Arrowheadlines: Kansas City Chiefs News 11/9

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills Game Preview from The Mothership

The Chiefs are playing some of the best defensive football in the NFL and that could make matters worse for veteran quarterback Kyle Orton (No. 18), who replaced E.J. Manuel (No. 3) as the team's starter against the Detroit Lions in Week 5. Orton, who actually played with the Chiefs during the 2011 season, is having one of the better years of his nine-year NFL career.

In four games started, he has completed 95 of 141 passes for 1,128 yards, nine touchdowns and just three interceptions. Orton will have to play one of his better games to defeat the Chiefs defense.

Through the air, the Chiefs allow only 199 yards per game, the best mark in the league, and against the ground attack, the Chiefs are the only team in the NFL that has yet to allow a rushing touchdown.

Chiefs Activate Mays from IR; Waive Franklin from The Mothership

Mays (5-11, 244) has seen action in 61 contests (35 starts) in six NFL seasons with the Houston Texans (2013), Denver Broncos (2010-12) and Philadelphia Eagles (2008-09). He joined Kansas City as a free agent on March 12, 2014 and was placed on injured reserve with a designation to return on Sept. 2, 2014. His career numbers include 194 tackles (141 solo), 18 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks (-10.5 yards), six passes defensed and one forced fumble.

KCChiefs.com Video: Week 10 Travel: Buffalo

KCChiefs.com Video: HyVee Chiefs Insider: Week 10 Full Episode

KCChiefs.com Video: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills Game Preview

Game Day Forecast from The National Weather Service

Today A chance of showers, mainly before noon. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 44. Southwest wind 8 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Chiefs activate LB Joe Mays to active roster, waive LB Jerry Franklin from Chiefs Digest

While it remains to be seen if Mays will immediately return to the starting lineup against Buffalo, he offers depth behind current starting inside linebackers Josh Mauga and James Michael-Johnson.

Mauga filled in for Mays after the injury and has started all eight games, leading the Chiefs in tackles with 57 (51 solo). Mauga is also the "green dot" defensive player, giving him the radio headset with the coaching staff on the sideline...

...The likely scenario if Mays starts is he'll line up next to Mauga, with Johnson taking a backup role while contributing on special teams where he recorded eight tackles in 2013 for the Chiefs.

On the line from Vegas: Bills and Chiefs 'mirror images of each other' from The Buffalo News

"The Chiefs run the ball a little better than the Bills do. The Bills' run defense is a little better, and the Chiefs' pass defense is a little better. But they match up almost identically."

Buffalo's stats and rankings, however, include heavy contributions from running back Fred Jackson and rookie receiver Sammy Watkins. Each is questionable with a groin injury, and coach Doug Marrone sounded skeptical Friday afternoon they'll be ready to play against Kansas City.

"If both of them sit," Staniszewski said, "I think it's going to be a long game for the Bills."

Chiefs' offense thrives by dominating time of possession from Chiefs Digest

There is nothing fancy about the grinding style on offense, but how the Chiefs conduct business by controlling the clock proves highly effective.

Kansas City enters Week 10 ranked sixth in the league in time of possession (31:57), and that statistic has played a role in how the Chiefs turned around a season that started 0-2.

"I think we take a lot of pride in that as well as an offensive unit and once again with the guys up front, taking a lot of pride in that," quarterback Alex Smith said. "And I think as a result of it, we've been good on first and second down. We've put ourselves in good third downs and converted when we've had them. We've been able to sustain drives and wear down some teams."

Chiefs' offensive line looking better and better from KC Star via The Wichita Eagle

Ryan Harris had just heated up some spaghetti and was sitting on the couch in his home in Denver when the phone rang.

It was Chiefs general manager John Dorsey...

...Meanwhile, Mike McGlynn had just been waived by Washington, where he was trying to win a job as a center. Less than 24 hours later, the five-year veteran was on a plane to Kansas City, and he started at left guard the next night in the Chiefs' final preseason game at Green Bay.

He hasn't been out of the lineup since.

McGlynn, Harris and rookie guard Zach Fulton have been invaluable new pieces in the reconstruction of the offensive line for the Chiefs, who are 5-3 heading into Sunday's game at Buffalo (5-3).

Chiefs mailbag: Your thoughts on the London game from ESPN

I'm going to do something a little different with this week's Kansas City Chiefs mailbag. I'm going to take a sampling of comments I received via Twitter this week about the Chiefs moving next year's scheduled home game against the Detroit Lions to Wembley Stadium in London and respond to those.

We'll get back to a traditional mailbag covering all Chiefs-related issues next week. To ask a question for next week's mailbag, send it to me via Twitter (@adamteicher) and tag it #ChiefsMail.

5 things to watch for during Bills - Chiefs from WRG 550

1) Fred Jackson of utmost importance - The hubbub of the week all surrounded around rookie wide receiver Sammy Watkins and his playing status for the game on Sunday. His availability would be dynamic for the Bills, but against this particular opponent, Fred Jackson is the ‘questionable' player that Buffalo needs most in the upcoming contest. Jackson has practiced all week as a limited participant and will attempt to return from a groin injury in three weeks that typically calls for four weeks of missed action. The reason is simple: if there is going to be a way for the Bills to neutralize the Chiefs' pass rush and get their offense going, it is going to be on the ground.

Bills have shot at making rare November magic from The Buffalo News

Today's game against the Kansas City Chiefs at The Ralph is Buffalo's most meaningful November home game since 2007, when the 5-4 Bills were humbled by their old buddies from New England, 56-10, and disappeared from playoff consideration.

The 2004 Bills were only 3-5 at this juncture but were 9-6 and looking at a playoff spot when the Steelers came to town, played most of their JV and ruined Buffalo's hopes. That was a January game, however.

Then there was 2002, when the 5-3 Bills lost a pivotal game, 38-7, to - who else? - the Patriots and quickly sank.

So the excitement over today's showdown is understandable.

Murray: Fallon's Josh Mauga overcomes injuries, proves he belongs in NFL from The Reno Gazette-Journal

After years of being hurt himself, Mauga, who got a late training camp invitation from the Kansas City Chiefs, got his big break this year when two of his teammates went down with injuries. He's responded and leads the surging Chiefs with a team-high 57 tackles entering Sunday's game at Buffalo. He ranks 32nd in the NFL in tackles and after years of setbacks, Mauga has proven he's a starter in the league.

"Honestly, I'm kind of glad it worked out this way," Mauga said. "I love being out here in K.C. The coaches are great. My teammates are great. The town is great. It's been nice to start a new slate."

Scouting Report: Chiefs' aggressive defense puts Bills' O-line on the spot from The Buffalo News

1. Get an assist from Andy Reid. The Chiefs' best receiver is tight end Travis Kelce. He has 32 catches for 419 yards and four touchdowns this season. But those numbers might be a lot better if he was on the field more than half the time. The Bills would benefit if Chiefs coach Andy Reid continues to use Kelce as sparingly as he has. The second-year veteran moves like a running back in space, excelling at taking short passes near the line of scrimmage and running around or through defenders. The website Pro Football Focus credits Kelce with 278 yards after the catch - 66 percent of his total yardage. He's averaging 8.7 yards after catch per reception, the most in the NFL among tight ends with at least 10 catches. It's a mystery why Reid doesn't use Kelce more.

Chiefs, Bills each have relevant Week 10 from The Associated Press via The Troy Daily News

They are thinking playoffs in Kansas City, which makes some sense even after the Chiefs got off to a poor start this season.

After all, KC qualified for the postseason last year.

They're also thinking playoffs in Buffalo. Wait, Buffalo?

Yep, at 5-3, like the Chiefs, the Bills are in the middle of the race, seeking to end a 14-season playoff drought.

"I mean, 5-3 is only the beginning," Bills defensive back Corey Graham says. "We've still got a long way to go. It's not really how you start, it's how you finish the season."

Bills Preview from Arrowheads Abroad

Looking at who should be starting that gives the definite advantage to the Chiefs. Alex Smith over Orton, Jamaal Charles over whoever is playing at RB for the Bills. Obviously Travis Kelce in the passing game.

The Chiefs will need to keep an eye on Robert Woods a nifty receiver, but without the other weapons I would expect Houston and Tamnba Hali to be zeroing in on Orton and although this game is going to be in Buffalo I see the Chiefs taking this one by at least two scores.

From our point of view, let's hope I am right. If Watkins plays the Bills are a different team however and expect Eric Berry to be offering support in whatever side of the field Watkins lines up on. Our OL will have it hands full against the Bills DL and Smith may need to be mobile, but overall the Chiefs should have too much and take the win.

A Passionate N.F.L. City, if in Absentia from The New York Times

"What's the upside of the mayor saying this is the most important thing?" said Tom LaBonge, a longtime city councilman. "People care about three things: traffic, cleanliness and public safety."

LaBonge, an enthusiastic civic booster, is a rare political bird: an unabashed N.F.L. supporter. His love of the game goes back to Marshall High, where he played alongside the future Hall of Fame cornerback Mike Haynes and later coached Andy Reid, now the Kansas City Chiefs' coach. But LaBonge knows that his voice is a lonely one.

"As I challenge the owners to get off the bench, I'd probably have to challenge my own colleagues," LaBonge said. "A lot of them would probably say they've already been to this dance. Somebody's got to be brave and say, ‘I really, really want this.' "

NFL Insider: Who's hot, who's not and more from The Fort Worth Star-Telegram

The Kansas City Chiefs have yet to have a receiver catch a touchdown pass this season, though six wideouts have a combined 67 receptions. More than 100 NFL receivers have scored this season, not counting running backs and tight ends.

NFL season at the halfway point from The Boston Globe

The NFL has established its next four Super Bowl sites - Phoenix this February, then San Francisco, Houston, and Minneapolis. Last week, Miami and Kansas City raised their hands and said, "We've got next."

The NFL announced on Thursday its three London games for 2015 - Dolphins vs. Jets in Week 4, Jaguars vs. Bills in Week 7, and Chiefs vs. Lions in Week 8. The Jaguars previously committed to playing one home game in London per year through 2016, but the decisions by the Dolphins and Chiefs to sacrifice a home game were certainly interesting, and almost assuredly are tied to the Super Bowl.

At their meetings last month in New York, the owners agreed to a new rule that requires teams that want to host a Super Bowl to give up one home game to London in a five-year window. And Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and Chiefs owner Clark Hunt have been very public and up-front about their desire to bring the Super Bowl to their cities.

Sal Maiorana: Three ... and Out from The Rochester Democrat & Chronicle

1. Can the Bills get anything accomplished in the passing game? Even before their top two running backs went down with injuries, the Bills were struggling to run the ball and they currently rank 23rd in the NFL. Fortunately, Kyle Orton has helped to rejuvenate the passing game and now, throwing the ball is Buffalo's most effective way to jump start the offense. However, the aerial game will get a severe test Sunday. The Chiefs rank No. 1 in the league in pass defense (199.4 yards per game), and they rank third in sacks with 27 including a league-high 12 by DE Justin Houston. RT Seantrel Henderson has struggled all year, and the rookie gets another rugged assignment with Houston. If he can't handle it and the Chiefs get pressure on Orton, it could be a very long day for the Bills' offense.

Armando Salguero: Miami Dolphins on course for playoff berth from The Miami Herlad

Maybe a 5-3 record now doesn't seem notable by NFL excellence standards. Only one of four AFC teams with that record is currently on a playoff footing, and the ground is not exactly firm under those Kansas City Chiefs.

But for the Miami Dolphins, 5-3 is a revelation.

It's an accomplishment.

It's the best record the franchise has managed at the halfway point of any season since 2003.

Interview with Christian Okoye from Arrowheads Abroad

TC: Is Marty Schottenheimer the best head coach the Chiefs have ever had?

CO: There is an argument for that, he is to me because he coached me, but many would say Hank Stram.

TC:Who was the best player you played with?

CO: Derrick Thomas hands down

TC:Who was the best player you played against?

CO: Barry Sanders for sure

Paige: Relax, Broncos fans; no need to panic now from The Denver Post

The Broncos will win the AFC West. In addition to the rematch with Denver, the Chargers (5-4) must go to Baltimore, San Francisco and, for the final game, Kansas City. The Chargers ... really? No chance. San Diego's going to drop three or four games and end up 9-7 or 8-8.

Kansas City is playing Sunday at Buffalo, which can be difficult, and must play Seattle and Denver at home before traveling to Arizona and Pittsburgh, two top-tier teams. The Chiefs (5-3) will lose three or four and stagger to a 10-6 or 9-7 record.

Halfway front-runners for NFL awards from The Associated Press via The Stamford Advocate

Another intriguing race is shaping for Comeback Player of the Year. Eagles receiver Jeremy Maclin, Cowboys linebacker Roland McClain, Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston, Texans running back Arian Foster and Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer got mentions.

Most of them are coming off injury-shortened seasons, while McClain flopped in Oakland and walked away from the game twice in Baltimore.

Ed Podolak takes the cake in 400th Hawkeye radio broadcast from The Des Moines Register

Ed Podolak got his cake Saturday. He ate it, too.

Podolak, the former Iowa and Kansas City Chiefs standout, called his 400thHawkeye football game as a radio analyst Saturday.

Before the Iowa-Minnesota contest at TCF Bank Stadium, Iowa's athletic department presented Podolak with a cake to honor the achievement. Podolak started in 1982, working alongside the late Jim Zabel.

Chiefs' Alex Smith at his best of late from BuffaloBills.com

The Chiefs come into Buffalo hot this weekend, winners of their last three in a row and five of their last six. They're also 3-0 against the AFC East this season. Their offense has been remarkably efficient this season and Smith is a big reason why.

Inside the opponent's 30-yard line he has the highest passer rating in the league at 120.8. Yes, the Chiefs are a run first team by all accounts, but Smith has been an effective complement.

Report card and Klee with three for Broncos at Raiders from The Colorado Springs Gazette

The Broncos haven't suffered consecutive losses since the second and third games of the Peyton Manning era. Their locker room after last Sunday's disaster at New England showed an angry team, one that wanted another shot at the Patriots as soon as possible. "We'll see them again," cornerback Chris Harris Jr. said. In order for that to happen, the Broncos probably must win the AFC West. Quite suddenly, that's not a given. The Chiefs own three straight impressive wins, including an AFC West road win at San Diego. Plus, there's that small matter of a Denver road game at Kansas City in Week 13. Staying clean in the AFC West is priority No. 1 for Denver.

Defending home field has to be better from BuffaloBills.com

The Bills have talked a lot amongst themselves about defending their home field. In the first half of the season they were a pedestrian 2-2 at home and 1-2 against AFC clubs. With four home games left on the schedule, three of which are against AFC teams including Kansas City Sunday, Buffalo's players and coaches know home field must become a bigger advantage in the second half of the season.

Bills can pick up sixth win earlier than any year since 1999 -- but will they? from The Toronto Sun

Here's another factoid that underscores the futility of the Buffalo Bills this century.

If the Bills beat the Chiefs on Sunday (1 p.m. EST, CTV Ontario), it'll mark the earliest they've won their sixth game of the season since 1999.

The only two times in the 2000s the Bills have won as many as six games before December came in 2000 (on Nov. 12, 20-3 over the visiting Chicago Bears) and 2008 (on Nov. 23, 54-31 over these same Kansas City Chiefs).