The rivalry between Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes has become one of the most electrifying storylines in the modern NFL. Each season, fans, analysts, and commentators pose the same burning question: What do Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills need to do to finally surpass Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs? The answer is complex—but what’s clear is that the time to act is now.

Their face-offs have already become legendary. From the jaw-dropping 2021 AFC Divisional Round to their heated regular-season showdowns, each game adds another layer to this high-stakes narrative. Allen has the cannon arm, the mobility, and the toughness. Mahomes, though, has something Allen desperately wants—multiple Super Bowl titles and a proven postseason track record. The Chiefs have consistently delivered in clutch moments. The Bills, despite their talent, haven’t crossed that threshold.

So why do the Bills keep falling short? The issues may not always be obvious during the regular season, but in high-pressure games, the cracks show. One major problem is the inconsistency of the offensive line. Josh Allen’s athleticism masks it at times, but against elite pass rushes, he needs better protection to play at his highest level. Mahomes often enjoys more time in the pocket, which makes a massive difference in tight games.

Another area holding the Bills back is their lack of a reliable, dominant run game. Allen frequently leads the team in rushing—impressive, but not sustainable. Teams that make deep playoff runs usually have a running back capable of taking control when needed. While James Cook has potential, he’s not yet the kind of game-changing presence that can keep defenses guessing and Mahomes watching from the sideline.

Coaching decisions have also played a part. Sean McDermott has built a tough, competitive team culture, but he has been criticized for his late-game management. Missed opportunities, conservative play-calling, and questionable clock usage have cost Buffalo dearly in pivotal moments. When facing a quarterback like Mahomes, even a small mistake can flip the outcome.

The real question now is: What do Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills need to change if they want to finally get past Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs?

First, the Bills need to get smarter with their game planning. Beating Mahomes is not just about firepower—it’s about tactics. The Bills must learn from the way other teams have been able to slow down the Chiefs, crafting defensive schemes that can break Mahomes’ rhythm. On offense, they need to take calculated risks, mix up play designs, and find creative ways to get the ball into the hands of their best playmakers.

Another priority should be strengthening the secondary. No one can forget how Mahomes finds Travis Kelce time and time again. If the Bills want to stop the Chiefs, they need a secondary that can match up with elite tight ends and receivers. With recent departures and injuries, Buffalo must rebuild their defensive backfield with fresh talent—fast, physical players who can cover deep and tackle hard.

Depth is another underrated factor. The Bills have seen their postseason hopes dashed by critical injuries. The Chiefs have won despite injuries because they’ve built a roster deep in talent and experience. If Buffalo wants to last through January, they must develop a deeper bench, especially on defense and special teams. Starters may win games, but depth wins championships.

This upcoming season could be the turning point. The 2025 campaign feels like a make-or-break year for Allen and the Bills. The AFC is becoming increasingly competitive, with Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Justin Herbert all in the mix. Mahomes is still king—but the crown is never safe. If the Bills can’t make a move this season, their Super Bowl window could begin to narrow.

But what makes this rivalry so captivating isn’t just stats or scores—it’s the story behind it. Allen and Mahomes represent two sides of the same coin: fearless, talented quarterbacks capable of miracle plays. Their battles are must-watch TV, and every snap feels like it could swing the game—and the season.

Every decision Buffalo makes this offseason must center around one goal: beat the Chiefs. That means improving the roster, upgrading schemes, and playing with a postseason mentality from Week 1. Because if the Bills want to be more than just contenders, they must dethrone the champion.

For a deeper look into this ongoing rivalry and the exact steps Buffalo needs to take, don’t miss the expert video analysis. From schemes to roster moves, this breakdown reveals what’s working—and what still needs to change.