Buffalo Bills vs Kansas City Chiefs, Divisional Round 2021
Buffalo Bills
Away
36
Kansas City Chiefs
HomeWon, advanced
42
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | OT | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bills | 7 | 7 | 7 | 15 | 0 | 36 |
| Chiefs | 7 | 7 | 9 | 13 | 6 | 42 |
BUF 36KC 42 Final/OT
Passing leader
40.0PPR pts
33/44, 378 YDS, 3 TD, 1 RUSH TD
Top fantasy scorer
Gabe Davis
52.1PPR pts
8 REC, 201 YDS, 4 TD
Bills leader
38.0PPR pts
27/37, 329 YDS, 4 TD
Defensive playmaker
Taron Johnson
1 SACK, 7 TKL
Chiefs 42, Bills 36: Kansas City wins the 2021 Divisional Round in overtime
The teams were tied 14–14 at halftime, regulation ended 36–36, and the Chiefs won it 42–36 in overtime. The Chiefs finished with a 552–422 edge in total offense and averaged 7.6 yards per play.
The Bills went 6-for-14 on third down, while the Chiefs kept the ball for 36:38 and finished without a giveaway.
The Chiefs' run ended in the Conference Championship, a 27–24 loss to the Bengals.
The two teams meet again in Week 12 of 2026. If you roster anyone from either side, run the start/sit call in Redraft Command and it will weigh your lineup, your opponent and your league scoring, not only the player rankings.
Key advantages
- +0.9 yards/play KC 7.6 · BUF 6.7
- +130 total yards KC 552 · BUF 422
- +19% third-down rate KC 62% · BUF 43%
Game Highlights
Official NFL highlights · Opens from YouTube
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Why the Chiefs Won
Kansas City won the efficiency, third-down, and time of possession battles.
| Bills | Stat | Chiefs |
|---|---|---|
| 6.7 | Yards per play | 7.6 |
| 422 | Total yards | 552 |
| 43% | Third-down conversion | 62% |
| Other team stats | ||
| 63 | Plays | 73 |
| 0 | Turnovers | 0 |
| 27:37 | Time of possession | 36:38 |
Scoring Summary
The Chiefs scored five touchdowns and three field goals; the Bills scored five touchdowns.
| Time | Team | Play | BUF | KC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st quarter | ||||
| 8:03 | BUF | Devin Singletary 1-yard TD run Takes leadTyler Bass XP | 7 | 0 |
| 2:26 | KC | Patrick Mahomes 8-yard TD run Ties gameHarrison Butker XP | 7 | 7 |
| 2nd quarter | ||||
| 1:52 | KC | Patrick Mahomes → Byron Pringle, 2-yard TD Takes leadHarrison Butker XP | 7 | 14 |
| 0:37 | BUF | Josh Allen → Gabriel Davis, 18-yard TD Ties gameTyler Bass XP | 14 | 14 |
| 3rd quarter | ||||
| 7:01 | KC | Harrison Butker 39-yard FG Takes lead | 14 | 17 |
| 2:06 | KC | Mecole Hardman 25-yard TD run Extends leadXP missed | 14 | 23 |
| 1:56 | BUF | Josh Allen → Gabriel Davis, 75-yard TDTyler Bass XP | 21 | 23 |
| 4th quarter | ||||
| 8:55 | KC | Harrison Butker 28-yard FG Extends lead | 21 | 26 |
| 1:54 | BUF | Josh Allen → Gabriel Davis, 27-yard TD Takes leadJosh Allen → Stefon Diggs, 2-pt conversion | 29 | 26 |
| 1:02 | KC | Patrick Mahomes → Tyreek Hill, 64-yard TD Takes leadHarrison Butker XP | 29 | 33 |
| 0:13 | BUF | Josh Allen → Gabriel Davis, 19-yard TD Takes leadTyler Bass XP | 36 | 33 |
| 0:00 | KC | Harrison Butker 49-yard FG Ties game | 36 | 36 |
| Overtime | ||||
| 10:45 | KC | Patrick Mahomes → Travis Kelce, 8-yard TD Game winner | 36 | 42 |
Playoff game: these points don't count in most season-long fantasy leagues.
Fantasy Points vs Expected
Expected points (xFP) are what a player's pass attempts, carries and targets are worth at the league's average rates; the difference is what the player made of them.
- Biggest overperformer+35.3Gabe Davis52.1 PTS vs 16.8 xFP
- Biggest underperformer−5.4Jerick McKinnon12.8 PTS vs 18.2 xFP
- Highest expected volume23.8 xFPPatrick Mahomes40.0 PTS scored
| Player | PTS | xFP | vs xFP | Snap% | Usage | Rte% | Pass att | Car | Car% | Tgt | Tgt% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patrick MahomesKC · QB | 40.0 | 23.8 | +16.2 | — | 44 att | — | 44 | 7 | 26% | 0 | 0% |
| Josh AllenBUF · QB | 38.0 | 23.3 | +14.7 | — | 37 att | — | 37 | 11 | 46% | 0 | 0% |
| Tyreek HillKC · WR | 31.8 | 22.5 | +9.3 | — | 31% tgt | — | 0 | 1 | 4% | 13 | 31% |
| Jerick McKinnonKC · RB | 12.8 | 18.2 | −5.4 | — | 37% car | — | 0 | 10 | 37% | 7 | 17% |
| Gabe DavisBUF · WR | 52.1 | 16.8 | +35.3 | — | 27% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 10 | 27% |
| Travis KelceKC · TE | 23.6 | 15.2 | +8.4 | — | 21% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 9 | 21% |
| Devin SingletaryBUF · RB | 15.1 | 14.8 | +0.3 | — | 42% car | — | 0 | 10 | 42% | 5 | 14% |
| Cole BeasleyBUF · WR | 12.0 | 13.5 | −1.5 | — | 22% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 8 | 22% |
| Byron PringleKC · WR | 13.9 | 11.8 | +2.1 | — | 17% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 7 | 17% |
| Stefon DiggsBUF · WR | 5.7 | 10.1 | −4.4 | — | 16% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 6 | 16% |
| Clyde Edwards-HelaireKC · RB | 7.9 | 7.9 | 0.0 | — | 26% car | — | 0 | 7 | 26% | 2 | 5% |
| Dawson KnoxBUF · TE | 2.9 | 6.7 | −3.8 | — | 11% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 4 | 11% |
| Isaiah McKenzieBUF · WR | 2.8 | 3.6 | −0.8 | — | 13% car | — | 0 | 3 | 13% | 1 | 3% |
| Noah GrayKC · TE | 3.4 | 3.4 | 0.0 | — | 5% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 2 | 5% |
| Reggie GilliamBUF · RB | 2.8 | 3.4 | −0.6 | — | 5% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 2 | 5% |
| Mecole Hardman Jr.KC · WR | 12.7 | 3.0 | +9.7 | — | 7% car | — | 0 | 2 | 7% | 1 | 2% |
| Demarcus RobinsonKC · WR | 0.0 | 1.7 | −1.7 | — | 2% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 1 | 2% |
| Emmanuel SandersBUF · WR | 2.6 | 1.7 | +0.9 | — | 3% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 1 | 3% |
Team totals: Bills 37 targets and 24 carries; Chiefs 42 targets and 27 carries. Shares are from the box score. Snap counts aren't available for this game. Route counts, air yards and red-zone touches appear when the tracking feed is connected. League-average rates from the 2021 season: 1.68 PPR points per target (67% catch rate), 0.64 per carry and 0.44 per pass attempt. They don't adjust for field position or target depth.
Fantasy Verdicts
Josh Allen Ran hot
27 of 37 passing for 329 yards, 4 touchdowns; 11 carries for 68 yards.
Verdict: The opportunities were worth 23.3 points; the touchdowns supplied the rest, and they are the part least likely to repeat.
No interceptions after 4 in the previous four games. Best fantasy game of the season.
Patrick Mahomes Ran hot
33 of 44 passing for 378 yards, 3 touchdowns; 7 carries for 69 yards and 1 touchdown.
Verdict: The opportunities were worth 23.8 points; the touchdowns supplied the rest, and they are the part least likely to repeat.
Best fantasy game of the season.
Gabe Davis Ran hot
10 targets (27% of the team's), 8 catches for 201 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Verdict: The opportunities were worth 16.8 points; the touchdowns supplied the rest, and they are the part least likely to repeat.
Best fantasy game of the season.
Devin Singletary
5 targets (14% of the team's), 4 catches for 25 yards; 10 carries (42% of the team's) for 26 yards and 1 touchdown.
Verdict: The points matched the role, 14.8 expected.
Fewest points since Week 14. A touchdown in 5 of the last 8 games.
Tyreek Hill Ran hot
13 targets (31% of the team's), 11 catches for 150 yards and 1 touchdown; 1 carry (4% of the team's) for -2 yards.
Verdict: The opportunities were worth 22.5 points; the touchdowns supplied the rest, and they are the part least likely to repeat.
Best score since Week 15.
Jerick McKinnon Unlucky
7 targets (17% of the team's), 5 catches for 54 yards; 10 carries (37% of the team's) for 24 yards.
Verdict: The role was there, worth 18.2 points at league-average rates; the production wasn't.
Season high in targets (7). Season high in carries (10).
Travis Kelce Ran hot
9 targets (21% of the team's), 8 catches for 96 yards and 1 touchdown.
Verdict: The opportunities were worth 15.2 points; the touchdowns supplied the rest, and they are the part least likely to repeat.
A touchdown in 5 of the last 8 games.
Mecole Hardman Jr. Ran hot
1 target (2% of the team's), 1 catch for 26 yards; 2 carries (7% of the team's) for 31 yards and 1 touchdown.
Verdict: The opportunities were worth 3.0 points; the touchdowns supplied the rest, and they are the part least likely to repeat.
Fantasy Matchups
Fantasy points allowed per game by position, 2021 through Week 18.
| Points allowed to | Bills D | Chiefs D |
|---|---|---|
| QBs | 12.2 | 20.2 |
| RBs | 20.4 | 23.6 |
| WRs | 23.8 | 31.1 |
| TEs | 7.6 | 12.3 |
Regular season, summed from each game's box score and scored with this page's rules.
How the Game Swung
Kansas City opened at 57% win probability, fell as low as <1%, then rallied to win.
Chiefs win probability
Key Swings
- −87Allen → Davis, 27-yd TD98% → 11%Q4 1:54
- +94Mahomes → Hill, 64-yd TD5% → 99%Q4 1:02
- −100Allen → Davis, 19-yd TD>99% → <1%Q4 0:13
- +30Butker 49-yd FG22% → 52%Q4 0:00
- +50Mahomes → Kelce, 8-yd TD50% → >99%OT 10:45
Swing in Chiefs win probability, in points
Play Calling and Possessions
| Buffalo Bills | Measure | Kansas City Chiefs |
|---|---|---|
| 63 | Plays | 73 |
| 62% | Pass rate | 63% |
| 8.0 | Yds / dropback | 8.0 |
| 4.5 | Yds / carry | 6.7 |
| 6/14 | Third downs | 8/13 |
Efficiency edge Kansas City ran 10 more plays and gained 2.2 more yards per carry.
- Top targets
- BUF Davis 27% · Beasley 22% · Diggs 16%
- KC Hill 31% · Kelce 21% · Pringle 17%
Possession Results
| Result | BUF | KC |
|---|---|---|
| Touchdowns | 5 | 5 |
| Field goals | 0 | 3 |
| Punts | 4 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Missed field goals | 0 | 1 |
- The Bills opened the scoring on their first possession, a 13-play, 71-yard drive that ended in a touchdown.
- The Chiefs scored touchdowns on two of their first three drives, then drained the clock with two second-half drives of four to eight minutes.
All 20 possessions, drive by drive
| Team | Start | Plays | Yards | Time | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BUF | Q1 15:00 | 13 | 71 | 6:57 | Touchdown |
| KC | Q1 8:03 | 11 | 74 | 5:37 | Touchdown |
| BUF | Q1 2:26 | 9 | 24 | 5:27 | Punt |
| KC | Q2 11:59 | 3 | 6 | 1:28 | Punt |
| BUF | Q2 10:31 | 3 | 6 | 1:48 | Punt |
| KC | Q2 8:43 | 12 | 86 | 6:51 | Touchdown |
| BUF | Q2 1:52 | 7 | 75 | 1:15 | Touchdown |
| KC | Q2 0:37 | 6 | 43 | 0:37 | Missed FG |
| KC | Q3 15:00 | 13 | 54 | 7:59 | Field goal |
| BUF | Q3 7:01 | 3 | 9 | 2:12 | Punt |
| KC | Q3 4:49 | 5 | 61 | 2:43 | Touchdown |
| BUF | Q3 2:06 | 1 | 75 | 0:10 | Touchdown |
| KC | Q3 1:56 | 7 | 29 | 3:30 | Punt |
| BUF | Q4 13:26 | 4 | 7 | 1:58 | Punt |
| KC | Q4 11:28 | 4 | 6 | 2:33 | Field goal |
| BUF | Q4 8:55 | 17 | 75 | 7:01 | Touchdown |
| KC | Q4 1:54 | 5 | 75 | 0:52 | Touchdown |
| BUF | Q4 1:02 | 6 | 75 | 0:49 | Touchdown |
| KC | Q4 0:13 | 3 | 44 | 0:13 | Field goal |
| KC | OT 15:00 | 8 | 75 | 4:15 | Touchdown |
About these numbers
Possessions that ended with the clock running out at the half or the end of the game aren't counted.
Personnel groupings, average depth of target and pass rate over expected appear when the tracking feed is connected.
Bills vs Chiefs Head-to-Head
The Bills and Chiefs first met in 1960 and have played 58 times since.
- All-time series
- 31–26–1Bills lead, 58 meetings since 1960
- Postseason
- 5–2Split 5–2
- Largest Bills win
- 41–72011
- Largest Chiefs win
- 38–52003
Since 2021
5–3 Bills lead
8 meetings since the 2021 season, regular season and playoffs.
Oldest to newest. B = Bills win, C = Chiefs win, outlined = this game.
2026 Meetings
- Week 12 Chiefs at Bills Upcoming
Recent Meetings
- 2025 Wk 9 Chiefs at Bills, 2025 Wk 9 recap BUF 28 KC 21 BUF W
- 2024 Conference Championship Bills at Chiefs, 2024 Conference Championship recap KC 32 BUF 29 KC W
- 2024 Wk 11 Chiefs at Bills, 2024 Wk 11 recap BUF 30 KC 21 BUF W
- 2023 Divisional Round Chiefs at Bills, 2023 Divisional Round recap KC 27 BUF 24 KC W
- 2023 Wk 14 Bills at Chiefs, 2023 Wk 14 recap BUF 20 KC 17 BUF W
- 2022 Wk 6 Bills at Chiefs, 2022 Wk 6 recap BUF 24 KC 20 BUF W
- 2021 Divisional Round Bills at Chiefs KC 42 BUF 36 KC W
- 2021 Wk 5 Bills at Chiefs, 2021 Wk 5 recap BUF 38 KC 20 BUF W
Season to Date (Through Week 18)
The 2021 regular season, from each game's box score.
| Bills | Stat | Chiefs |
|---|---|---|
| 11-6 | Record | 12-5 |
| 28.4 | Points per game | 28.2 |
| 381.9 | Yards per game | 396.8 |
| 5.7 | Yards per play | 5.9 |
| 17.0 | Points allowed per game | 21.4 |
| 272.8 | Yards allowed per game | 368.9 |
Bills vs Chiefs Odds and Results
How this game finished against the betting lines.
- Spread
- KC −2.5Chiefs covered by 3.5
- Total
- 54Over: 78 points scored (by 24)
Expected vs Actual Scoring
| Team | Implied | Actual | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chiefs | 28.3 | 42 | +13.8 |
| Bills | 25.8 | 36 | +10.3 |
Both offenses beat the market's expectation, and the Fantasy tab shows who cashed in.
Betting Trends
Last 2 meetings: Bills 1–1 ATS, overs 2–0.
Each team's 2021 season through this game. Over/under is overs first.
Buffalo Bills
- Against the spread
- 10–7–2
- Over/under
- 10–9
- ATS as favorite
- 8–5–2
- ATS as underdog
- 2–2
- ATS on the road
- 5–4
Kansas City Chiefs
- Against the spread
- 10–9
- Over/under
- 12–7
- ATS as favorite
- 10–9
- ATS at home
- 6–5
Lines: ESPN's consensus, captured at kickoff. Individual sportsbooks varied.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Betting availability depends on your state.
Bills vs Chiefs Fantasy Outlook for 2026
One meeting is left on the 2026 schedule: Week 12 in Buffalo. Here's how to decide who to play in your league.
- Start/Sit ToolShould your Bills or Chiefs player start in Week 12? Compare the decision against your other options.
- Fantasy Football ProjectionsSee the latest weekly and rest-of-season projections for Bills and Chiefs players.
- Fantasy Points Allowed by PositionHow the Bills and Chiefs defenses have treated QBs, RBs, WRs and TEs.
- Strength of ScheduleWhere this matchup falls in each team's fantasy playoff run.
- Redraft CommandConnect your league for personalized lineup, trade and roster advice.
Keep Exploring
2021 Game Logs for Players in This Game
Bills vs Chiefs Game FAQ
Who won the 2021 Bills vs Chiefs Divisional Round game?
The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Buffalo Bills 42–36 in the Divisional Round of the 2021 playoffs. The game was played at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO, on January 23, 2022. See the Chiefs' 2021 schedule.
What was the final score of Bills vs Chiefs?
The final score was Chiefs 42, Bills 36 in overtime. The teams were tied 14–14 at halftime, and the second half went Bills 22, Chiefs 22 before overtime.
What happened in the Bills vs Chiefs game?
The teams were tied 14–14 at halftime, regulation ended 36–36, and the Chiefs won it 42–36 in overtime. The Chiefs finished with a 552–422 edge in total offense and averaged 7.6 yards per play.
What was the game-winning score in Bills vs Chiefs?
Patrick Mahomes' 8-yard touchdown pass to Travis Kelce with 10:45 left in the overtime gave the Chiefs a 42–36 lead they never gave up. It was the final score of the game.
How did the Chiefs come back to beat the Bills?
The Chiefs' chances of winning fell as low as <1% in the fourth quarter. Patrick Mahomes' 8-yard touchdown pass to Travis Kelce then put them ahead for good.
What was the turning point of Bills vs Chiefs?
Josh Allen's 19-yard touchdown pass to Gabriel Davis with 0:13 left in the fourth quarter was the biggest swing of the game, moving the Chiefs' win probability from >99% to <1%.
What is the all-time Bills vs Chiefs record?
The Bills lead the all-time series 31–26–1 across 58 meetings since 1960, including a 2–5 record in the postseason.
When did the Bills and Chiefs last play before this game?
Before the 2021 Divisional Round, they last met in the 2021 season on October 10, 2021, when the Bills beat the Chiefs 38–20.
Have the Bills and Chiefs met in the playoffs?
Yes, 7 times, most recently in the 2024 playoffs. The Bills are 2–5 against the Chiefs in the postseason.
What is the Bills vs Chiefs record since 2021?
The Bills lead 5–3 across 8 meetings since the 2021 season, including this game.
What was the closing spread for Bills vs Chiefs?
The consensus closing spread at kickoff was Chiefs −2.5, making the Kansas City Chiefs 2.5-point favorites, with a closing total of 54. That implied about 28.3 points for the Chiefs and 25.8 for the Bills.
Did Bills vs Chiefs go over or under the total?
The game went over. The consensus closing total was 54, and the teams combined for 78 points, 24 over the number.
Who covered the spread in Bills vs Chiefs?
The Chiefs covered by 3.5 against the closing line of Chiefs −2.5. The final margin was 6 points.