passing statistics offer one of the clearest comparisons.
| Passing Category | Josh Allen | Patrick Mahomes |
| Completions | 22 | 18 |
| Attempts | 34 | 26 |
| Completion Rate | 64.7% | 69.2% |
| Passing Yards | 237 | 245 |
| Passing TDs | 2 | 1 |
| Interceptions | 0 | 0 |
| Sacks | 2 | 2 |
| Passer Rating | 104.7 | 111.9 |
Allen threw eight more passes and completed four more.
Yet Mahomes gained eight more passing yards.
That combination illustrates the efficiency difference. Kansas City generated more yards per attempt while using fewer passing attempts.
Allen’s two touchdown passes were valuable, but Mahomes’ ability to create both through the air and on the ground gave Kansas City a broader scoring profile.
The Rushing Efficiency Battle
Buffalo won the raw rushing-yardage battle.
The Bills gained 147 yards on 32 attempts, averaging 4.6 yards per carry.
Kansas City gained 135 yards on 35 attempts, averaging 3.9 yards per carry.
| Rushing Category | Buffalo | Kansas City |
| Attempts | 32 | 35 |
| Yards | 147 | 135 |
| Average | 4.6 | 3.9 |
| Rushing TDs | 2 | 3 |
| Long | 33 | 12 |
Buffalo’s rushing attack was more explosive.
Kansas City’s was more productive in the scoring column.
That distinction is critical. Buffalo had the better average, but Kansas City scored one more rushing touchdown.
Mahomes’ two rushing touchdowns were especially important because quarterback rushing can become a major factor near the goal line, where the field is compressed and passing windows become smaller.
Special Teams and Field Position Matter More Than the Box Score Shows
The return statistics deserve more attention than they often receive.
Kansas City had 107 kickoff return yards from Remigio and another 41 punt return yards. Buffalo had 28 kickoff return yards and six punt return yards.
That gave Kansas City a 148-34 advantage in listed return yardage.
The Chiefs also avoided a missed field goal and converted all three extra points. Buffalo made its lone field-goal attempt and both extra points.
While return yardage does not automatically translate into points, it can shorten the field required by the offense.
In a three-point game, small field-position advantages can become meaningful.
What the Player Stats Say About the Game
The most useful way to interpret the numbers is to combine individual production with team efficiency.
Josh Allen was productive.
Patrick Mahomes was productive.
James Cook was explosive.
Mack Hollins created big plays.
Xavier Worthy delivered a team-leading receiving performance.
Kareem Hunt provided steady rushing volume.
Neither defense produced a turnover through an interception.
Neither offensive line was completely dominant.
And yet Kansas City won.
The difference was not one overwhelming statistical category. It was the accumulation of several smaller advantages.
Kansas City had more first downs, better third-down efficiency, a perfect fourth-down conversion rate, more return yardage, and three rushing touchdowns.
Buffalo had more total yards, more rushing yards, and the better turnover margin.
That is precisely what made the game so competitive.
The Most Important Individual Performers
Based strictly on the supplied statistics, several players stand out.
Patrick Mahomes
Mahomes completed 69.2% of his passes for 245 yards and one passing touchdown. His 111.9 passer rating was higher than Allen’s 104.7, and he added 43 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
Josh Allen
Allen completed 22 of 34 passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. He also rushed for 39 yards. His overall production kept Buffalo in the game until the final stages.
James Cook
Cook averaged 6.5 yards per carry and scored twice. His 85 rushing yards represented the largest individual rushing total in the matchup.
Xavier Worthy
Worthy led Kansas City with 85 receiving yards and scored one touchdown. He also added 16 rushing yards.
Mack Hollins
Hollins produced 73 receiving yards and one touchdown on only three receptions, averaging 24.3 yards per catch.
Kareem Hunt
Hunt carried the ball 17 times for 64 yards and scored one touchdown, leading Kansas City’s rushing attempts.
What the Game Reveals About Playoff Football
The statistics provide a useful reminder that postseason football is often decided by situational execution rather than overall production.
- Buffalo gained more yards.
- Buffalo averaged more yards per rushing attempt.
- Buffalo lost no turnovers.
Yet Kansas City won.
That does not mean the Chiefs were statistically superior in every area. They were not.
It means their advantages appeared in several high-leverage categories.
Third-down efficiency is one of the clearest examples. Kansas City converted more frequently despite having fewer opportunities.
Fourth-down execution was another. Kansas City converted its only attempt, while Buffalo failed twice.
The final-quarter scoring was also decisive. Kansas City scored 11 points in the fourth quarter while Buffalo scored seven.
These details explain why a three-point game can be decided by only a handful of plays.
A Closer Look at the Final Margin
The final score was 32-29, meaning Kansas City won by exactly three points.
The teams combined for 61 points.
Each team scored four touchdowns.
Neither team recorded an interception.
Buffalo had six more total yards.
Kansas City had one more turnover.
Those facts make the final margin particularly revealing.
There was no enormous statistical gap.
Instead, the Chiefs created just enough efficiency to finish ahead.
The official NFL analysis described the matchup as one in which the teams were separated by only a handful of plays.
That is perhaps the best overall interpretation of the box score.
Where Readers Should Be Careful When Comparing Player Stats
Box-score comparisons can sometimes produce misleading conclusions.
For example, someone looking only at passing touchdowns could argue that Allen had the better game because he threw two touchdowns compared with Mahomes’ one.
- Someone looking only at passer rating would favor Mahomes.
- Someone looking at rushing yards would favor Buffalo.
- Someone looking at rushing touchdowns would favor Kansas City.
- Someone looking at turnover margin would favor Buffalo.
- Someone looking at third-down conversion would favor Kansas City.
All of those observations are true.
The mistake is assuming that one category explains the entire game.
A stronger analysis combines passing, rushing, situational efficiency, turnovers, scoring, and field position.
That approach gives a much clearer picture of why the Chiefs advanced.
Kansas City Chiefs vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats: Final Statistical Takeaway
The Kansas City Chiefs vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats show a game that was far more balanced than the final result might suggest.
Kansas City finished with 368 total yards, while Buffalo had 374. Buffalo had the stronger rushing average and the better turnover margin. Allen threw two touchdown passes without an interception.
But Mahomes completed a higher percentage of his passes, generated more passing yards, and added two rushing touchdowns. Kansas City also converted third downs more efficiently, produced more first downs, gained significantly more return yardage, and scored three rushing touchdowns.
Those details help explain the 32-29 result.
The game was not won because Kansas City completely outplayed Buffalo statistically.
It was won because Kansas City executed slightly better in the situations that had the greatest effect on the scoreboard.
For readers who want to verify the official game figures, the NFL’s official game summary provides the complete team statistics and scoring information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the AFC Championship between the Chiefs and Bills?
The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Buffalo Bills 32-29 in the AFC Championship Game and advanced to the Super Bowl.
How did Josh Allen perform against the Chiefs?
Josh Allen completed 22 of 34 passes for 237 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. He also rushed 11 times for 39 yards.
How did Patrick Mahomes perform against Buffalo?
Patrick Mahomes completed 18 of 26 passes for 245 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. He added 43 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
Who was Buffalo’s leading rusher?
James Cook led Buffalo with 13 carries for 85 yards, averaging 6.5 yards per carry and scoring two touchdowns.
Who led the Chiefs in receiving?
Xavier Worthy led Kansas City with six receptions for 85 yards and one touchdown. He also recorded two carries for 16 yards.
Why did Kansas City win despite Buffalo having more total yards?
Kansas City was more efficient in several high-leverage areas. The Chiefs had 28 first downs to Buffalo’s 22 and converted 55.6% of third downs compared with Buffalo’s 35.7%. Kansas City also scored three rushing touchdowns and finished with 32 points.
Conclusion
The 32-29 AFC Championship result was a strong example of how NFL playoff games are decided by more than total yardage.
Buffalo’s offense generated 374 total yards and 147 rushing yards. Josh Allen protected the football through the air, James Cook delivered an explosive rushing performance, and the Bills finished with no turnovers lost.
Kansas City, however, converted critical downs more consistently. Patrick Mahomes produced 245 passing yards and three total touchdowns, while Xavier Worthy and Kareem Hunt made important contributions. The Chiefs also benefited from stronger return production and a more productive fourth quarter.
The final statistics therefore tell a balanced story. Buffalo was productive enough to win, but Kansas City was slightly better at turning important opportunities into points.
That difference explains why the Chiefs finished on top 32-29 and why this matchup remains one of the clearest examples of the importance of situational execution in postseason football.
