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[Kansas City Chiefs]

Chiefs face Bills: Week 9 news, injury updates and previews

All eyes in the football universe will be on the upcoming Week 9 matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs (5-3) and the Buffalo Bills (5-2). The latest installment between these two AFC contenders will take place at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York — a now-moribund venue as the team prepares for its move to the new Highmark Stadium next season. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:25 p.m. Arrowhead Time on CBS — locally on KCTV/5.

Last time these franchises met, the 2024 AFC title was on the line. The Chiefs came out firing and built a lead, eventually prevailing for a 32-29 victory that marked the fourth time this iteration of the Bills has fallen to Kansas City in the postseason.

The Bills, however, have beaten the Chiefs in four consecutive regular-season matchups.

Looking to avoid a fifth, the Chiefs will arrive at Highmark after winning five of their last six games — every one of those was decided by at least 13 points.

Here’s our complete coverage :

• Chiefs’ Isiah Pacheco suffers MCL sprain: What can we expect?
• NFL Power Rankings Week 9 Roundup: Chiefs barely move after latest win
• Chiefs’ Clark Hunt: GM Brett Veach ‘is not shy’ about trade deadline
• Chiefs open as 1.5-point favorites over the Bills in Week 9

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/kans...9-scores-game-coverage-injury-updates-preview

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

Chiefs News 10/30: Nick Bolton gets good report from MRI

The latest​

Chiefs’ Nick Bolton gets good report from MRI | ESPN

Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton got banged up Monday night, but an MRI revealed no structural issues to his knee. It could be a situation where he’s limited early in the practice week but gets to the field Sunday

— Jeremy Fowler

Reasons why Bills should play WR Gabe Davis against Chiefs | Sports Illustrated

With the state of the Bills’ wide receiver position going from bad to worse in recent weeks, the team activated fan favorite Gabe Davis from the practice squad injured list. And it’s time for the Bills to sign the 26-year-old to the 53-man roster and play him this Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.

“I’m down for whatever,” said Davis to a swath of reporters following Wednesday’s practice. “That’s an upstairs decision. I just got to go out there and keep working.”

After watching the Bills’ passing game struggle through through a 5-2 start, the inconsistencies across many areas of the team’s aerial attack have been concerning. And there’s nowhere to go but up.

Buffalo remains without prized free-agent addition Joshua Palmer, who has missed two straight days of practice to begin Week 9 after being held out of the Bills’ win over the Carolina Panthers this past Sunday due to ankle and knee injuries he sustained in Week 6 against the Atlanta Falcons. In addition, Keon Coleman’s production has been nonexistent in his second professional season, leaving the team with Khalil Shakir as the only viable wide receiver at quarterback Josh Allen’s disposal.

Rivalry between Bills and Chiefs means just a little more | WKBW

The Bills and Chiefs have become the modern-day Celtics vs. Lakers, Yankees vs. Red Sox in terms of how many times their games become “instant classics.”

At the center of it all, of course, is each team’s respective MVP, Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes. A modern-day Magic Johnson vs. Larry Bird, Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier, Sidney Crosby vs. Alex Ovechkin, the list can go on and on.

The two have carved their own pedestal on top of the sports world through incredible games, moments, and plays that have jaws on the floor and made the impossible a reality.

“Anytime you’re playing against a good team and a good quarterback, you have to play at the top of your game in order to win a football game,” Allen told reporters on Wednesday. “Again, not that you’re out there trying not to play your best, but there’s a heightened awareness of who’s on the other side of the football.”

“He’s done so many great things as far as throwing the football, and the way he’s able to extend plays, that stuff is special,” Mahomes said of Allen on Wednesday. “He’s gotten better every year, and I think that’s something I’ve seen from him that I try to do for myself as well. He’s a great football player.”

Cowboys could trade for Chiefs’ cornerback at trade deadline | ESPN

Who could be targeted? Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams. Every Dallas cornerback aside from Trevon Diggs has allowed more than 1.1 yards per coverage snap (average) this season, per NFL Next Gen Stats. And Diggs is now on IR because of a concussion, so the Cowboys could use some reinforcements. Williams is in a contract year and buried on the depth chart in Kansas City. He has played only 775 regular-season coverage snaps in his career but has produced an impressive 0.9 yards per coverage snap in that span. When Diggs returns, and if Williams worked out, the team could keep both on the field with DaRon Bland in the slot.

— Seth Walder

Trade idea sends Chiefs’ fourth-year year underperformer to Commanders | Heavy

[Isiah] Pacheco does not feel like the same kind of angry, aggressive runner he once was earlier in his career.

Although his metrics have not decreased dramatically since 2023, and are actually up slightly on his 2024 performance, it feels like the momentum is starting to shift away from him and towards veteran back, Kareem Hunt, or even seventh round rookie, Brashard Smith.

So in this trade proposal, the Chiefs trade away Pacheco, whose contract is up at the end of the season, to the Washington Commanders.

Fans and media alike have been begging head coach, Andy Reid and co. to let Smith get more touches of the ball and see more time on offense, and in the meantime Kareem Hunt provides very similar efficiency to Pacheco in the run game – 4 yards/carry vs. 4.2 yards/carry.

The team also have Elijah Mitchell; who missed the entirety of the 2024 season with a hamstring injury, but has been very productive earlier in his career, including a 963 yard rushing season in his rookie year for the San Francisco 49ers; and has yet to see the field this season on offense.

Chiefs’ Noah Gray nominated for NFL’s “Salute to Service” award | NFL.com

Now in his fifth season with the Kansas City Chiefs, tight end Noah Gray continues to use his platform to honor, uplift, and connect with U.S. military service members and veterans. His commitment is especially evident through his partnership with Friends in Service of Heroes (FISH), a Kansas City-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting active-duty personnel, reservists, honorably discharged veterans, and their families.

Gray’s relationship with FISH began unexpectedly in late 2021, following a chance meeting with members of the organization at a local bowling alley. That encounter sparked an enduring connection, leading Gray to actively support FISH’s mission in meaningful ways. From helping provide service dogs to offering adaptive equipment that fosters resilience and independence, Gray has played a vital role in enhancing the lives of those who’ve served.

Beyond these efforts, Gray has also stood alongside FISH during emotionally challenging times, including the holiday season, offering support and solidarity to veterans navigating hardship. His ongoing involvement reflects a deep respect for the military community and a genuine desire to make a lasting impact.

Around the NFL​

Cowboys’ Brian Schottenheimer: “Take the stats on offense and shove ’em” | NFL.com

At 3-4-1, Dallas has been good enough to win (and in one instance, tie) shootouts. The Cowboys have also been porous enough defensively to get shredded by the likes of Denver, Carolina and the Russell Wilson-led Giants, with the last being the most damning fact of all.

It’s been evident from the first week of the season: The Cowboys are an offensively driven team, powered by a unit capable of scoring enough to keep them in most games thanks in large part to the excellent play of quarterback Dak Prescott.

That’s understandably not satisfactory for first-year coach Brian Schottenheimer.

“None of us have done good enough. Coaches, players, head coach, none of us have done good enough,” Schottenheimer told reporters on Wednesday. “That’s real. Our scorecard is what it is. That’s not just defensively, that’s offensively. We’re a football team that’s 3-4-1. You can take the stats on offense and shove ’em up your a– as far as I’m concerned.”

Ravens-Dolphins: 3 must-know storylines for Thursday’s primetime game | NFL.com

3. Ravens’ defense might be turning the corner

Starting with a far better performance against the Rams before the bye, the Ravens have shown improved effectiveness defensively. In Weeks 1-5, Baltimore allowed 35.4 points and 408.8 yards per game, with a total of two takeaways. But since then, the Ravens have allowed only 16.5 ppg and 306.5 ypg, with two turnovers forced in the past two games. Roquan Smith was all over the field this past Sunday against his former Chicago team, Nate Wiggins made his biggest play of the season with a key fourth-quarter pick against the Bears and Kyle Hamilton has lifted the entire unit since his return. The biggest worry is the pass rush. The Ravens’ season leaders in pressures are Odafe Oweh, who was traded to the Chargers in Week 5, and Tavius Robinson, who is on injured reserve. Rookie Mike Green had his first sack of the season in Week 8, but the pressure against Chicago was sub-par. Luckily for the Ravens, Tagovailoa has thrown the most interceptions in the NFL this season when not pressured, with seven. If the Ravens can control Miami’s run game and contain Jaylen Waddle — with Tyreek Hill and Darren Waller on IR — they should be in decent shape even if the pressure isn’t consistently fierce.

Lions sign Aidan Hutchinson to 4-year, $180M extension | ESPN

The deal is worth $180 million with $141 million of that guaranteed, his agent Mike McCartney told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Hutchinson’s $45 million average salary trails only the Green Bay Packers’ Micah Parsons ($46.5 million) among non-quarterbacks in the NFL. And the guarantee is the highest among non-QBs, according to Roster Management System.

Hutchinson, 25, is a cornerstone of the Lions’ defense, already establishing himself as one of the top pass rushers in the NFL. He has been able to return to his dominant form in 2025 after his 2024 season was cut short by a fractured tibia and fibula suffered in Week 6.

He has six sacks this season, while his 29 quarterback pressures rank second in the NFL behind only Parsons (33), and his four forced fumbles are tied with Joey Bosa for the league lead.

In case you missed it on Arrowhead Pride​

Why play action is a great fit for the Chiefs’ offense

As we saw in this game, the Chiefs’ pass-catchers still struggle against press coverage. They thrive versus zone, but when opponents jam Kansas City’s smaller wideouts, separation becomes an issue. In particular, Hollywood Brown struggles in those situations — and on Monday, Worthy also lost a contested catch against man coverage on a dig route. At this stage of his career, Kelce isn’t as dominant against man coverage, either.

But using more play-action forces defenses into more base zone looks — or manipulates them with fakes and motion. Getting into 12 personnel or condensed sets can give receivers free releases. You can leak players to the back side as defenders chase the action. This makes their jobs easier — and gives them built-in answers against man coverage.

Here’s the other advantage: Kansas City’s running backs are far better running from under-center alignments. Both Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco are one-cut, north-south runners. Going under center makes their tracks cleaner and enhances that style. Replacing more RPOs with true under-center play action can not only improve the ground game, but also generate more explosive throws over the middle — rather than quick sideline passes.

Social media to make you think​

Well this didn't age well….https://t.co/Y6ItltBPhK

— Soren Petro (@SorenPetro) October 29, 2025

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Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/kans...6/chiefs-news-10-30-nick-bolton-gets-good-mri

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

Dolphins-Raiders Week 8 ‘Thursday Night Football’ discussion

The NFL’s Week 9 kicks off with the (2-6) Miami Dolphins hosting the (2-5) Baltimore Ravens for “Thursday Night Football” on Amazon Prime!

Let’s talk about tonight’s game!

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/kans...ers-week-8-thursday-night-football-discussion

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

Chiefs’ News 10/31: Team faces ‘brutal slate’ in remaining schedule

The latest​

Ranking the five NFL teams with scariest remaining strength of schedule: Chiefs and Colts face brutal slates | CBS Sports

T-2. Chiefs (5-3)

The Chiefs have the second scariest remaining schedule and that’s mostly because they have a brutal November. They’ll be playing four games during the month with a schedule that looks like this: at Bills, bye, at Broncos, Colts, at Cowboys. They get just one home game plus they have to play a Thursday road game on Thanksgiving in Dallas. Although their schedule is difficult, this is the Chiefs we’re talking about, so they seem like a lock for the playoffs, but don’t be surprised if their nine-year run atop the AFC West finally comes to an end.

Remaining strength of schedule: .558
Games left vs. teams above .500: 5 (Bills, Colts, Chargers, Broncos x 2)
Predicted final record: 12-5

Why Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen are the No. 1 TV draw in the NFL | The Athletic

These have not been ordinary games as far as television viewership. Last year’s AFC Championship Game averaged 57.7 million viewers, the most-watched AFC Championship Game on record. Excluding Super Bowls, it was the second most-watched NFL game ever (tracking started in 1988), behind only the 2010 NFC Championship Game between the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints. which averaged 57.9 million viewers.

The Bills-Chiefs game has defined CBS’ NFL coverage in many ways, given the audience for it and the quality of the games. So you can understand why Berson was thrilled to learn from NFL media executives Hans Schroeder and Mike North on a 9 a.m. Zoom meeting with the league on May 14, the day of the NFL schedule release, that CBS had been granted its No. 1 pick.

Bills, Chiefs trade rumors could lead to Kansas City vs. Buffalo deadline showdown | The Sporting News

According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, both teams are in the market for an interior defender, so the Chiefs and Bills could be jockeying for the same players who become available ahead of the trade deadline.

“The Chiefs have sniffed around on a defensive tackle and now are drilling down a little more at running back with Isiah Pacheco banged up,” Breer wrote on Kansas City.

“As the Chiefs’ outlook has been impacted by a recent injury, the Bills’ approach has been, too, with Ed Oliver down until the playoffs,” Breer added on the Bills. “Buffalo’s taking a hard look at what’s out there at defensive tackle, and has also kicked the tires on its options at receiver.”

One thing both teams have in common is a lack of cap space. Kansas City is sitting with just $3 million, while the Bills are working with even less at $1.6 million.

That means we shouldn’t expect a massive move from either team, although the Bills could definitely use one with Oliver, T.J. Sanders, DaQuan Jones and DeWayne Carter all on the shelf.

When it comes to draft picks, the Chiefs only have 12 over the next two years, so they don’t have a lot of ammunition. The Bills, meanwhile, are in slightly better shape with 14 through 2027, including seven in each year.

NFL Week 9 picks, predictions, schedule, odds, fantasy tips | ESPN

What we’re hearing on the Bills: Though the Bills’ offense has reigning MVP Josh Allen, and RB James Cook III is off to an explosive start, questions linger about the recent struggles of the outside passing game. The defense is also dealing with injuries and will have to keep pace with a Chiefs offense that has gotten hot after Rashee Rice’s return. “Anytime you’re playing against a good team and a good quarterback, you have to get to play at the top of your game in order to win a football game,” Allen said. “So, not that you don’t go out there and try to play your best all the time, there is a heightened sense of awareness to that, of understanding who’s on the other side of the football.” — Alaina Getzenberg

Stat to know: This is the 10th matchup between Mahomes and Allen, including the playoffs. Since 1950, no QBs under 30 have faced off more from different divisions. — ESPN Research

Bold prediction: The Bills will record multiple 30-plus-yard gains on crossing routes. They run crossing routes 13% of the time, second most in the NFL, while the Chiefs — despite having a good pass defense — have allowed 0.77 EPA per play against targeted crossing routes (second worst). — [Seth] Walder

Why fourth down has been money for Chiefs — on both sides of the ball | The Star

“Do we have to talk about that?” he said as he knocked on the wooden lectern for good luck.

Spagnuolo doesn’t want to jinx the success. In a season when the Chiefs’ offense has enjoyed fourth-down prosperity — their 14 successful conversions tops the NFL, and their 82.2% success rate ranks third in the league — their fourth-down defense has been even better.

The Chiefs have held opponents to four-of-16 on fourth downs, and that 25% conversion rate tops the NFL. The Chiefs will take a streak of fourth-down stops — seven in a row — into Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills.“

Around the NFL​

Lamar Jackson throws 4 TDs in return as Baltimore rocks Miami, 28-6 | Yahoo! Sports

Lamar Jackson wasn’t all the way back in his return to the lineup. That was fairly easy to tell.

Jackson looked hesitant to scramble and he rarely ran. That happens when you miss four weeks with a hamstring injury. And yet, he still looked like one of the best players in football. His return completely changed the Baltimore Ravens’ outlook on the rest of their season.

As Jackson knocked the rust off he was still the biggest difference-maker in Thursday night’s game. Jackson threw four touchdown passes and the Ravens continued their long climb out of a 1-5 hole with an easy 28-6 win over the Miami Dolphins.

The Ravens (2-5) will play better opponents, but they’ll also have a healthier Jackson leading them. The Ravens found out Thursday night that their quarterback is still one of the best in the NFL and their season is very much alive.

Mike McDaniel shares fans’ frustrations in latest loss, which pushed Dolphins to 2-7: ‘It sucks’ | NFL.com

Following the loss, an embattled McDaniel was asked how he takes fans booing his 2-7 club.

“Yeah, personally, you want to dictate the terms. You want to fix stuff, and yeah, it sucks. That sucks,” he said, via the team’s official transcript. “All of that does. But I think it’s a pretty consistent formula of fans enjoy winning, and so our expectation is that we have to do the work and do the right things for fans to enjoy the experience, and unfortunately, we didn’t do that tonight, so we got to get back to work to give them something to cheer about.”

Like the fans, McDaniel couldn’t always keep his emotions bottled up, and he poured out his frustration several times on the sideline, from a dejected skyward-looking query to a blowup after a false start by right tackle Larry Borom on a would-be fourth-down play.

“That was at self-inflicted wounds,” the coach said of his sideline reaction to the false start. “We have been putting such an emphasis on all things related to our operation and in a critical fourth-and-1, where we were pretty fired up about the defensive look — it was what we were calling the play for. And that’s, flat out, a controllable that our team knows that keeps you from winning. So I was irate at nothing but our self-inflicted wound.”

In case you missed it on Arrowhead Pride​

Don’t forget about the Chiefs’ defense

The Chiefs have held four straight regular-season opponents to 320 or fewer total yards. It’s only the sixth time in the past 20 years the defense has maintained such a streak.

Kansas City has allowed 131 points. Only twice in the last 20 years has the Chiefs’ defense allowed fewer points by this point: 2023 (129) and 2013 (98).

The Chiefs’ 2,222 yards allowed are their fewest through eight games since 1998. The only NFL defenses this decade to allow fewer total yards through eight games were the 2015 Broncos, 2017 Panthers, 2019 49ers, 2021 Bills, 2023 Ravens, 2023 Browns, and 2024 Titans.

I knew they had been playing well. I did not realize they had been playing that well.

Social media to make you think​

For context, the efficiency gap from 1st to 2nd is the same size as the gap from 2nd to 24th. https://t.co/55nRzvbwfF pic.twitter.com/2fIhFCCpp0

— Steven Patton (@PattonAnalytics) October 29, 2025

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