Buffalo Bills vs Kansas City Chiefs Match Player Stats
What happens when two of the most consistent powerhouses in the AFC collide in a late-season NFL battle? The Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs delivered yet another unforgettable game filled with tactical plays, explosive drives, and individual brilliance. Played on 27 January 2025 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, this matchup wasn’t just a regular fixture — it was a test of playoff-readiness and top-tier execution.
The clash attracted 73,487 spectators and offered a fascinating look at two elite rosters. From passing plays to red zone efficiency, both teams showed resilience and craft. But it was the Bills who edged ahead, both in discipline and execution. This analysis breaks down all the player stats, team comparisons, and critical performances that shaped the game.
How Did the Quarterbacks Perform Under Pressure?
Quarterback play often dictates the rhythm and result of top-tier NFL games, and this one was no exception. Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes, two of the league’s premier quarterbacks, put in efficient performances with distinct strategic approaches.
Josh Allen finished with 237 passing yards on 22 completions from 34 attempts, scoring two touchdowns and avoiding turnovers. His ability to evade pressure and make key conversions was pivotal in Buffalo’s time of possession advantage. Though sacked twice, he maintained a strong quarterback rating of 104.7.
On the other side, Patrick Mahomes posted slightly higher yardage at 245 yards on fewer attempts, 18 completions from 26 — along with one touchdown and no interceptions. Mahomes averaged an impressive 9.4 yards per attempt, but Kansas City couldn’t translate yardage into decisive red zone conversions as efficiently as Buffalo.
| Quarterback | Completions | Attempts | Yards | TDs | INTs | Sacks | QBR | Rating |
| Josh Allen | 22 | 34 | 237 | 2 | 0 | 2-10 | 68.2 | 104.7 |
| Patrick Mahomes | 18 | 26 | 245 | 1 | 0 | 2-12 | 85.4 | 111.9 |
Which Side Dominated the Ground Game?
Both teams implemented balanced rushing attacks, but the Buffalo Bills demonstrated more explosiveness and diversity. James Cook III led the Bills with 85 yards on 13 carries, averaging a solid 6.5 yards per carry and scoring two touchdowns. Josh Allen added another 39 yards on designed QB runs and broken plays, helping extend crucial drives.
The Chiefs’ Kareem Hunt shouldered most of the rushing duties, collecting 64 yards and one touchdown. Mahomes also contributed two unexpected rushing touchdowns, showing versatility. Still, Buffalo averaged more yards per carry and converted more fourth downs through rushing plays.
| Player | Team | Carries | Yards | Avg | TDs | Long |
| James Cook III | Bills | 13 | 85 | 6.5 | 2 | 33 |
| Kareem Hunt | Chiefs | 17 | 64 | 3.8 | 1 | 12 |
| Josh Allen | Bills | 11 | 39 | 3.5 | 0 | 13 |
| Patrick Mahomes | Chiefs | 11 | 43 | 3.9 | 2 | 12 |
Buffalo had more rushing yards overall — 147 to Kansas City’s 135 — and used it effectively to control the tempo.
Who Were the Standout Receivers in This Match?
The passing game featured some big moments, with receivers from both sides stepping up when it mattered. For the Bills, Mack Hollins caught three passes for 73 yards and scored a touchdown, averaging over 24 yards per reception. James Cook III also contributed in the air with 49 yards, making him a dual-threat weapon throughout the night.
Kansas City’s receiving corps was led by Xavier Worthy, who registered 85 yards and a touchdown on six receptions. JuJu Smith-Schuster added 60 yards on just two catches, including a 31-yard deep play that ignited the home crowd.
| Receiver | Team | Receptions | Yards | Avg | TDs | Long |
| Xavier Worthy | Chiefs | 6 | 85 | 14.2 | 1 | 26 |
| Mack Hollins | Bills | 3 | 73 | 24.3 | 1 | 34 |
| James Cook III | Bills | 3 | 49 | 16.3 | 0 | 23 |
| JuJu Smith-Schuster | Chiefs | 2 | 60 | 30.0 | 0 | 31 |
Buffalo’s more balanced distribution among receivers helped them stay unpredictable, while the Chiefs leaned on big plays for yardage gains.
How Did the Defensive Units Measure Up?
Defensively, the game was tight, with neither side allowing excessive gains or turnovers. The Bills recorded two sacks and limited Mahomes’ mobility outside the pocket. Cole Bishop led the team with 10 total tackles, while Matt Milano added a sack and a tackle for loss.
For the Chiefs, Drue Tranquill and Chamarri Conner both logged nine total tackles. Mike Danna and Charles Omenihu provided Kansas City’s two sacks. The lack of interceptions or defensive touchdowns from either team reflected the clean offensive play.
| Player | Team | Total Tackles | Sacks | TFL | QB Hits |
| Cole Bishop | Bills | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Matt Milano | Bills | 9 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Mike Danna | Chiefs | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Drue Tranquill | Chiefs | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Both defences bent but rarely broke, keeping the scoring competitive across all four quarters.
How Do the Team Statistics Compare?
Statistically, this was a tightly contested match. Total yards were nearly even, 374 for Buffalo and 368 for Kansas City. The Bills didn’t commit any turnovers, while the Chiefs lost one fumble. Buffalo also attempted and converted more fourth downs, showing an aggressive mindset that paid off.
| Statistic | Bills | Chiefs |
| Total Yards | 374 | 368 |
| First Downs | 22 | 28 |
| Passing Yards | 227 | 233 |
| Rushing Yards | 147 | 135 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Third Down Efficiency | 5/14 | 5/9 |
| Fourth Down Efficiency | 4/6 | 1/1 |
| Penalties | 6 for 48 | 5 for 21 |
| Time of Possession | 30:32 | 29:28 |
Despite fewer total plays, Kansas City had slightly more yards per play, but Buffalo’s higher play count allowed them more scoring opportunities.
Who Impacted the Game Through Special Teams?
Special teams played a more significant role than many realised. Nikko Remigio provided Kansas City with solid kick and punt returns, including a 41-yard punt return that briefly shifted momentum. Buffalo’s Ray Davis had a solid 28-yard kick return.
Both kickers were flawless. Tyler Bass converted a 53-yard field goal and two extra points. Harrison Butker responded with a 35-yard field goal and three successful extra points.
| Player | Type | Longest | Points | Field Goals |
| Tyler Bass | FG/XP | 53 | 5 | 1/1 |
| Harrison Butker | FG/XP | 35 | 6 | 1/1 |
| Nikko Remigio | Punt Return | 41 | 0 | – |
| Ray Davis | Kick Return | 28 | 0 | – |
The reliability in special teams ensured no points were left on the table by either side.
What Can We Take Away from This AFC Battle?
This game reaffirmed the intensity and quality of the AFC elite. The Bills’ ability to stay turnover-free, convert on critical fourth downs, and maintain a balanced offence gave them the slight edge. Kansas City, while efficient in yards per attempt, lacked defensive stops on key drives and ultimately paid the price for their lone turnover.
Buffalo’s victory could carry significant playoff implications if both teams meet again in the postseason, a scenario that would excite any neutral fan.
FAQs
Who led the game in passing yards?
Patrick Mahomes led all players with 245 passing yards, narrowly beating Josh Allen’s 237.
Which player scored the most touchdowns?
James Cook III of the Bills scored two rushing touchdowns, the most by any player in the game.
How did the defences perform?
Both teams allowed over 360 yards but held firm in key moments. Each side recorded two sacks and limited big plays.
Were there any interceptions?
No. Both quarterbacks played clean games with zero interceptions.
How effective were the special teams units?
Extremely. Both kickers were perfect, and Kansas City’s Nikko Remigio contributed with an impressive 41-yard punt return.
What were the total first downs?
Kansas City had 28 first downs compared to Buffalo’s 22, largely due to better passing efficiency.
Where does this leave both teams?
Both teams remain strong AFC contenders. The result may influence playoff seedings and tiebreakers later in the season.
