Kansas City Chiefs vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats

Kansas City Chiefs vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats

Kansas City Chiefs vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats from the AFC Championship on January 27, 2025, tell the story of one of the most competitive playoff games of the 2024 NFL season. Kansas City defeated Buffalo 32-29, but the final score alone does not explain how the game unfolded. The Chiefs produced 245 passing yards and 135 rushing yards, while the Bills generated 237 passing yards and 147 rushing yards. Both teams scored three touchdowns, yet Kansas City gained the decisive edge through its efficiency in key situations and its ability to finish drives.

The game also offered an unusually balanced statistical profile. Buffalo ran for more yards than Kansas City, while Patrick Mahomes passed for eight more yards than Josh Allen. The Bills had two rushing touchdowns and two passing touchdowns, whereas Kansas City finished with three rushing touchdowns and one passing touchdown. Neither quarterback threw an interception, and both offenses moved the ball effectively despite facing pressure.

For readers studying player performance rather than simply looking for the final score, this matchup provides several useful lessons. Individual statistics need to be viewed alongside team totals, scoring distribution, efficiency, and game context. A player can lead one statistical category without necessarily having the biggest influence on the final result.

Table of Contents

Kansas City Chiefs vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats at a Glance

The AFC Championship finished with the Kansas City Chiefs ahead 32-29.

Category Buffalo Bills Kansas City Chiefs
Final Score 29 32
Passing Yards 237 245
Rushing Yards 147 135
Total Offensive Yards 384 380
Team Rushing Attempts 32 35
Passing Completions 22 18
Passing Attempts 34 26
Passing TDs 2 1
Rushing TDs 2 3
Interceptions Thrown 0 0
Sacks Allowed 2 2
Field Goals 1/1 1/1
Extra Points 2/2 3/3

One of the first things these numbers show is how little separated the teams statistically. Buffalo actually finished with 384 total offensive yards compared with 380 for Kansas City. The Bills therefore produced slightly more total yardage, but Kansas City scored three more points.

That difference is important.

Football is not a contest to accumulate the most yards. Yardage creates opportunities, but points, possession efficiency, turnovers, and execution in high-leverage moments determine the result. This game was a clear example.

Patrick Mahomes Player Stats

Patrick Mahomes completed 18 of 26 passes for 245 yards, averaging 9.4 yards per attempt. He threw one touchdown and no interceptions. His reported QBR was 85.4, while his passer rating was 111.9.

His passing line was particularly efficient considering that Kansas City did not need to rely on a high volume of attempts.

Mahomes’ numbers included:

  • 18 completions
  • 26 attempts
  • 245 passing yards
  • 9.4 yards per attempt
  • 1 touchdown
  • 0 interceptions
  • 2 sacks
  • 12 sack yards
  • 85.4 QBR
  • 111.9 passer rating

The most important detail is the relationship between volume and production. Mahomes attempted only 26 passes but still generated 245 yards. That translated to a significantly higher yards-per-attempt figure than Buffalo’s 7.0.

His contribution was not limited to passing. Mahomes also rushed 11 times for 43 yards and scored two rushing touchdowns.

That rushing production became one of the defining statistical differences in the contest.

Josh Allen Player Stats

Josh Allen completed 22 of 34 passes for 237 yards. He averaged 7.0 yards per attempt, threw two touchdown passes, and did not throw an interception.

His reported QBR was 68.2, with a passer rating of 104.7.

Allen’s passing statistics were:

  • 22 completions
  • 34 attempts
  • 237 passing yards
  • 7.0 yards per attempt
  • 2 touchdowns
  • 0 interceptions
  • 2 sacks
  • 10 sack yards
  • 68.2 QBR
  • 104.7 passer rating

Allen also remained an important part of Buffalo’s rushing attack. He carried the ball 11 times for 39 yards, averaging 3.5 yards per carry.

The comparison between the two quarterbacks is therefore more interesting than simply asking who passed for more yards.

Allen completed four more passes and threw twice as many passing touchdowns. Mahomes, however, produced eight more passing yards on eight fewer attempts and added two rushing touchdowns.

That combination helped Mahomes produce the stronger overall scoring impact.

Patrick Mahomes vs Josh Allen: Statistical Comparison

A direct quarterback comparison provides one of the clearest ways to understand the game.

Statistic Josh Allen Patrick Mahomes
Completions 22 18
Attempts 34 26
Completion Percentage 64.7% 69.2%
Passing Yards 237 245
Yards per Attempt 7.0 9.4
Passing TDs 2 1
Interceptions 0 0
Sacks 2 2
Rushing Attempts 11 11
Rushing Yards 39 43
Rushing TDs 0 2
Passer Rating 104.7 111.9
QBR 68.2 85.4

The comparison reveals an important distinction between passing production and total offensive contribution.

Allen had the larger passing touchdown total, but Mahomes had the stronger passing efficiency and the more valuable rushing contribution. With the final margin only three points, those additional rushing touchdowns were extremely important.

Another notable point is that neither quarterback threw an interception. This meant the game was decided without either offense suffering a conventional interception-based turnover.

James Cook III Led Buffalo’s Rushing Attack

James Cook III was Buffalo’s leading rusher.

He carried the ball 13 times for 85 yards, averaging 6.5 yards per carry. His longest run covered 33 yards, and he scored two rushing touchdowns.

His statistical line was:

  • 13 rushing attempts
  • 85 rushing yards
  • 6.5 yards per carry
  • 2 rushing touchdowns
  • 33-yard longest run

Cook was one of the most efficient offensive players in the game based purely on rushing production. His 85 yards represented more than half of Buffalo’s 147 rushing yards.

The two touchdowns also gave Buffalo a major scoring contribution from the ground game.

His 33-yard long run demonstrates why average statistics can sometimes hide the impact of explosive plays. A 6.5-yard average is excellent, but the long gain also shows that Buffalo was capable of creating substantial chunks of yardage on the ground.

Buffalo’s Other Rushers

Josh Allen finished second among Buffalo’s listed rushers with 39 yards on 11 attempts.

Ty Johnson added 19 yards on six attempts, while Ray Davis recorded four yards on two carries.

Player Attempts Yards Average TDs Long
James Cook III 13 85 6.5 2 33
Josh Allen 11 39 3.5 0 Not listed
Ty Johnson 6 19 3.2 0 Not listed
Ray Davis 2 4 2.0 0 Not listed
Bills Team 32 147 4.6 2 33

The Bills’ 4.6-yard team rushing average was actually better than Kansas City’s 3.9-yard average.

That is another example of why the final score cannot be explained by one basic statistical category.

Kansas City’s Rushing Production

Kansas City ran the ball 35 times for 135 yards, averaging 3.9 yards per carry. The team scored three rushing touchdowns.

Kareem Hunt led the Chiefs with 64 rushing yards on 17 attempts. He averaged 3.8 yards per carry and scored one touchdown.

Mahomes followed with 43 rushing yards on 11 attempts and two touchdowns.

Xavier Worthy rushed twice for 16 yards, while Isiah Pacheco carried five times for 12 yards.

Player Attempts Yards Average TDs
Kareem Hunt 17 64 3.8 1
Patrick Mahomes 11 43 3.9 2
Xavier Worthy 2 16 8.0 0
Isiah Pacheco 5 12 2.4 0
Chiefs Team 35 135 3.9 3

Kansas City’s rushing attack was less efficient on a per-carry basis than Buffalo’s, but the Chiefs generated more rushing touchdowns.

That distinction mattered.

Xavier Worthy Was Kansas City’s Leading Receiver

Xavier Worthy produced the most receiving yards for Kansas City.

He caught six passes for 85 yards and one touchdown, averaging 14.2 yards per reception. His performance gave the Chiefs a reliable source of explosive receiving production.

Worthy’s line included:

  • 6 receptions
  • 85 receiving yards
  • 14.2 yards per reception
  • 1 receiving touchdown

His touchdown was Kansas City’s only passing touchdown according to the supplied game statistics.

The combination of six receptions and 85 yards made Worthy the most productive Chiefs receiver by both catches and receiving yards.

JuJu Smith-Schuster Added Explosive Efficiency

JuJu Smith-Schuster caught two passes for 60 yards.

That works out to 30.0 yards per reception, the highest average among the listed Kansas City receivers.

His total was generated on limited volume, but it demonstrates why reception totals should not be evaluated without considering yards per catch.

Other Kansas City receivers included Hollywood Brown with three catches for 35 yards, Travis Kelce with two catches for 19 yards, Samaje Perine with one catch for 17 yards, Isiah Pacheco with two catches for 12 yards, DeAndre Hopkins with one catch for 11 yards, and Kareem Hunt with one catch for six yards.

Buffalo Receiving Leaders

Mack Hollins led Buffalo in receiving yardage.

He caught three passes for 73 yards, averaging 24.3 yards per reception, and scored one touchdown.

James Cook added three receptions for 49 yards, while Khalil Shakir led the Bills with six receptions for 46 yards.

Amari Cooper recorded four catches for 33 yards.

The Bills’ receiving production was spread among several players rather than being concentrated entirely in one receiver.

Player Receptions Yards Average TDs
Mack Hollins 3 73 24.3 1
James Cook III 3 49 16.3 0
Khalil Shakir 6 46 7.7 0
Amari Cooper 4 33 8.3 0
Dalton Kincaid 2 13 6.5 0
Keon Coleman 1 12 12.0 0
Dawson Knox 1 7 7.0 0
Curtis Samuel 1 4 4.0 1
Ty Johnson 1 0 0.0 0

One of the most interesting observations is the contrast between Shakir and Hollins.

Shakir recorded twice as many receptions as Hollins, but Hollins produced 27 more receiving yards. This shows the difference between volume and explosive efficiency.

Team Receiving Comparison

Buffalo completed 44 receptions for 237 yards on 62 targets. Kansas City completed 36 receptions for 245 yards on 50 targets.

Category Bills Chiefs
Receptions 44 36
Receiving Yards 237 245
Average 10.8 13.6
Touchdowns 2 1
Longest Reception 34 31
Targets 62 50

The Chiefs averaged 13.6 yards per reception compared with Buffalo’s 10.8.

This difference is significant because Kansas City generated nearly the same number of receiving yards despite recording eight fewer receptions.

That points toward greater efficiency per completion.

Kansas City Chiefs vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats and Offensive Efficiency

The most useful way to study this game is to move beyond raw totals.

Kansas City had:

  • 245 passing yards
  • 135 rushing yards
  • 380 total offensive yards
  • 36 receptions
  • 13.6 receiving yards per catch
  • 35 rushing attempts
  • 3 rushing touchdowns

Buffalo had:

  • 237 passing yards
  • 147 rushing yards
  • 384 total offensive yards
  • 44 receptions
  • 10.8 receiving yards per catch
  • 32 rushing attempts
  • 2 rushing touchdowns

The Bills gained four more total yards, yet the Chiefs scored three more points.

Why?

The scoring profile provides part of the answer. Kansas City converted more of its rushing production into touchdowns. Mahomes alone accounted for two rushing touchdowns, while Hunt added another.

Buffalo’s ground game also scored twice through Cook, but the Chiefs ultimately created one additional rushing touchdown.

The Importance of Turnovers

Turnover statistics were unusually clean.

Buffalo threw no interceptions. Kansas City also threw no interceptions.

The Bills recorded four team fumbles but did not lose any of them. Josh Allen was credited with three fumbles without losing one, while Ray Davis had one fumble without losing it.

Kansas City recorded one team fumble and lost it. Mahomes was credited with one fumble, which was lost.

This means Kansas City suffered the game’s only lost fumble, yet still won.

That is important because it shows how difficult it can be to reduce a close playoff game to a single turnover narrative.

There were no interceptions to dramatically swing possession. The Chiefs instead overcame their lost fumble through offensive execution and scoring efficiency.

Defensive Player and Team Statistics

Both defenses recorded two sacks.

Buffalo’s defense finished with:

  • 64 tackles
  • 41 solo tackles
  • 2 sacks
  • 3 tackles for loss
  • 1 pass defended
  • 7 quarterback hits

Kansas City’s defense recorded:

  • 67 tackles
  • 40 solo tackles
  • 2 sacks
  • 3 tackles for loss
  • 3 passes defended
  • 8 quarterback hits

The defensive numbers were remarkably close.

Kansas City had three more total tackles, one additional pass defended, and one more quarterback hit. Buffalo and Kansas City each recorded two sacks and three tackles for loss.

This reinforces the broader conclusion that the game was decided by small differences rather than one overwhelming statistical advantage.

Special Teams Performance

Special teams also played a clean role in the contest.

Tyler Bass converted his only field-goal attempt for Buffalo and made both extra-point attempts. He finished with five points.

Harrison Butker made his only field-goal attempt and all three extra-point attempts for Kansas City, scoring six points.

The field-goal difference was only one point, but the extra-point totals reflected the Chiefs’ three touchdowns compared with Buffalo’s two passing and two rushing touchdowns.

Kansas City also received strong return production from Nikko Remigio.

Remigio returned four kickoffs for 107 yards, averaging 26.8 yards per return, with a long of 33 yards. He also returned one punt for 41 yards.

Buffalo’s Ray Davis returned one kickoff for 28 yards, while Khalil Shakir returned one punt for six yards.

Punting Comparison

Buffalo punter Sam Martin recorded two punts for 101 yards, averaging 50.5 yards per punt. His longest punt was 56 yards, and one punt was placed inside the 20-yard line.

Kansas City’s Matt Araiza punted twice for 93 yards, averaging 46.5 yards. His longest punt was 51 yards, with one touchback.

Punting did not dominate the statistical story, but these numbers help provide a complete view of field-position contributions.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

The scoring pattern was another major feature of the matchup.

Quarter Bills Chiefs
First 3 7
Second 13 14
Third 6 0
Fourth 7 11
Final 29 32

Kansas City took a 7-3 advantage after the opening quarter.

The second quarter was the highest-scoring period for both teams, with Buffalo producing 13 points and Kansas City adding 14. At halftime, Kansas City therefore held a 21-16 lead.

Buffalo responded in the third quarter by scoring six points while Kansas City failed to score.

That gave the Bills momentum heading into the final period.

Kansas City, however, responded with 11 fourth-quarter points while Buffalo scored seven.

The final-quarter difference was therefore four points in favor of the Chiefs, enough to protect the three-point final margin.

What the Scoreboard Hides

The game provides an excellent example of why player statistics need context.

If someone looked only at total offensive yards, Buffalo would appear to have the advantage.

The Bills gained 384 yards compared with Kansas City’s 380.

If someone looked only at rushing efficiency, Buffalo would again appear stronger.

The Bills averaged 4.6 yards per carry compared with Kansas City’s 3.9.

If someone looked only at passing touchdowns, Buffalo would also lead.

Allen threw two touchdowns while Mahomes threw one.

Yet Kansas City won.

The explanation lies in the interaction between several categories. Mahomes was more efficient as a passer by yards per attempt, Kansas City had a higher receiving average, and the Chiefs scored three rushing touchdowns.

That combination offset Buffalo’s advantages in total yardage and rushing efficiency.

Why Mahomes’ Rushing Stats Matter So Much

Quarterback rushing statistics can sometimes receive less attention than passing numbers, but this game is a strong example of their value.

Mahomes rushed 11 times for 43 yards and scored twice.

Those two touchdowns were not merely additional statistics. They represented a significant share of Kansas City’s total points.

Kansas City scored 32 points. Mahomes’ two rushing touchdowns accounted for 12 of those points before extra points are considered.

That means his running ability directly influenced the scoring structure of the game.

It also made Kansas City’s offensive attack harder to defend because the quarterback represented a rushing threat in addition to his passing responsibilities.

James Cook’s Performance Deserves More Attention

Cook’s 85 rushing yards were arguably one of the strongest individual rushing performances in the game.

He averaged 6.5 yards per carry and scored twice.

Buffalo’s overall rushing average of 4.6 yards per attempt was strong, and Cook was the main reason the Bills consistently generated productive ground yardage.

His 33-yard longest run also gave Buffalo an explosive element.

The fact that Buffalo ultimately lost despite Cook’s efficiency demonstrates another important lesson: individual excellence does not always translate directly into team victory.

A running back can have an excellent statistical performance while the opposing offense produces a more favorable scoring distribution.

Receiving Efficiency Was a Major Difference

The receiving numbers offer perhaps the clearest statistical explanation for Kansas City’s offensive efficiency.

The Chiefs recorded 36 receptions for 245 yards, averaging 13.6 yards per reception.

Buffalo recorded 44 receptions for 237 yards, averaging 10.8 yards per reception.

Kansas City therefore needed eight fewer receptions to gain eight more receiving yards.

That does not mean every Chiefs completion was more valuable than every Bills completion. It does show that Kansas City’s completed passes produced more yardage on average.

Worthy and Smith-Schuster were particularly important in that area.

Worthy averaged 14.2 yards per reception, while Smith-Schuster averaged 30.0.

Buffalo also had explosive receiving performances, particularly from Hollins, who averaged 24.3 yards per catch.

The difference was therefore not a lack of big plays by Buffalo. It was the overall efficiency and distribution of Kansas City’s passing production.

A Closer Look at the Offensive Balance

Neither team relied exclusively on the passing game.

Buffalo attempted 34 passes and ran 32 times.

Kansas City attempted 26 passes and ran 35 times.

That makes the Chiefs’ offensive distribution especially interesting.

Kansas City used fewer pass attempts than Buffalo but produced more passing yards. At the same time, Kansas City ran the ball three more times.

The result was an offense that generated 380 total yards without requiring extreme passing volume.

Buffalo’s 384 yards were produced through a more balanced split between 237 passing yards and 147 rushing yards.

Both approaches were productive.

Kansas City’s was simply more successful in turning production into points.

What the Defensive Numbers Tell Us

Neither defense completely shut down the opposing offense.

Buffalo allowed Kansas City to produce 380 total yards.

Kansas City allowed Buffalo to produce 384.

That is why describing the game as a defensive battle would be misleading.

Instead, it was a contest where both defenses created pressure but neither consistently stopped the opposing offense.

The two sacks apiece show that both quarterbacks experienced pressure.

Kansas City recorded eight quarterback hits compared with Buffalo’s seven.

That one-hit difference was small, but it reflects how closely matched the defensive performances were.

A Statistical Interpretation of the 32-29 Result

When all major categories are considered together, the game can be summarized through several contrasts.

Buffalo’s advantages:

  • Four more total offensive yards
  • Twelve more rushing yards
  • Four more completions
  • Two passing touchdowns
  • Higher team rushing average
  • Eight more receptions

Kansas City’s advantages:

  • Eight more passing yards
  • Higher yards per passing attempt
  • Higher receiving yards
  • Higher receiving average
  • Three rushing touchdowns
  • Two rushing touchdowns from Mahomes
  • Three more points
  • Victory

This is why the final result was not inconsistent with the statistical profile.

The Chiefs did not dominate Buffalo statistically.

They won the narrow margins that mattered most.

How to Read These Player Stats Correctly

For anyone researching NFL game statistics, there are several useful principles demonstrated by this matchup.

Do Not Use One Stat in Isolation

Total yards are useful, but they do not determine the winner.

Passing touchdowns are useful, but they do not tell the entire story.

Rushing average is useful, but explosive plays and touchdowns matter too.

A strong analysis combines several categories.

Separate Volume From Efficiency

Allen completed 22 passes compared with Mahomes’ 18.

That looks like a significant advantage until attempts are considered.

Allen attempted 34 passes, while Mahomes attempted only 26.

Mahomes therefore produced more passing yards despite substantially lower passing volume.

Consider Scoring Contribution

A player with 100 yards and no touchdowns may have a different impact from a player with 60 yards and two touchdowns.

The ideal analysis considers yardage, efficiency, and scoring together.

Look at Team Totals After Studying Individual Players

Individual statistics show who produced.

Team statistics explain how those individual contributions combined.

The Chiefs’ three rushing touchdowns are especially important when viewed alongside Mahomes’ two rushing scores.

Key Takeaways From the Match

Several conclusions stand out from the statistical record.

First, the game was extremely close in total offensive production. Buffalo gained only four more yards than Kansas City.

Second, Kansas City was more efficient through the air. Mahomes averaged 9.4 yards per attempt compared with Allen’s 7.0.

Third, Buffalo had the stronger overall rushing efficiency, averaging 4.6 yards per carry compared with 3.9 for Kansas City.

Fourth, Kansas City converted its rushing opportunities into three touchdowns, one more than Buffalo.

Fifth, neither quarterback threw an interception.

Sixth, both defenses recorded two sacks, showing that pressure was present without becoming overwhelming.

Seventh, Kansas City’s receiving corps generated more yards per catch overall.

Finally, the three-point result reflected the narrow statistical separation between the teams.

Kansas City Chiefs vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats: Who Were the Standout Players?

Patrick Mahomes stands out because of the combination of passing efficiency and rushing touchdowns. His 245 passing yards came on only 26 attempts, and his two rushing touchdowns directly strengthened Kansas City’s scoring output.

James Cook was Buffalo’s leading rushing standout. His 85 yards on 13 carries, 6.5-yard average, 33-yard long run, and two rushing touchdowns made him one of Buffalo’s most productive offensive players.

Xavier Worthy was Kansas City’s top receiver by both receptions and receiving yards. His six catches for 85 yards and one touchdown gave the Chiefs an important downfield threat.

Mack Hollins was Buffalo’s leading receiver by yardage. His three catches for 73 yards and one touchdown showed substantial explosive-play ability despite limited reception volume.

Kareem Hunt also played an important role for Kansas City with 64 rushing yards and one touchdown on 17 attempts.

Why This Game Remains Statistically Interesting

The most useful feature of this matchup is not that one team overwhelmed the other.

It is the opposite.

The teams were remarkably close.

Buffalo gained more total yards.

Buffalo ran more efficiently.

Buffalo completed more passes.

Buffalo threw more passing touchdowns.

Kansas City still won because the Chiefs combined efficient passing with timely rushing production and ultimately scored 32 points.

That makes this game a valuable example of why advanced sports analysis should not rely on a single box-score category.

The statistical record shows two highly productive offenses, two defenses capable of generating pressure, and a final outcome decided by small differences.

FAQs

Who won the AFC Championship between the Chiefs and Bills in 2025?

The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Buffalo Bills 32-29 in the AFC Championship on January 27, 2025.

How many passing yards did Patrick Mahomes have?

Patrick Mahomes completed 18 of 26 passes for 245 yards, with one touchdown and no interceptions.

How many passing yards did Josh Allen have?

Josh Allen completed 22 of 34 passes for 237 yards, with two touchdowns and no interceptions.

Who was Buffalo’s leading rusher?

James Cook III led Buffalo with 85 rushing yards on 13 carries. He averaged 6.5 yards per carry and scored two touchdowns.

Who was Kansas City’s leading receiver?

Xavier Worthy led the Chiefs with six receptions for 85 yards and one touchdown.

Did either team throw an interception?

No. Neither Josh Allen nor Patrick Mahomes threw an interception in the game.

Conclusion

The Kansas City Chiefs vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats from the 32-29 AFC Championship provide a detailed picture of a game decided by execution rather than overwhelming statistical superiority.

Buffalo finished with 384 total yards, four more than Kansas City. The Bills also produced 147 rushing yards and averaged 4.6 yards per carry. James Cook was especially effective, rushing for 85 yards and two touchdowns.

Kansas City responded with 245 passing yards, 135 rushing yards, and three rushing touchdowns. Patrick Mahomes completed 18 of 26 passes for 245 yards and added 43 rushing yards with two rushing touchdowns. Xavier Worthy led the receiving group with 85 yards and a touchdown.

The quarterback comparison is particularly revealing. Allen had more completions and more passing touchdowns, while Mahomes produced more passing yards on fewer attempts, a higher yards-per-attempt figure, and two rushing touchdowns.

The defensive numbers were similarly close. Both teams recorded two sacks, while Kansas City finished with 67 tackles and eight quarterback hits compared with Buffalo’s 64 tackles and seven quarterback hits.

Ultimately, the statistics show why a three-point playoff game should be evaluated through several connected measures rather than one headline number. Buffalo’s slight edge in total yardage did not translate into victory, while Kansas City’s efficiency, rushing touchdowns, and fourth-quarter scoring helped the Chiefs finish ahead 32-29.

For anyone examining the game from a statistical perspective, the central lesson is clear: production creates opportunities, but efficiency and scoring determine how those opportunities become a result.

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