Chiefs vs. Bills: Breaking Down Buffalo's Game Plan

After having a week off to get ready for a second-half run, the Buffalo Bills will welcome the Kansas City Chiefs (who are the Chefs?) to Buffalo on Sunday. Both teams sit at 5-3, so a win would springboard the Bills into the playoff hunt and continue the momentum they carried into the bye.

The Bills will have their hands full again, and they can't give away this game at home if they want to be a viable playoff threat. So what can the Bills try to do to get the win? Let's break down their game plan heading into Week 10. 

In Houston, Bills Have A Problem

The Bills have gone up against some fearsome pass-rushers this season. Seantrel Henderson (with a little help from his friends) did a good job against Cameron Wake of the Miami Dolphins. The same can't be said when the Bills faced the superhuman known as J.J. Watt.

Now, the Bills will face off with Justin Houston, the NFL leader in sacks. Houston has the capability of wrecking the game much like Watt did. And now, the Bills have Kyle Orton under center. EJ Manuel was still the starter against the Texans, so he was able to escape Watt every now and again. If Houston gets to Orton, it's all over.

One way to do that is to get the ball out quickly. We know the Bills' offensive line has been struggling, so the best way to help that is to keep them from having to protect for too long. Over the course of the game, Houston and Tamba Hali will make the Bills pay if they call long-developing pass plays.

Luckily, the Bills have just the weapon for quick routes.

Credit: NFL Game Rewind

Here's Sammy Watkins as he catches a quick slant at around the 45-yard line. The cornerback is giving about a five-yard cushion, so Orton takes a three-step drop and delivers it to Watkins. Watkins handled the rest 61 yards later.

If the Bills use slants and screens to Watkins, they can neutralize the pass rush while simultaneously getting the ball in the hands of their best playmaker. They'd be killing two birds with one stone, as it were.

It would also help to get Robert Woods involved. He's also adept at running quick routes and using his agility to make defenders miss. If the Chiefs force someone besides Watkins to beat them, expect Woods to get looks early and often.

Somehow, Smith Manages

Alex Smith might be the ultimate NFL game manager. He minimizes his risks and takes what the defense is allowing. It has shown so far this season as Smith has only thrown four interceptions compared to 11 touchdowns. His longest completion on the season is for 34 yards.

Smith has also completed 67.1 percent of his passes, which means he's hitting short passes and letting his receivers do their work after the catch.  Therefore, the cornerbacks for the Bills should press the Chiefs receivers and not let them get clean releases off the line of scrimmage.

If the Bills defenders can disrupt the timing of the offense, it can help the defensive line get to Smith more effectively. Smith gets the ball out quickly, so he isn't sacked too much. In fact, the Chiefs are right in the middle of the league with 19 sacks allowed. 

If the Bills allow Smith to pick apart the defense, they could be in for a long day. Tight end Travis Kelce is emerging as a legitimate receiving threat, so he can have a field day over the middle if the Bills let him get free.

If the Bills defense can make sure tackles and keep the Chiefs receivers off balance, it will put more pressure on Smith to take chances deep. That leads to more time spent in the pocket and more chances to bring Smith down. The Bills have been leaning on their defense all season, and they will have to do so again to grab the W against Kansas City.