February 5, 2025
Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor
In a thrilling AFC championship game, the Kansas City Chiefs edged out the Buffalo Bills with a 32-29 victory at Arrowhead Stadium, securing their third consecutive Super Bowl appearance. Led by the dynamic Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs overcame a resilient Bills team in a game that was competitive until the final moments.
The matchup featured two of the league’s top quarterbacks, Mahomes and Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills, with both of them showing off their talent on the field. Throughout the duration of the game, Mahomes threw for a total of 245 yards and a touchdown, while also adding two crucial rushing scores. For Buffalo, Allen threw for 237 yards and two touchdowns. Both stars shined bright, but only one was able to come out on top.
The game started with Kansas City taking an early lead as Kareem Hunt rushed into the end zone for a touchdown. The Bills responded with a variety of strong offensive drives, one being a 34-yard touchdown grab by Mack Hollins. Despite the Bills’ efforts, the Chiefs were able to take a 21-16 lead into halftime, with Xavier Worthy playing a key role by racking up six catches for 85 yards, as well as a touchdown.
Whatever Bills head coach Sean McDermott told his team in the locker room seemed to work wonders, as Buffalo opened the second half with an early 1-yard touchdown run by James Cook, who finished with 85 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately for the Bills, they failed on the two-point conversion attempt, leaving them trailing 21-22. Mahomes responded quickly, leading the Chiefs down the field and finishing with a gritty 10-yard rushing touchdown, extending their lead to 29-22 after a successful two-point conversion.
The Bills refused to back down, though, executing a 70-yard drive in the fourth quarter. Josh Allen connected with Curtis Samuel in the end zone on a critical fourth-and-goal play, tying the game at 29. The stage was set for another dramatic finish between these AFC heavyweights.
With 6:15 remaining, Mahomes showed why he is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. His poise under pressure allowed him to complete four consecutive passes to set up a 40-yard field goal by Harrison Butker, putting Kansas City ahead 32-29. Buffalo had one last chance to extend the game, but the Chiefs’ defense stepped up when they needed it the most. After Allen converted a clutch first down with his legs, the Chiefs’ defensive front disrupted his rhythm, forcing an incomplete pass on a desperate fourth-down attempt to Dalton Kincaid. Kansas City then ran out the clock, sealing yet another heartbreaking postseason exit for the Bills.
Mahomes, who has now led the Chiefs to four Super Bowl appearances in five years, acknowledged the difficulty of the journey, saying, “It’s just so hard to get to the Super Bowl, and I don’t take it for granted.”
The Bills, who have not reached a Super Bowl since their four straight appearances from 1990 to 1993, were left grappling with another close defeat at the hands of Kansas City. McDermott commended his team’s heart, stating, “I told them they’ve got nothing to be ashamed of, and I love them.”
The Kansas City Chiefs now set their sights on the 2025 Super Bowl, where they will face the Philadelphia Eagles in a highly anticipated rematch. The Chiefs previously defeated the Eagles 38-35 in the 2023 Super Bowl, and they will aim to make history as the first NFL team to win three consecutive championships.
Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu
