ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- A few thoughts on the Kansas City Chiefs' 17-13 win over the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium:
What it means: The 6-3 Chiefs took a big step toward securing a playoff spot by rallying to beat one of the AFC’s other wild-card contenders. The Chiefs now have the tiebreaker against the Bills, who fell to 5-4. The Chiefs previously beat wild-card contenders from San Diego and Miami, so they’re piling up an arsenal.
Stock watch: The offensive line didn’t have a good day. Jamaal Charles was able to get loose for some rushing yardage after a slow start, but the pass protection was lousy all game. Running back Knile Davis, who appeared to have overcome a fumbling habit, coughed one up in the second quarter, and the Bills recovered. They used the resulting field position to kick a field goal. Nickelback Chris Owens, playing for the first time since Oct. 5 because of a sore knee, had a rough game. He missed a tackle and was beaten for a touchdown pass on Buffalo’s first scoring drive.
Taking the ball away: The Chiefs had forced five turnovers in their first eight games but took the ball away from the Bills twice, both at opportune times. Safety Ron Parker punched the ball loose from Buffalo running back Bryce Brown in the third quarter as he was about to score a touchdown that would have put the Bills ahead by two touchdowns. The ball bounded out of the end zone for a touchback. Anthony Sherman forced and recovered a fumbled Buffalo punt return in the fourth quarter, and the Chiefs scored two plays later to take a 17-13 lead in the fourth quarter.
Game ball: Parker not only forced a fumble but also broke up three passes in the end zone or near the goal line on a late and unsuccessful Buffalo drive.
What's next: The Chiefs return to Arrowhead Stadium for Sunday’s game against the defending Super Bowl champions, the Seattle Seahawks.
