What we’re hearing on the Chiefs: One reason many of the Chiefs players love their rivalry with the Bills is how both fanbases support their team and hate the other team. “They do not like the Chiefs,” QB Patrick Mahomes said of the Bills’ fans. “It is a cool environment. I love playing in historic stadiums and that stadium has had so many great players play in it.” Sunday’s game could be the Chiefs’ last appearance in Highmark Stadium. Mahomes hopes Kansas City can pull together for its first victory in Buffalo since 2020. — Nate Taylor
What we’re hearing on the Bills: Though the Bills’ offense has reigning MVP Josh Allen, and RB James Cook III is off to an explosive start, questions linger about the recent struggles of the outside passing game. The defense is also dealing with injuries and will have to keep pace with a Chiefs offense that has gotten hot after Rashee Rice’s return. “Anytime you’re playing against a good team and a good quarterback, you have to get to play at the top of your game in order to win a football game,” Allen said. “So, not that you don’t go out there and try to play your best all the time, there is a heightened sense of awareness to that, of understanding who’s on the other side of the football.” — Alaina Getzenberg
Stat to know: This is the 10th matchup between Mahomes and Allen, including the playoffs. Since 1950, no QBs under 30 have faced off more from different divisions. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: The Bills will record multiple 30-plus-yard gains on crossing routes. They run crossing routes 13% of the time, second most in the NFL, while the Chiefs — despite having a good pass defense — have allowed 0.77 EPA per play against targeted crossing routes (second worst). — Walder
Fantasy nugget: Chiefs RB Kareem Hunt is set up for success with Isiah Pacheco dealing with a right MCL sprain. Hunt’s nose for the end zone has kept him on the fantasy radar, scoring five total touchdowns in eight games. The Bills’ defense also allows the sixth-most fantasy points per game to RBs. See Week 9 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Allen is 4-1 outright and ATS against Mahomes in the regular season, including four straight wins and covers. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Chiefs 23, Bills 20
Moody’s pick: Chiefs 32, Bills 24
Walder’s pick: Bills 27, Chiefs 24
FPI prediction: KC, 58.2% (by an average of 2.6 points)
