The AFC Championship game between the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs on January 26, 2025, was more than just a football contest—it was a clash of two powerhouse teams led by superstar quarterbacks Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes. Played at the iconic Arrowhead Stadium, the matchup delivered everything fans expected: drama, high-level execution, and unforgettable individual performances. The Chiefs eventually triumphed with a narrow 32–29 victory, booking their spot in the Super Bowl for the third consecutive year. The buffalo bills vs kansas city chiefs match player stats is here.
This game will be remembered not only for the final score but for the intensity, strategy, and the way star players stepped up when the stakes were at their highest. Let’s break down the stats, analyze performances, and explore how this matchup unfolded.
Josh Allen vs Patrick Mahomes: A Quarterback Showcase
The spotlight was always going to be on Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes, two quarterbacks who have consistently raised the bar for offensive play in the NFL.
Josh Allen displayed his trademark combination of arm strength, accuracy, and mobility. He completed 22 of 34 passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. Beyond his passing, Allen rushed 11 times for 39 yards, keeping the Chiefs defense honest. His ability to make big plays in pressure situations was evident, though the Bills fell just short of sealing the game in the closing minutes. Check it for buffalo bills vs kansas city chiefs match player stats.
Patrick Mahomes, meanwhile, once again showed why he is regarded as the most dangerous quarterback in clutch situations. He went 18 of 26 for 245 passing yards and a touchdown, but it was his legs that turned the game around. Mahomes rushed 11 times for 43 yards and scored two rushing touchdowns, breaking Buffalo’s defensive schemes and extending drives that could have ended in punts. His efficiency against man coverage stood out, with a +19.3 Expected Points Added (EPA), completing 12 of 15 throws for 169 yards and a score.
Both quarterbacks put on a clinic, but Mahomes’ ability to adapt and improvise proved decisive.
The Ground Game: Cook vs Hunt
Running backs played a vital role in complementing their quarterbacks and keeping defensive units under pressure.
For the Bills, James Cook shined brightly with one of his most effective playoff outings. Carrying the ball 13 times, he racked up 85 rushing yards and scored two touchdowns. His burst of speed through gaps gave Buffalo key scoring drives and prevented Kansas City from fully committing to stopping Josh Allen in the pocket.
On the other side, Kareem Hunt carried the load for Kansas City with 17 rushing attempts, totaling 64 yards and one touchdown. While Hunt did not break off explosive plays, his consistency in short-yardage situations helped Kansas City maintain possession and control the clock. His touchdown gave the Chiefs momentum in the second half when they needed it most.
Wide Receiver Battles: Worthy vs Hollins
The wide receivers also played a massive role in shifting momentum.
For Kansas City, rookie wideout Xavier Worthy continued to prove himself as a reliable weapon. He caught six passes for 85 yards and a touchdown. Worthy’s speed and route running stretched the Bills’ secondary, creating mismatches and allowing Mahomes to find rhythm with short and intermediate throws.
For Buffalo, Mack Hollins stepped up in big moments. He secured three receptions for 73 yards and a touchdown, showing his value as a deep threat. Hollins’ ability to convert long plays gave Allen a much-needed option downfield, especially when the Chiefs defense tried to contain Stefon Diggs.
Key Defensive Moments
Though the scoreline suggests an offensive battle, both defenses had crucial moments that kept the game tight. Kansas City’s defense managed to limit Buffalo in the red zone during critical possessions, forcing field goals instead of touchdowns. Meanwhile, Buffalo’s pass rush put Mahomes under pressure multiple times, but his escapability neutralized their impact.
The Chiefs secondary deserves credit for limiting Stefon Diggs, who was held to a quiet game compared to his usual standards. Buffalo’s defense, on the other hand, struggled to contain Mahomes’ scrambling and Hunt’s consistent short-yardage gains. Know here about buffalo bills vs kansas city chiefs match player stats.
Game-Changing Plays
The AFC Championship was filled with momentum swings. One of the most significant moments came in the fourth quarter when Mahomes converted a third-and-long with a scramble, eventually leading to a touchdown drive. Later, the Chiefs sealed victory with a late field goal after orchestrating a balanced drive mixing Hunt’s runs and Worthy’s catches.
Buffalo had a chance to respond but failed to convert on a 4th-and-5 play, which essentially ended their hopes. Allen’s composure and Cook’s rushing brilliance kept the Bills alive throughout, but Kansas City’s late execution proved superior.
Final Player Stats Recap
| Player | Team | Key Stats |
| Josh Allen (QB) | Bills | 22/34, 237 yards, 2 TDs, 39 rushing yards |
| James Cook (RB) | Bills | 13 carries, 85 yards, 2 TDs |
| Mack Hollins (WR) | Bills | 3 receptions, 73 yards, 1 TD |
| Patrick Mahomes (QB) | Chiefs | 18/26, 245 yards, 1 TD, 43 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs |
| Kareem Hunt (RB) | Chiefs | 17 carries, 64 yards, 1 TD |
| Xavier Worthy (WR) | Chiefs | 6 receptions, 85 yards, 1 TD |
Conclusion
The Buffalo Bills vs Kansas City Chiefs AFC Championship was everything football fans could have hoped for—intensity, skill, and star power on full display. Josh Allen gave Buffalo every chance to win, with strong passing and James Cook’s explosive runs adding firepower. But Patrick Mahomes’ brilliance, both in the air and on the ground, along with reliable performances from Kareem Hunt and Xavier Worthy, proved too much in the end. The Chiefs walked away with a 32–29 victory, advancing to yet another Super Bowl, while the Bills were left heartbroken after another close postseason loss. For fans, the game reinforced why the Allen-Mahomes rivalry is one of the greatest storylines in modern NFL history.
