The Kansas City Chiefs are set to face the Buffalo Bills this afternoon in what promises to be one of the most intriguing games on the NFL’s Week 9 schedule.

While the Chiefs have had Buffalo’s number in the playoffs, the Bills always manage to bring something new to their regular-season meetings with Kansas City. Star quarterback Josh Allen has made mincemeat of the Chiefs’ celebrated defense in the past, and may have another trick up his sleeve for today’s heavyweight bout at Highmark Stadium.

Check out Chiefs Wire’s staff predictions for Kansas City’s Week 9 matchup against Buffalo:

Ed Easton Jr.’s prediction

The Kansas City Chiefs return to a familiar hostile stadium for their seemingly annual battle with the Buffalo Bills. The effort to keep their winning streak alive won’t be the only motivation in this AFC contenders’ rivalry.

The offense will be without running back Isiah Pacheco due to injury, so there will be additional opportunities for Kareem Hunt and Brashard Smith in the backfield. Patrick Mahomes will likely continue to feature Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice as primary targets, capitalizing on their recent hot streak over the past few games.

Defensively, the two focuses will be on Josh Allen and running back James Cook. Buffalo snapped a two-game losing streak due to their offense exploding in their Week victory, so confidence and momentum will be apparent early. Chris Jones and the defensive line will need a top-tier effort to slow their production.

Final score: Chiefs 28, Bills 24

Jon Ediger’s prediction

Kansas City nearly pitched another shutout against the Washington Commanders last week, but the Chiefs are unlikely to see the same success against the Bills.

Star running back Isiah Pacheco is listed as out for Sunday’s game, and Kansas City may have to rely on its passing game more than usual. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes will look to utilize Travis Kelce, Xavier Worthy, and Rashee Rice in Pacheco’s absence, but Buffalo’s defense is likely to have some tricks up its sleeve to counter Andy Reid’s offensive game plan.

The Bills’ home-field advantage is sure to play a factor in this rivalry matchup, and I expect the Chiefs to fall just short of victory, despite their absolute best efforts.

Final score: Chiefs 27, Bills 31

John Dillon’s prediction

I just don’t see Kansas City losing this game. The Chiefs are red-hot, and seem to be on one of those mid-season runs that — in recent seasons, anyway — ultimately result in a division title, favorable playoff seeding, and a chance to win the AFC Championship Game.

If you had asked me, “Will Kansas City beat a 5-2 Bills team in Week 9?” at the end of September, I probably would have laughed. But now, at the beginning of November, the calculus has changed completely. Rashee Rice’s return to action has completely revitalized the Chiefs’ offense, and Kansas City’s defense is starting to look like a force to be reckoned with.

I think Buffalo will put up a great fight in front of a home crowd at Highmark Stadium, but doubt that Josh Allen will be able to keep pace with Patrick Mahomes in crunch time.

Final score: Chiefs 40, Bills 33