Stephen A. Smith has boldly predicted that the Kansas City Chiefs will suffer their first loss of the season when they face the Buffalo Bills this weekend. The Chiefs, who are the two-time defending champions, have stormed out to a perfect 9-0 start, including a dramatic win over the Denver Broncos last weekend, which featured a game-winning blocked field goal as time expired.
However, Smith believes that their undefeated streak will come to an end on Sunday against Josh Allen and the 8-2 Bills.
During a segment on ESPN’s ‘First Take,’ Smith made his case for why the Chiefs are in for a tough challenge. “I’m not gonna predict that anybody’s gonna go 16-0,” Smith said. “And obviously, I think one could say this is the toughest game left on the Kansas City Chiefs’ schedule.”
Smith’s skepticism stems not only from the fact that the Chiefs are playing away from home in Buffalo but also from the strength and motivation of their AFC rivals.
Smith emphasized that the setting and stakes of the game favor Buffalo. “You look at what this game could mean in terms of elevating the level of confidence that the Buffalo Bills would need to feel in order to legitimately contend for a Super Bowl title this year. I think that goes a long way,” Smith explained.
The matchup will be played in front of a raucous Buffalo crowd, and Smith believes that home-field advantage, along with the desire to prove themselves against one of the best teams in the league, will give the Bills the edge.
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Despite the Chiefs’ impressive record, Smith argued that the Bills have been the more dominant team this season. The statistics back up his claim: Buffalo boasts an AFC-best point differential of +97, compared to Kansas City’s +58.
The Bills are averaging 29 points per game, making them the third-highest-scoring team in the league, while the Chiefs rank just 11th in points per game with an average of 24.3. The Chiefs’ usually high-powered offense has struggled to put up big numbers this season, surpassing 30 points in just one game.
Moreover, Kansas City has been involved in several close contests, with seven of their nine victories coming in one-possession games. “They still… give you the thought that they can be had,” Smith said of the Chiefs, highlighting that their wins have often been more about survival than dominance.
Despite acknowledging the Chiefs’ strength, Smith suggested that teams should not be intimidated by them. “There’s no reason for a team to lack confidence going up against the Kansas City Chiefs if you are a quality football team,” he added.
The Buffalo Bills, who are currently riding a five-game winning streak, will look to extend that streak to six against the Chiefs. Smith pointed out that Buffalo has been playing with consistency and purpose, qualities that will be crucial in taking down Kansas City.
The Bills have been eager to prove themselves as legitimate contenders for a Super Bowl title, and defeating the reigning champions would be a significant step in that direction.
While Smith does not foresee the Chiefs going undefeated this season, he still believes they will finish with an impressive 16-1 record. However, he feels that this Sunday will mark the end of their perfect start.
The game between the Chiefs and the Bills is one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the season, as it features two of the AFC’s top teams battling for supremacy. With both teams boasting strong rosters and high expectations, the clash in Buffalo is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the race for playoff positioning.
Stephen A. Smith’s prediction has certainly added fuel to the fire, as fans on both sides are eagerly awaiting what could be one of the defining games of the season.
Whether the Bills can rise to the occasion and hand the Chiefs their first loss remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—this showdown will be must-watch television for NFL fans.
