Even Kansas City Chiefs fans couldn't help but sit back and enjoy the track meet that Sunday Night Football became in Week 1. The two teams didn't disappoint with Matt Prater hitting a field goal as time expired to give the Bills a 41-40 win.
Predictably, pundits are going to utilize this game as Exhibit A of why Kansas City is no longer the favorite in the AFC. However, from the perspective of Chiefs' fans, this game actually isn't as concerning as it might be presented.
Chiefs Fans Should Have Little Fear of Wishful Rivals After Sunday Night Slugfest
So many pundits will jump to argue why the Bills or Ravens are now the class of the AFC, discounting what Sunday's game clearly exposed. For the Bills to get a one-point win at home, Josh Allen had to play the game of his life. Even with this in mind, it took a lucky fumble and bounce of the ball to give the Bills a chance to hit the walk-off winner. This was due to a defense that appeared incapable of executing even the simplistic.
Kansas City fans should feel encouraged by the fact that neither team appeared to have a capable defense in Week 1. While much can change over the next 17 weeks, for now, there is no reason to fear either team's defense. If Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson were able to ball out against these units, what might Mahomes do?
Keep in mind that Rashee Rice will have returned and be up to full speed when these teams inevitably meet in the playoffs. While he'll miss Week 4 against Baltimore, the Ravens' shoddy secondary sets up every single Chiefs receiving threat to feast. And Rice will be on the field in Week 9 to give Buffalo's defense plenty of fits.
Not only does the coverage from these rivals look enticing to face, but the Chiefs have an extreme mental advantage. Only two active quarterbacks in the entire league have beaten Mahomes in a game that mattered. Joe Burrow in an AFC Championship game and Jalen Hurts in last year's Super Bowl. Allen nor Jackson has ever proven themselves up for the task.
Allen has played well against Kansas City, but has never been able to make THE play. Sunday's highlight game was an incredible watch and should earn further respect for two of the best players to ever step foot in the league. However, there is no denying the Chiefs have more reason for encouragement when it comes to a potential playoff matchup.
Last year, Mahomes found a way to get it done against the Bills despite not having Rice in the lineup and dealing with an inferior offensive line. Both of these issues appear to be resolved, and the quarterback would be facing a defense that Jackson just put up 40 points on.
For Kansas City fans, this game serves as a reminder that the AFC still goes through Arrowhead -- and until someone is able to come in and play a complete game, that will continue to be the case.