Quarterback Alex Smith was 19 of 30 for 255 yards passing and 2 touchdowns as the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Buffalo Bills, 30-22, from Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. on Sunday.
The Bills jumped out to an early 10-0 lead in the first quarter. After a 27-yard field goal by kicker Dan Carpenter to start the scoring, QB Tyrod Taylor hit Sammy Watkins for his fourth touchdown of the season.
The Chiefs responded with a 3-yard touchdown rush by running back Spencer Ware in the second quarter, but Buffalo answered right back when Taylor hit Watkins again for a 21-yard touchdown.
A missed extra point made it 16-7 Bills.
The Chiefs drew closer before the end of the half when Smith hit wide receiver Jeremy Maclin for a 41-yard touchdown pass.
At the half, it was 16-14 Bills.
The Chiefs opened the third quarter with the ball and took their first lead of the game on a 15-yard touchdown reception by tight end Travis Kelce, his fourth of the season. That made the score 21-16 Chiefs.
With the Bills in control of the ball, linebacker Tamba Hali sacked Taylor, who fumbled, and defensive tackle Dontari Poe recovered the ball to give the Chiefs great field position. Cairo Santos added a 49-yard field goal off the turnover to extend the lead to 24-16.
The Bills fired back with a 10-yard touchdown reception by RB LeSean McCoy. Buffalo then attempted a two-point conversion, but Chiefs linebacker Frank Zombo sacked Taylor to keep the game at 24-22 Chiefs.
Two fourth-quarter field goals by Santos—the first from 38 yards and the second from 37 yards—extended the Chiefs lead to 30-22.
Buffalo turned the ball over on downs on the ensuing possession and the Chiefs were able to run out the clock to preserve the victory.
Photos from the Chiefs Week 12 matchup against the Bills
Maclin finished the game with 9 receptions for 160 yards receiving and a touchdown. Ware, filling in for Charcandrick West, had 19 carries for 114 yards rushing and a touchdown. Watkins had 6 receptions for 158 yards and 2 touchdowns, all in the first half, for Buffalo.
Offensive linemen Eric Fisher (neck) and Mitch Morse (concussion) and linebacker Justin Houston (knee) left the game early with injuries. With the win, the Chiefs improve to 6-5 on the season. They visit the Oakland Raiders next week at 3:05 p.m. CT.
