The Kansas City Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, are on an impressive streak with eight straight victories in the playoffs, ranking third for the longest playoff winning streak in NFL history. To make it nine, they will have to face a well-known rival.

“Both teams are exceptional with outstanding players at every position, and they are well-coached,” Mahomes remarked about the Buffalo Bills. “We’ve had playoff victories against them, but they’ve also defeated us in the regular season. Each of our matches has been closely contested, often coming down to a single play that can alter the outcome.”

In the regular season, Bills quarterback Josh Allen holds a 4-1 record against the Chiefs, with a pivotal 26-yard touchdown run on fourth down that ended Kansas City’s undefeated streak in Week 11.

On the flip side, Mahomes is undefeated against Allen and the Bills in playoff situations, boasting a memorable win in the 2021 divisional round, where Kansas City managed to draw level in just 13 seconds and claimed victory in overtime.

Mahomes is currently tied for the second-most playoff wins by a starting quarterback (16). The three-time Super Bowl champion ranks fifth in playoff touchdowns (42) and eighth for postseason passing yards (5,312) in NFL history.

In his three playoff games against Buffalo, Mahomes has amassed 918 passing yards, thrown eight touchdowns, and has not thrown any interceptions.

“To succeed, you need to deliver your best performance. I’ve faced Josh enough to know he’ll come ready to play, especially during key moments,” Mahomes told the press. “I must be at my best when the opportunity arises and position our team for success, whether it’s minimizing turnovers or changing field advantages. Competing against a great quarterback demands your best.”

For Mahomes and the Chiefs’ attack to truly excel, finding a way to involve wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is essential. In their Week 11 matchup against Buffalo, he caught only three passes for 29 yards. In Kansas City’s divisional win against the Houston Texans, he did not record a catch, leaving rookie Xavier Worthy as the only receiver to register a reception.

Having been in the NFL for 12 years, Hopkins has never had the chance to play in an AFC championship game. In 10 regular-season appearances with the Chiefs, he has totaled 41 catches for 437 yards and four touchdowns. Known for his sharp skills and impressive catching ability, Kansas City brought Hopkins onboard via trade with the Tennessee Titans to seize moments like this.

“It’s a childhood dream,” Hopkins expressed about the opportunity to compete for a Super Bowl spot. “Growing up, I played Madden and always aimed to reach the Super Bowl. It has been a lifelong aspiration.”

This Sunday marks the pinnacle of Hopkins’ career. Nevertheless, head coach Andy Reid and Mahomes have demonstrated their ability to thrive under pressure. They have guided the Chiefs to the AFC championship game for seven consecutive years. To secure a third straight trip to the Super Bowl, they will need to conquer a rival they know intimately.

“It feels like we’re constantly facing these guys,” Reid commented. “They understand us, and we understand them.”

Follow YSL News Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.