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Chiefs DE George Karlaftis discusses matchup with the Bills: ‘We’ve got to bring our A-Game’

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis discusses matchup with the Buffalo #Bills: ‘We’ve got to bring our A-Game’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs defense had a late-game scare against the Denver Broncos last week but is using the experience to sharpen up for Week 11. Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis explained to reporters on Friday that he is very familiar with this Sunday’s opponent.

“They got great guys all over the board, starting with their quarterback, running back, offensive line, receivers, and great defense, too. It’s a tough environment to play,” said Karlaftis. “We obviously played a lot of close games with them, having won once at least since I’ve been here in the regular season. Beat them in the playoffs, obviously. We got to bring our A-Game this week.”

The defense will focus on Buffalo Bills Pro Bowl quarterback Josh Allen, who has played almost error-free football this season. Karlaftis acknowledged Allen’s talent and the need to slow him down to secure the victory.

“What’s unique about him is he could run. First of all, he’s like one of the best quarterbacks in the league, right? That goes without saying.” said Karlaftis. “He can move as well as he does, and he’s my size, if not a little bigger. You respect that even a little more. So he’s, like I said, one of those elite guys who can make all the throws with his dangerous feet. So, you got to have stuff, and you got to prepare all week for a guy like that.”

The Bills are one of the top teams in the conference and are well aware of the potential impact a victory over the league-leading Chiefs could have on their postseason seeding.

Chiefs OL Trey Smith describes playing in Buffalo: ‘It’s crazy out there’

Kansas City #Chiefs offensive lineman Trey Smith describes playing in Buffalo surrounded by #Bills Mafia: ‘It’s crazy out there’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round last postseason on their way to Super Bowl LVIII. The Buffalo victory surprised many critics but firmly eliminated the notion that they couldn’t win away from Arrowhead Stadium.

Starting offensive right guard, Trey Smith spoke to reporters on Thursday about the atmosphere in Buffalo during their last matchup in January.

“Yeah, Buffalo, the fans definitely brought it. It’s a great environment. I have a lot of respect for that team and that organization, and you can sense their fans’ passion. I mean, I remember pulling up on the bus, throwing snowballs and stuff at us, jumping on the tables. It’s crazy out there.” said Smith. “It’s a great fan base. It’s going to be a good challenge. Like I said, have a great game day environment and some great fans.”

Smith and the Chiefs greatly respect the Bills and understand the importance of this Sunday’s game. Before their postseason matchup, the two teams met during the regular season in Kansas City, with the Bills prevailing following the infamous offensive offsides call on Kadarius Toney in the fourth quarter.

Previewing Chiefs’ Week 11 game vs. Bills on Chiefs Wire Podcast

On the latest episode of @TheChiefsWire podcast: @EdEastonJr’s chats w/ Ryan Fitzpatrick #KCvsBUF

We’re back with an all-new episode of the Chiefs Wire podcast! This week, we’re previewing the Kansas City Chiefs Week 11 matchup with the Buffalo Bills.

Senior Writer Ed Easton Jr. spoke to NFL on Prime Video Thursday Night Football analyst and former Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick about the Chiefs vs. Bills rivalry. Fitzpatrick also discussed the aftermath of his game-winning drive in the 2019 regular-season finale, which clinched Kansas City a first-round bye.

We check in with this past week’s press conferences, which featured comments from quarterback Patrick Mahomes and linebacker Leo Chenal on the thrilling game-winning field goal block last Sunday, defeating the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium. Head Coach Andy Reid shares his thoughts on the game and looks ahead to this weekend’s big matchup in Buffalo.

The latest episode of the Chiefs Wire Podcast will inform listeners about all developments in the team’s game plan for Week 11 against the Bills following another dramatic come-from-behind victory. We also learn more about Fitzpatrick’s decision to go into television after a long and traveled football-playing career.

Check out the link below to get your fill of Chiefs talk ahead of Sunday’s kickoff:

Andy Reid reveals status updates for Charles Omenihu, Isiah Pacheco ahead of Week 11 matchup vs. Bills

#Chiefs HC Andy Reid revealed status updates for Charles Omenihu and Isiah Pacheco ahead of Kansas City’s Week 11 matchup against the #Bills. | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs welcomed back two starters to practice on Wednesday after extended stints on injured reserve. Defensive lineman Charles Omenihu and running back Isiah Pacheco officially returned to practice, joining their teammates on the field in hopes of ramping up and getting ready for potential game action.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed the statuses of his returning players ahead of practice during his weekly podium press conference.

“As far as injuries go, Charles (Omenihu) and (Isiah) Pacheco will start working today, and we’ll just gradually build them up as we go. And that’s really it. Everybody else is practicing.”

Reid also quickly responded to a reporter’s question about their status for Week 11 as: “Unlikely.”

Pacheco has been out since fracturing his fibula in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Omenihu suffered a torn ACL in the AFC Championship Game earlier this year against the Baltimore Ravens.

Each player’s return to the lineup will be welcomed, but there isn’t necessarily a rush to get them on the field without being 100 percent.

Dolphins claim ex-Seahawks, Bills LB off waivers

The Dolphins claimed Tyrel Dodson, who was the highest graded LB in the entire NFL last season on PFF.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

Former Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills linebacker Tyrel Dodson is the newest member of the Miami Dolphins after he was claimed off waivers Tuesday, according to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report.

Dodson, 26, was a surprising release for Seattle after joining the team on a one-year, $4.26 million contract in the offseason. Through nine games with the Seahawks, he was the team’s leading tackler with 71 and he added two sacks, five tackles for loss, and two pass deflections. One of those two sacks was the hit that eventually sidelined Miami quarterback Skylar Thompson.

“It was the best thing for us to move forward [without Dodson],” Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said of the decision. “We’re going to give the other [linebackers] an opportunity. I hope those guys grab the opportunity by the horns. This also gives Tyrel [Dodson] an opportunity to find another spot somewhere else so he can finish the season strong.”

Prior to joining the Seahawks, Dodson began his career with the Buffalo Bills. In his fourth and final season with the team, Dodson had a breakout campaign, finishing the year with 2.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss, and a stellar 90.2 grade on PFF — highest in the entire league at the position.

So far this season, he has a 65.8 grade.

The Dolphins began the year with Jordyn Brooks and David Long Jr. in the starting lineup, but recently benched Long in favor of Anthony Walker Jr.

To make room for Dodson on the 53-man roster, the Dolphins moved tight end Tanner Conner to the injured reserve.

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Bills’ Josh Allen says teammates ‘stepped up’ vs. Colts

A win is a win.

It wasn’t pretty, but the Bills won in all three phases 30-20 on the road against the Colts in Indianapolis.

Buffalo got the job done despite turning the ball over multiple times, which left much to improve upon.

Few knew that better than quarterback Josh Allen.

“We’ve got to have a faster start. We didn’t play our best today, but we’ll take the win,” the QB said. “Four forced turnovers — we’ve got to hold onto the ball a little bit better. We’ll take them how we can get them, and we’ll turn the page tomorrow.”

Allen would go 23 of 37 for 280 yards in the air with 50 yards on the ground.

He also threw a pair of interceptions, putting him at four in the span of the last three games after a stellar start to the year in which he didn’t throw any at all in his first seven contests.

“Guys stepping up, knowing they’re knowing their job, knowing their assignment, and going out there and executing can be cleaner,” he added. “That’s that’s me. So again, just making sure we’re communicating well, and just try again, just trying to hold on to the football. And, you know, we got to play better on offense.”

Playing in front of so many Bills fans in attendance it was practically a home game in the stands, Buffalo was missing receivers Amari Cooper and Keon Coleman. Their scoring got done by way of kicker Tyler Bass’s field goals, along with rushing touchdowns by Allen and starting running back James Cook, and a pick-six interception by corner Taron Johnson.

Rushing TD No. 57 for @JoshAllenQB! He moves into a tie of 2nd place in Bills history 🤯@NFL | @BuffaloBills | #BUFvsIND pic.twitter.com/lvvh50sWlT

— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) November 10, 2024

“Just all hands on deck,” head coach Sean McDermott said to the press postgame. “I mean, what else can you say? I would say (offensive coordinator) Joe (Brady), the (offensive coaching) staff, they didn’t flinch. They just kept dialing it up, trying to adjust. I thought the communication at halftime was great by the entire staff.”

This ahead of one of their biggest tests of the season next Sunday, a home game hosting the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs in Orchard Park.

For four-straight games and in seven of their 10 games this season, the Bills have scored 30 points or more, which could matter next week against a Kansas City team that’s only scored that much once this season.

The win against the Colts was the Bills’ first in Indianapolis since 1998, their fifth consecutive win, and they improved to 8-2 overall, their best start since 1993.

And they might possibly have been at 9-1 if not for clock management and playcalling near the end of the club’s matchup against the Houston Texans.

Nonetheless, things remain in perspective for Allen.

“It’s awesome to get eight wins through 10 games. Still got a lot of season left, so we’re not really looking at it as that. It’s just really on to the next one.”

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Bills’ Taron Johnson credits studies for pick six: ‘I’ve seen that play before’

The Bills beat the Colts 30-20 on Sunday, thanks in part to an early defensive takeaway by nickel Taron Johnson.

Buffalo had a strong day on defense, and the effort was highlighted by an early pick-six by the corner.

TARON JOHNSON TO THE HOUSE FOR THE PICK-6!

📺: #BUFvsIND on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/6wJ9t1qiXy

— NFL (@NFL) November 10, 2024

Johnson helped to set the tone for the game on the defensive side of the ball with the big play, but also in his overall performance.

He had three tackles, a sack, one tackle for loss, and two pass deflections as well.

“I’m not sure what he was seeing,” Johnson said of opposing QB Joe Flacco’s read on the pick. “But I’ve seen that play before . . . against a different team, and I played it differently. I mean, we [were] in a different call too. In the game I’ve seen it, I played it differently, and I feel like they were expecting me to play it a different way. And, I took the ball. After that, I scanned the field and took it to the house.

I’ve seen that play before… I feel like they were expecting me to play it a different way and took the ball.”

They were also without receivers Keon Coleman and Amari Cooper on offense, so the defense stepped up.

“I know we’re banged up on offense, but the defense came out, and especially in that second half, made a lot of plays, and I feel like that helped us win,” Johnson added.

On the day, the Bills offense had three interceptions total, along with four sacks and two forced fumbles.

Much to the approval of head coach Sean McDermott.

“I thought that the defense and the takeaways was a big time difference in the game, and then also getting momentum back after our turnovers with some key stops and fourth down stops”, McDermott said. “We were able to make them (Colts) one-dimensional, which was important for us. It was a resilient win overall. Very resilient win.”

With Tyler Bass going a perfect six for six, special teams and defense held up their end.

“I think they’re just a very competitive group,” McDermott added. “They take a lot of pride in not letting each other down.”

Causes for concern as the Bills face the Colts in Week 10

The Buffalo Bills will travel to Indianapolis to take on the Colts in Week 10 at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Bills (7-2) and Colts (4-5) have been trending in different directions as of late. The Bills have won four in a row while the Colts have lost their last two.

The Bills haven’t won in Indianapolis since 1999. This week, they are four-point favorites to win against a solid Colts team. Even though the Bills will be picked to win by many, there are always a few things that make winning difficult each week. The Bills will need to be wary of them.

Here are three causes for concern for the Bills in Week 10:

Joe Flacco can still sling it

In his 17th year in the NFL, Joe Flacco still has a more-than-capable throwing arm. Thrust into the starting lineup for a struggling Anthony Richardson, Flacco has the numbers to back that he is a threat through the air at 39 years old.

In four games played this year, he has posted seven touchdowns with just two interceptions and a 94.5 passer rating. In games that Richardson played this year, the Colts averaged 18.8 points per game, and with Flacco, they are averaging 23.5 ppg.

The Bills passing defense, which ranks 15th in the NFL in DVOA, will be tested in Week 10.

Jonathan Taylor on the ground

With running back Jonathan Taylor in the backfield, and now Flacco under center, the Colts offer a balanced attack on offense. Taylor is coming off of an unproductive Week 9 when he had 48 rushing yards and just 3.7 yards per carry against a stout Minnesota Vikings defense.

He’ll be looking to bounce back, and he has a history of gashing the Bills. In 2021, Taylor had 185 yards and five rushing touchdowns in a Colts blowout win over the Bills.

The Bills will have to gameplan to try to limit what he can do. Last week, the Bills gave up over five yards per carry to both Miami Dolphins’ running backs. While they have gotten gashed a few times on the ground this year, their run defense still ranks sixth in DVOA. Facing Taylor will be a good measuring stick to see what the Bills’ front seven can handle.

Colts keep it close

Every game for the Colts this year has been a one-score game. They haven’t lost by more than eight and haven’t won by more than six. They’ve been in all nine games to this point. Despite being 4-5 and making a recent quarterback switch, they’re a better team than many think. They very well could be above .500 had Flacco been the starter all year.

At home, the Colts are 3-1 this year, including a 27-24 win with Flacco under center over a good Pittsburgh Steelers team. If Bills fans have a strong showing like they did in Seattle two weeks ago, it would be a big boost for the team.

3 keys to a Bills victory vs. the Colts in Week 10

The Buffalo Bills will play the Indianapolis Colts on the road at Lucas Oil Stadium in Week 10.

The Bills (7-2) are looking to build on a four-game win streak, the latest being a nail-biter against the Miami Dolphins. The Colts (4-5) are on a two-game losing streak, dropping close games to the Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings.

Buffalo is favored by four points in this one but recent history suggests otherwise. The team hasn’t won in Indianapolis since 1999 when Doug Flutie was under center. They have lost in their last six tries.

When the Bills try to end that streak on Sunday, they’ll be going against a very competitive ball club. All nine of the Colts’ games this year have been decided by one score or less.

The Bills will need to execute their game plan to pick up their eighth win of the year.

With that, here are three keys to a Bills win in Week 10:

Limit big runs from Jonathan Taylor

Many are now doubting the Bills’ ability to stop the run after they were gashed by Dolphins runners De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert. But, even though both averaged over five yards per carry in the game, the Buffalo didn’t allow them to have big runs.

After allowing a run of 20 yards in four of their first six games this year, the Bills haven’t allowed one in their last three games.

Enter Jonathan Taylor. In his one career game vs. the Bills in 2021, he ran for 185 yards and five touchdowns in a Colts blowout win.

After Taylor had a rough outing last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, you know he is looking to get back on track. He will most likely get chunks of yards at times, but if the Bills can make sure none slip away for big gains, it will help their chances on the road.

A balanced attack

The best teams in the NFL are labeled that way because they can attack you in different ways. The Bills are no exception. They have leaned into a balanced approach under offensive coordinator Joe Brady and they have reaped the benefits.

It is no longer quarterback Josh Allen dropping back and trying to create something for the majority of the time. According to FTN Fantasy, the Bills rank seventh in the NFL in rushing DVOA while ranking third in passing. They are elite in both categories.

The Colts’ defense, on the other hand, is lacking in both categories. They rank 28th in passing DVOA and 17th in rushing. The Bills will have opportunities on offense, but tipping your hand and neglecting either the pass or run would make things more difficult than necessary.

Stay close to Josh Downs

Joe Flacco loves to throw it to slot receiver Josh Downs. In he four games with Flacco under center, here are Downs’ numbers per game:

9.75 targets
7.5 catches
69.25 receiving yards
0.5 touchdowns

In a run-heavy offense for Indy, Downs has been the most targeted wide receiver on a per-game basis, and he has the most receiving yards per game. He also adds an average of 5.0 yards after the catch, per Fantasy Pros.

It would be a big boost if the Bills’ defense could hold Downs to minimal gains after the catch.

He likes to sit underneath in the holes of defenses, with an average depth of target of 6.6 yards. He’ll be a focal point of the Bills coverage in Week 10, and he draws a tough matchup with Taron Johnson in the slot.

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Bills vs. Colts: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 10

The Buffalo Bills (7-2) will face the Indianapolis Colts (4-5) on the road in their upcoming Week 10 matchup.

The games within the game will make all the difference for the Bills as they try to win in Indianapolis for the first time since 1999.

Here are three key matchups to watch during Sunday’s Bills-Colts contest:

Bills front seven vs. Jonathan Taylor

The Bills’ front seven has been inconsistent this year in defending the ground game, and they have been under the microscope this week after allowing the Miami Dolphins to run all over them. Running backs De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert each averaged over five yards per carry and combined for 119 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. Now, they have Jonathan Taylor to worry about.

Taylor has been one of the best backs in the NFL when healthy since he entered the league. This year he is averaging an impressive 4.8 yards per carry and is 19th in the NFL in rushing yards (502), just ahead of James Cook (496).

The Bills will need execution and effort from their front seven throughout the game to keep Taylor in check. Guys like DaQuan Jones, Ed Oliver, and Greg Rousseau will be counted on to make an impact at the line of scrimmage.

CB Taron Johnson vs. WR Josh Downs

Slot cornerback Taron Johnson, a second-team All-Pro last year, will be tested by a young up-and-comer in Week 10. Second-year wide receiver Josh Downs operates out of the slot and has quickly gained rapport with quarterback Joe Flacco.

In four games together this year, Downs has averaged 9.75 targets, 7.5 receptions, and 69.25 receiving yards per contest. He has the most catches from Flacco by a decent margin and has been the most-targeted receiver in all four games.

Johnson has a tough task with keeping tabs on Downs and also being ready to head downhill to tackle Taylor in the running game. It’s a tall task but that’s nothing new for one of the best nickel corners in the game.

QB Joe Flacco vs. Bills pass coverage

We could more widely talk about the playcalling duel between Shane Steichen and Bobby Babich, but let’s zoom in a bit. Flacco vs the Bills’ coverage will be a chess match to watch.

Flacco has been around the block. In his 17th year, he is still proving he can be effective. He has seven touchdowns and two interceptions through four games played, and his 94.5 passer rating ranks 14th in the NFL.

The Bills passing defense struggled against the Dolphins last week as Tua Tagovailoa completed 89% of his passes. The Bills currently rank middle-of-the-pack in passing defense DVOA (15th).

The defense might have a little bit of an easier day if WR Michael Pittman Jr. can’t play due to injury, but what would really help them is having more of a pass rush.