The Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills have built one of the NFL’s most thrilling playoff rivalries. With six postseason battles spanning decades, their matchups feature everything from blowouts to nail-biters and even a game considered among the greatest ever played.
As the Chiefs aim for a three-peat, let’s dive into their rich playoff history with the Bills, starting with their first clash.
1966 AFL Championship: Kansas City Chiefs Dominate For Super Bowl I Berth
The Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills first met with history on the line- a trip to the inaugural Super Bowl. Kansas City turned a close contest into a blowout in the fourth quarter, defeating Buffalo 31-7. Mike Garrett’s two late touchdowns sealed the win, while Kansas City’s defense stifled Jack Kemp, picking him off twice and sacking him four times. Despite falling to Vince Lombardi’s Packers in Super Bowl I, the Chiefs’ dominance that day foreshadowed their eventual championship in 1969.
#Chiefs elusive scatback Mike Garrett reverses field, goes 20 yards behind the line of scrimmage…
— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) January 2, 2025
…then turns in a spectacular 18-yard touchdown adventure to close out the 1966 AFL Championship and dethrone the two-time defending-AFL champion Bills, 31-7.
January 1, 1967 pic.twitter.com/p66S606mpZ
1991 AFC Divisional Round: Bills Ruled Out Chiefs
Fast forward 25 years, and the Bills were at the height of their powers. Facing a young Kansas City squad led by Marty Schottenheimer, Buffalo showed why they were perennial contenders. Andre Reed’s two long touchdown receptions helped the Bills storm to a 24-0 lead, ultimately winning 37-14. Though Kansas City forced three turnovers, their offense couldn’t match Buffalo’s star-studded unit, which featured Hall of Famers Jim Kelly, Bruce Smith, and Thurman Thomas. The Bills advanced to their second straight Super Bowl but fell to Washington, 37-24.
1993 AFC Championship: Buffalo Bills Deny Kansas City Chiefs Again
The Chiefs, bolstered by legends Joe Montana and Marcus Allen, returned to the playoffs with high hopes. After dispatching Pittsburgh and Houston, they faced Buffalo for the AFC crown. Though the nation rooted for Montana to lead Kansas City to the Super Bowl, the Bills had other plans. Thurman Thomas ran wild, racking up 186 yards and three touchdowns. Marcus Allen’s score kept the Chiefs within striking distance, but with Montana sidelined by injury, Buffalo pulled away for a 30-13 win. The Bills’ fourth consecutive Super Bowl trip ended in disappointment as Dallas defeated them again.
The last time the #Chiefs played in Buffalo for a playoff game (1993 AFC Championship). Joe Montana was the QB. Marcus Allen was the RB. Neil Smith and Derrick Thomas were rushing the passer. The Bills had Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, Andre Reed and Bruce Smith. pic.twitter.com/d3tLuKJYWo
— Nick Jacobs (@Jacobs71) January 16, 2024
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Also Read: 10 Legendary NFL Teams That Would DESTROY The 2024-25 Kansas City Chiefs
2020 AFC Championship: Chiefs’ Offensive Firepower Prevails
The arrival of Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen brought a new chapter to this rivalry. In the 2020 AFC Championship, Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Tyreek Hill dominated, leading the Kansas City Chiefs to a 38-24 victory. Kansas City held a comfortable lead for most of the game, with Kelce’s two touchdowns and Hill’s 172 receiving yards proving too much for Buffalo’s defense. Despite Allen’s strong showing with 287 passing yards and 88 rushing yards, the Chiefs’ offensive firepower was the difference. Kansas City advanced to the Super Bowl, though they lost to Tampa Bay.
2021 AFC Divisional Round: An Instant Classic
Arguably the greatest playoff game ever, this matchup featured jaw-dropping moments in the final two minutes. The Buffalo Bills appeared to secure victory with Josh Allen’s fourth touchdown pass to Gabriel Davis, giving Buffalo the lead with 17 seconds left. But Mahomes and the Chiefs weren’t done. Two quick completions to Hill and Kelce set up Harrison Butker’s game-tying field goal. In overtime, Kansas City won the coin toss, and Mahomes found Kelce for the walk-off touchdown, sealing a 42-36 win.
The Bills-Chiefs ending in the 2021 Divisional Round will never get old. #NFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/U54yNhMtmN
— NFL (@NFL) January 16, 2025
2023 AFC Divisional Round: Kansas City Chiefs Edge Buffalo Bills In Buffalo
The most recent playoff meeting saw the Chiefs deliver a gritty 27-24 win on the road. Isiah Pacheco’s 97 rushing yards and a go-ahead fourth-quarter touchdown proved pivotal. Kansas City’s defense stepped up late, forcing Buffalo into a missed field goal with 6:40 remaining. The Chiefs controlled the clock and sealed the win to silence the Buffalo crowd. Kansas City’s victory paved the way for their eventual win in Super Bowl LVIII, where they defeated San Francisco to claim back-to-back titles.
Legendary performances, heartbreaking losses, and unforgettable drama have defined the Chiefs-Bills playoff rivalry. With Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen at the center, future battles promise more fireworks. Fans can only hope Sunday’s game lives up to its storied history.
Also Read: Grading All 8 NFL Teams After The Divisional Round
