Chiefs vs. Bills 2021: Prediction, Betting Odds, Patrick Mahomes Injury Update

Patrick Mahomes appears to be on track to play in the 2021 AFC Championship Game. That’s bad news for the Buffalo Bills, who are looking to upset the Kansas City Chiefs with a trip to Super Bowl LV on the line.

Mahomes was a full participant in Thursday’s practice, three days before Sunday night’s playoff game. The quarterback is in concussion protocol after leaving Kansas City’s divisional-round game early, but all signs are pointing toward the reigning Super Bowl MVP taking the field.

The latest betting odds reflect Mahomes’ positive injury update. The Chiefs are favored by three points over the Bills, according to the betting lines compiled by OddsShark. The over/under is 54 points.

The two teams met during the regular season. The Chiefs beat the Bills 26-17 in Buffalo. Mahomes completed 21 of 26 attempts for 225 yards and two touchdowns. Josh Allen had one of his worst games of 2020, going 14-27 for 122 yards, two scores and an interception.

Allen is likely to perform much better in the rematch, given his improvement this year. The 24-year-old was a top-five quarterback, leading Buffalo to the AFC’s second-best record and the No. 2 offense in football.

Only the Chiefs finished ahead of the Bills in total offense, and Mahomes is one of the few quarterbacks who had a better regular season than Allen. He is still the NFL’s best player, especially during the playoffs, giving Kansas City the edge at home.

Before leaving the Chiefs’ eventual 22-17 win over the Cleveland Browns, Mahomes went 21-30 for 255 yards, one touchdown and a 106.9 passer rating. Mahomes also ran for a touchdown. Kansas City’s offense was likely headed for 30-plus points until Chad Henne was forced to fill in for Mahomes.

In six career playoff games, Mahomes has 18 touchdowns and two interceptions. The Chiefs have scored at least 31 points in every game with the exception of last week.

Prediction: Chiefs

Including last year’s playoffs, Mahomes has won 24 of his last 25 starts. As long as he's healthy, the Chiefs should keep on winning. The Bills can make it competitive but expect the Chiefs to come away with the victory.

Predicted Score: Kansas City over Buffalo, 34-23