Dec 25, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) passes against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

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Ravens vs. Bills: Josh Allen shines in the battle of MVPs, sets up AFC Championship meeting with Patrick Mahomes and co.

Bills vs. Chiefs: Allen faces Mahomes in another playoff showdown.

Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills beat the Baltimore Ravens 27-25 in a nail-biting divisional-round matchup, setting up yet another playoff clash with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. The win marked the fourth time in five seasons the Bills and Chiefs will meet in the playoffs.

Allen delivered a solid performance, throwing for 127 yards and adding 20 rushing yards with two rushing touchdowns. His efficient, turnover-free play ensured the Bills capitalized on key moments. The Ravens, led by Lamar Jackson, fell short despite Jackson’s 254 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.

Bills’ defense dominates turnover battle

Buffalo’s defense was pivotal, forcing three turnovers that led to 10 points. Taylor Rapp’s first-quarter interception and Damar Hamlin’s strip sack, recovered by Von Miller, set the tone. Terrel Bernard’s forced fumble on Mark Andrews in the fourth quarter sealed Baltimore’s fate during a crucial drive.

3-5 playoff record. 12 TD’s 11 Turnovers. This is your king? The most Coddled player in the NFL. Playoff Choker🫣 Put your feet up and relax. Enjoy that Josh Allen vs Patrick Mahomes clash for the right to represent the AFC in the Bowl. pic.twitter.com/C3SOnKcBin
— LeShawn Jerman (@warloc6) January 20, 2025

The Bills’ league-best +24 turnover differential from the regular season translated into another key advantage. Earlier this season, Buffalo won the turnover battle 2-1 in their 30-21 win over Kansas City, a stat they’ll aim to replicate in next week’s championship.

Josh Allen’s playoff consistency stands out

Allen’s playoff record now stands at 7-5. Against Baltimore, he managed the game efficiently, taking advantage of defensive gaps and avoiding costly mistakes. His 147 total yards and two scores highlighted his ability to lead under pressure. To beat Kansas City next week, Allen must maintain this level of play, balancing calculated risks with steady execution.

In their Week 11 meeting, Allen accounted for 262 passing yards, a touchdown, an interception, and 55 rushing yards with a rushing score. A similar performance could be crucial in dethroning the Chiefs.

Lamar Jackson’s playoff struggles continue

Lamar Jackson faced another tough playoff exit, dropping his career postseason record to 3-5. Despite engineering an 88-yard touchdown drive late in the game, Jackson couldn’t convert the two-point attempt that would have tied the game. Mark Andrews dropped the game-tying pass, adding to earlier miscues.

ALLEN VS. MAHOMES VOL. 4 🍿

The Buffalo Bills will play the Kansas Chiefs for the AFC Championship!

This will be the fourth time Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes have met in the playoffs 👀 pic.twitter.com/9CRz58iDI8
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 20, 2025

Jackson’s two first-half turnovers, including a strip sack leading to a Buffalo touchdown, proved costly. While his resilience in the second half was notable, the narrative of Jackson falling short in critical playoff moments remains.

Another chapter in the Mahomes-Allen rivalry

Next Sunday, the Bills and Chiefs will add another chapter to their storied playoff rivalry. Mahomes holds a perfect 3-0 postseason record against Buffalo, including the unforgettable “13 seconds” game in 2021. Allen, often overshadowed by Mahomes in these matchups, has yet to secure a playoff win against Kansas City.

Mahomes, aiming for a historic third consecutive Super Bowl title, will lead a team known for its postseason dominance. For Allen, this is a chance to redefine his legacy and silence critics who question his ability to win on the biggest stage. The stakes couldn’t be higher as the two MVP-caliber quarterbacks face off in a game with everything on the line.

(image: Imagn Images)

Josh Allen

Patrick Mahomes

Natasha Bose

I write about sports because, well, it brings in the big bucks! I’m not some lifelong analyst or stats guru, truth being told, you’ve probably never heard of me!—I just know how to research, write, and make things sound good. That’s the job!
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