The all-time classic between the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills on Sunday became the most-viewed divisional playoff game in history.
Initial reports suggested that the game amassed a total of 39 million viewers. However, CBS reported on Tuesday morning that the viewership peaked at 50.39m watchers. The Bills and Chiefs’ last divisional playoff matchup in 2022 was also broadcast on CBS and averaged 42.7m viewers. Thus, what was initially reported as a 8.6 per cent drop turned out to be a 17 per cent jump in viewership.
The AFC showdown in Buffalo impressively had more viewers than all five of the 2023 World Series games combined. All together, the five games between the Rangers and Diamondbacks amassed 49.22m viewers. It comes as no surprise that the masses tuned in as both teams put on a show in hair-raising fashion. The game was a back and forth affair before the Chiefs emerged victorious, 27-24, at the end of four quarters. The Bills looked to rally towards the end before kicker Tyler Bass unfortunately missed a game-tying field goal attempt form 44 yards.
Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen started strong with two rushing touchdowns in the first half. However, Kansas City’s defense kept him at bay in the second as he and the Bills struggled to find the end zone. Despite his rushing efforts, Allen only threw for one touchdown after connecting with wide receiver Khalil Shakir. The Chiefs’ dynamic duo in Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce spearheaded their winning effort by connecting for two crucial touchdowns. Running back Isiah Pacheco also contributed 97 rushing yards and a touchdown to the win.
Mahomes completed 17 out of his 23 attempts for 215 yards in his first playoff game on the road, excluding Super Bowls. Meanwhile, Kelce ended a seven-game scoring drought with his two-touchdown performance. His scoring efforts were met by his brother Jason leading the celebrations as the Eagles center animatedly took off his shirt and jumped out of the VIP suite.
