ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Josh Allen downplayed comparisons to Patrick Mahomes ahead of the AFC East-leading Bills’ highly anticipated matchup against the undefeated Chiefs, calling it just “one regular-season game among 17.”
As CBS crews set up for the national broadcast and speculation buzzed over Taylor Swift potentially visiting during a break from her Toronto tour, Allen kept his focus inside the practice facility. When asked about his and Mahomes’ similar stats over their seven previous meetings, including playoffs, Allen pointed to what he views as the most important detail: “Well, I know we haven’t beaten them in the playoffs. So that’s the only thing that kind of matters.”
This underscores the reality: while Allen has led Buffalo to three consecutive regular-season wins against Kansas City since 2020, the Bills are 0-3 in playoff matchups over the past four years. One of those losses was a 27-24 defeat in January when Buffalo’s final drive stalled, and kicker Tyler Bass missed a 44-yard field goal with 1:43 remaining.
With both teams poised for playoff berths, Allen emphasized that Sunday’s game isn’t season-defining. Instead, his focus is on the “everybody eats” approach that has propelled the Bills to an 8-2 record—their best start through 10 games since 1993.
“I know the media and fans hype up what this game means. But for us, it’s just Week 11,” Allen said. “We trust the process, and it’s worked so far to get us to 8-2.”
Despite a dip in production compared to previous seasons, Allen is playing with greater efficiency. His 2,281 passing yards and 17 touchdowns through 10 games are his lowest since 2019, but he has also thrown just four interceptions, down from as many as 11 last season. Allen has adapted well to challenges, including injuries to key players like rookie Keon Coleman and trade acquisition Amari Cooper, both missing recent games. This year, he started with a mostly unproven receiver corps following the offseason exits of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis.
Still, Allen has guided Buffalo on a five-game winning streak, putting them within three wins of clinching a fifth straight AFC East title.
“He just keeps improving,” said backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky, who returned to Buffalo after two years with Pittsburgh. “Every week we push him: how good can you be?”
Trubisky credited Allen’s offseason work on his weaknesses for his growth into a more complete quarterback. “When you minimize your weaknesses, it’s tough for defenses. You could say the same for Josh and Pat (Mahomes),” Trubisky said.
Allen and Mahomes share many similarities. Since 2019, Mahomes leads the league with 181 passing touchdowns to Allen’s 174. In their seven meetings, Mahomes has accumulated 2,243 yards from scrimmage (2,024 passing) with 16 touchdowns and five interceptions, while Allen has 2,194 yards (1,801 passing) with 20 touchdowns and three interceptions.
Yet, as Allen pointed out, Mahomes’ three Super Bowl titles set him apart. The closest Allen has come was the 2020 AFC Championship loss to Mahomes and the Chiefs.
“Being mentioned alongside him is great from a football standpoint,” Allen said. “But I focus on what I can do for the Buffalo Bills.”
