AFC Power Shift: Sean McDermott Sends a Clear Message to Josh Allen and Buffalo Bills—The No. 1 Seed Is Within Reach

For the fifth consecutive year, the Buffalo Bills have claimed the AFC East title.

Yet for head coach Sean McDermott, that’s not enough. His eyes are set on a bigger prize—dethroning Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid, and the Kansas City Chiefs from the AFC’s top spot.

Following a statement win against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday Night Football, McDermott made it clear that the next step for Josh Allen and the Bills is to clinch the No. 1 seed in the conference. The Chiefs currently hold that position, but Buffalo is hot on their trail.

“It’s probably the next goal for us—positioning ourselves the best we can,” McDermott told reporters, as quoted by Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN. “We control a piece of that, and then some of that we don’t. It’s about our level of play every week, reaching the standard that puts us in the best spot one way or another.”

A Tight AFC Race: Bills on Chiefs’ Heels

The Chiefs lead the AFC with an impressive 11-1 record through Week 13. But the Bills, sitting at 10-2, are within striking distance. Intriguingly, Buffalo handed Kansas City its only loss of the season in Week 11, snapping the Chiefs’ 15-game winning streak in a dramatic showdown.

This victory highlighted Buffalo’s potential to challenge Kansas City’s dominance in the postseason. While the Bills have consistently reached the playoffs under McDermott—seven times in eight seasons—they’ve never secured the coveted No. 1 seed. With the stakes higher than ever, that elusive top spot is within reach.

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McDermott vs. Reid: A High-Stakes Rivalry

The rivalry between Sean McDermott and Andy Reid continues to define the AFC landscape. Their most recent clash in Week 11 was a testament to the growing competitiveness between these two franchises. Allen outdueled Mahomes, showcasing Buffalo’s resilience and determination to compete with the league’s elite.

McDermott understands that consistency is key. “It’s about the level of play,” he emphasized. “Every week, we need to reach a standard that puts us in the best position possible.”

What Lies Ahead for Buffalo?

The Bills have a challenging schedule ahead. Back-to-back road games against the Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions await them before they return home to face division rivals—the New England Patriots and New York Jets. Their regular-season finale takes them to Foxborough for another clash with the Patriots, a game that could have significant playoff implications.

Buffalo’s focus will be on maintaining momentum, minimizing errors, and staying healthy as they push for the No. 1 seed. The team’s ability to stay disciplined and execute McDermott’s vision will determine their fate in the postseason.

Chiefs Eyeing Another Dominant Finish

Meanwhile, Mahomes and Reid will look to solidify their hold on the AFC with a home game against the Los Angeles Chargers. After that, they hit the road to face the Cleveland Browns before returning to Arrowhead to host the Houston Texans. Their final stretch includes matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Denver Broncos.

The Chiefs’ ability to finish strong will be crucial, especially with the Bills breathing down their necks. Both teams know the value of securing home-field advantage throughout the playoffs—a factor that could be the difference between an early exit and a Super Bowl run.

Buffalo’s Playoff Path: A Team on a Mission

For the Bills, securing the No. 1 seed would represent a significant milestone in their journey under McDermott. It would not only validate their status as a top contender but also provide a psychological edge heading into the playoffs.

With Josh Allen at the helm and a motivated roster, Buffalo has all the tools to make a deep postseason run. However, the road won’t be easy. Consistency, discipline, and resilience will be critical as they navigate the final weeks of the regular season.

Conclusion: The Race to the Top Heats Up

The battle for AFC supremacy is far from over. Sean McDermott’s message to his team—and to the rest of the league—is clear: the Buffalo Bills are coming for the top spot.

With only a handful of games left, every snap, every decision, and every play will matter. As the Bills and Chiefs continue their push for playoff positioning, NFL fans can expect a thrilling finish to the regular season.