DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 20: Wilson brand footballs with the NFL logo are pictured during the game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns at Ford Field on November 20, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
These are not necessarily the best players on each team; these are the players who need to step up to make sure that stars like Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes can have success.
Chiefs: DeAndre Hopkins
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – NOVEMBER 10: DeAndre Hopkins #8 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs after the catch in the fourth quarter of a game against the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
He was quiet in the Divisional Round but will need to up his game to beat a great Bills team.
Bills: James Cook
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: James Cook #4 of the Buffalo Bills scores a touchdown in the second quarter against the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium on November 19, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
The Bills want to run the football and control the clock. They also don’t want to fall into old patterns where Josh Allen has to do EVERYTHING.
Chiefs: Isiah Pacheco
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 1: Isiah Pacheco #10 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball during an NFL football game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 1, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
The Bills can be run on and although Hunt has done a decent job, Pacheco is their guy and since returning from his injury he hasn’t produced.
Bills: Keon Coleman
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 27: Keon Coleman #0 of the Buffalo Bills catches a pass during the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on October 27, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
He can make big plays down the field and draw PI calls as well. Allen will surely take a couple shots deep to him.
Chiefs: Travis Kelce
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 24: Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts before the AFC Championship game against the Buffalo Bills at Arrowhead Stadium on January 24, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
This one is pretty obvious. When Mahomes needs a big conversion, you know he is looking Kelce’s way.
Bills: Khalil Shakir
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: Khalil Shakir #10 of the Buffalo Bills scores a touchdown in the third quarter against the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium on November 19, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Shakir has become Allen’s favorite target, particularly on third down when they need a conversion.
