In a dramatic finish, the Buffalo Bills defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 28-21, with rookie Maxwell Hairston batting down Patrick Mahomes’ Hail Mary pass in the final seconds to secure the victory. Josh Allen threw for one touchdown and ran for two more, outdueling Mahomes in a key AFC matchup that bolstered Buffalo’s playoff hopes.
The game, played on November 2, 2025, at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, was a rematch of recent playoff battles where the Chiefs have often prevailed. This time, the Bills sought to assert their dominance in the regular season, improving their record to 6-2 while handing the Chiefs their fourth loss of the season. The rivalry intensity was palpable, with Allen later admitting that beating Kansas City held special significance given their history of blocking Buffalo’s Super Bowl aspirations.
Josh Allen delivered a near-flawless performance, completing 23 of 26 passes for 273 yards and setting a franchise record for completion percentage at 88.5%. He connected with tight end Dalton Kincaid for a 23-yard touchdown and added two 1-yard rushing scores, breaking Cam Newton’s NFL record for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. Allen’s efficiency and poise under pressure were critical, as he outshone Mahomes in a head-to-head duel that had been highly anticipated by fans and analysts alike.
Patrick Mahomes struggled uncharacteristically, finishing 15 of 34 for 250 yards with an interception, marking his worst completion percentage in a regular-season game at 44.1%. The Bills’ defense harassed him throughout, sacking him three times and hitting him 15 times, which disrupted his rhythm and forced errant throws. Mahomes acknowledged the need for greater consistency, emphasizing that the team must battle through adversity to regain their championship form.
The game’s defining moment came in the final 17 seconds, with the Chiefs trailing by seven points. After Bills kicker Matt Prater missed a 52-yard field goal, Mahomes drove Kansas City to Buffalo’s 40-yard line. On the last play, he launched a Hail Mary pass toward the end zone, but rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston—playing in just his second career game—leaped to bat it away, sealing the win. Hairston had earlier intercepted Mahomes, capping a standout defensive effort.
Key contributions came from Bills running back James Cook, who rushed for 114 yards, and Kincaid, who had 101 receiving yards. On defense, aside from Hairston’s heroics, second-year safety Cole Bishop made seven tackles and broke up four passes, showcasing the young talent stepping up for Buffalo. The Bills’ ability to pressure Mahomes and capitalize on turnovers proved decisive, with the team rallying together in what coach Sean McDermott called a signature victory.
The outcome has significant implications for the AFC playoff race, giving Buffalo a 2.5-game lead over Kansas City and keeping them in contention behind the New England Patriots in the AFC East. For the Chiefs, it’s their fourth loss in nine games, a rare slow start under coach Andy Reid, who stressed the importance of scoring touchdowns over field goals. Both teams faced injuries, with Chiefs right tackle Jawaan Taylor injuring his ankle and Bills defensive end Michael Hoecht tearing his Achilles tendon.
Looking ahead, the Chiefs have a bye week before facing the Denver Broncos on November 16, while the Bills travel to play the Miami Dolphins next Sunday. These upcoming games will be crucial for both teams as they navigate the second half of the season, with Buffalo aiming to build on this momentum and Kansas City seeking to rebound from uncharacteristic struggles.