Josh Allen’s late-game brilliance, highlighted by a remarkable 26-yard touchdown run, sealed a 30-21 Buffalo Bills victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. The win kept the Bills (9-2) in contention for the AFC’s top seed while handing the Chiefs (9-1) their first loss of the season, ending their bid for perfection.
The decisive moment came on fourth-and-2 with just 2:17 left in the game. Allen, facing immense pressure, evaded two Kansas City defenders before sprinting up the middle and diving into the end zone to clinch the win. The electrified Buffalo crowd erupted, chanting “MVP! MVP!” as the replay of their star quarterback’s effort played on the stadium screens.
The victory carried extra weight for Buffalo, as the Chiefs had eliminated the Bills from the playoffs in three of the past four seasons. Allen’s touchdown was a fitting capstone to his gritty performance, which saw him throw for 262 yards on 27-of-40 passing with one touchdown and one interception, while also rushing for a score. The rushing touchdown marked the 58th of Allen’s career, moving him into second on the Bills’ all-time list, ahead of O.J. Simpson and trailing only Thurman Thomas.
“It was a big moment,” Allen said of his game-sealing run. “Coach [Sean McDermott] trusted us to go for it, and we knew what was at stake. That’s what football is all about.”
Allen’s leadership was especially critical given the Bills’ injury-depleted receiving corps. Amari Cooper, battling a sore wrist, contributed two clutch catches for 58 yards. Wide receiver Keon Coleman (right wrist) and tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) were sidelined, leaving Allen to spread the ball to various targets.
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs came into the game as two-time defending Super Bowl champions and favorites for an undefeated season. Despite throwing three touchdown passes — two to tight end Noah Gray and one to rookie receiver Xavier Worthy — Mahomes struggled under Buffalo’s defensive pressure. He finished with 196 yards passing and two interceptions, including a game-ending pick by linebacker Terrel Bernard on Kansas City’s final drive.
“I didn’t do enough to help us win,” Mahomes said postgame. “Credit to Buffalo; they made the plays when it mattered.”
The Chiefs were also undone by their inability to sustain drives, as Buffalo’s defense continually disrupted their rhythm. The loss marked Mahomes’ first of the season and evened Allen’s personal record against him to 4-4, including playoffs.
The win provides the Bills with a critical boost heading into their bye week, offering a chance to rest and heal before a Dec. 1 showdown against the San Francisco 49ers. Allen will look to continue his record-breaking season, having tied Jim Kelly for the franchise record in total touchdowns (244).
For the Chiefs, the loss will serve as a wake-up call. They face the Carolina Panthers next Sunday, aiming to rebound from their first stumble in an otherwise stellar campaign.
As the Bills continue their push for the AFC’s top seed, Sunday’s performance underscored their resilience and determination. With Josh Allen at the helm, Buffalo has proven they are more than capable of taking down the NFL’s best when it matters most.
