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The Bills come into this game well rested and looking to get the sting of the Patriots rout two weeks ago out of their system. Drew Bledsoe should be able to have a good day against the league's worst pass defense. The Bills will be looking to hold on to at least a share of first place in the division. The Chiefs are coming off a loss against San Francisco and despite having the worst total defense in the league, they have played better as a unit as of late. Their offense, much like the Bills, have kept them in games as they are second in points scored. They are led by potent running back Priest Holmes who should give the Bills fits on Sunday.
Facts and Figures
| Matchup: | Buffalo (5-4) at Kansas City (4-5) |
| Date: | Sunday November 17, 2002 |
| Place: | Arrowhead Stadium |
| Time: | 1:00pm |
| Television: | CBS |
| Announcers: | Greg Gumbel, Phil Simms, & Armen Keteyian |
| Spread: | Chiefs by 3 1/2 |
| Series: | Bills lead 20-15-1 (Bills 2-1 in playoffs) |
| Last Meeting: | Bills 21-17 in KC (2000) |
| Chiefs Offense: | Rush (3rd); Pass (14th); overall (9th) |
| Chiefs Def: | Rush (19th); Pass (32nd); overall (32nd) |
| Bills Offense: | Rush (26th); Pass (2nd); overall (4th) |
| Bills Defense: | Rush (25th); Pass (20th); overall (t-21st) |
Injury Update
The Bills were able to use the bye week to get healthy. All the injured players are expected to return. Antoine Winfield has missed three games after undergoing knee surgery but he is back practicing and he says he will definitely play. Tony Driver is also expected back from a pesky hip injury. Jay Riemersma has been suffering from a back sprain his availability may be in doubt but he thinks he'll play.
The Chiefs were healthy going into last week's battle with the 49ers. The lone player to miss the game because of injury was reserve offensive tackle Willie Jones. Two starting defensive linemen left the 49ers game and were unable to return. DE Eric Hicks re-injured his right ankle and DT Derrick Ransom suffered a left foot sprain.
For complete injury news throughout the week and the Official NFL Injury Report go to our Injury Page.
Key Matchups
DT Pat Williams and LB London Fletcher vs. RB Priest Holmes: Holmes is an excellent runner between the tackles. Williams will have to have one of his better days to keep Holmes semi-contained. If not, Fletcher is going to have to keep him from running wild. If neither happens it will be a long day for the Bills.
LB Eddie Robinson and S Coy Wire vs. TE Tony Gonzalez: Gonzalez is coming off of a terrible game against San Francisco and they will look to get him heavily involved in the offense. Robinson usually is matched up one on one with tight ends but Gonzalez is like having another wide receiver out there. He is their best receiving weapon.
CB Nate Clements vs. WR Eddie Kennison: If the strong safety is helping with Gonzales then Clements will most likely be matched up one on one with the suddenly resurgent Kennison. He had a monster day last week and has developed into another weapon for an already potent offense.
RT Mike Williams vs. LE Eric Hicks: Hicks has five sacks and Williams is coming off of a tough game against New England. With an extra week to rest his tender hamstring Williams should be ready to perform better against the Chiefs best pass rusher.
QB Drew Bledsoe vs. SS Greg Wesley: Wesley has four interceptions and will be watching Bledsoe's every move. He has yet to throw an interception in a game that the Bills have won so he needs to keep an eye out for where Wesley is at all times.
Game Plan
When The Bills Have The Ball: It will be the Bills strength against the Chiefs weakness. Look for Bledsoe to exploit the worst passing defense in the league. The Bills should play a very aggressive, attacking offense throwing the ball a lot if the weather permits. That will loosen up the defense for some late running by Travis Henry
When The Chiefs Have The Ball: They will also attempt to exploit the Bills weakness with their strength. Holmes may be the best back in the league and the Bills run defense is pretty soft. Look for the Chiefs to run the ball a lot early and then use play action to open up a potent passing game especially to Gonzalez.
Bills Daily Prediction
This is an interesting matchup as both teams are hungry for the win. The Chiefs are in danger of falling out of the playoff picture despite being better than their record indicates. The Bills should be real focused for a solid performance as they have had two weeks to sit and stew over what happened against New England. The Bills have never played real well in Arrowhead despite a win there two years ago. Despite the struggles in Kansas City, this team is a good road team and very hungry for a win. The two porous defenses will allow a lot of points: Bills 34, Chiefs 31
Season Prediction Record: (8-1)
Season Record Against The Spread: (7-2)
Complete Statistical MatchupGame Analysis and Review - Coming Sunday Night!Positional Breakdown and Grades - Coming Sunday Night!
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