Chiefs Check-in: Turning the page to the Bills

The Kansas City Chiefs need a big bounce-back win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday to build momentum for the postseason and stay in contention for the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Kansas City will look to avoid losing two games in a row for the first time since 2021. It will have to do so missing multiple starters to injury. A loss for the Bills will all but dash their postseason hopes for 2023.

Here are the top stories on this edition of Chiefs Check-in for the morning of Friday, December 8:

Patrick Mahomes has a leadership mentality

AP Photo-Jeff Roberson

Mahomes shared with the media how he stays sharp mentally throughout the ups and downs of the NFL season.

Chiefs Wire Podcast

Photo by Jason Hanna-Getty Images

We preview the crucial showdown between Buffalo and K.C. on the Chiefs Wire Podcast.

Nick Bolton could return vs. Bills

Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Bolton has practiced in full this week and seems to be on track to return on Sunday against Buffalo.

Isiah Pacheco establishing himself as one of the top running backs in NFL

Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Despite having fewer carries than five players who rank behind him, Pacheco is currently fifth in the NFL in rushing yards with 779.

Creed Humphrey having another Pro Bowl caliber season

Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Humphrey is the highest-graded run-blocking center in the league since Week 8, per Pro Football Focus.

Patrick Mahomes/Andy Reid masters of the screen game

Photo by Michael Reaves-Getty Images

Since 2018, Mahomes has ranked first in several different categories on screen passes.

Taylor Swift isn't going anywhere

Mark Hoffman-Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Swift comes to Chiefs games to support Travis Kelce and isn’t worried about “pissing off a few dads, Brads, and Chads.”

Around the AFC West

Denver Broncos

• The Broncos are in full health heading into their Week 14 matchup with the Chargers.

Las Vegas Raiders

• The Raiders have a new rallying cry for the rest of the season.

Los Angeles Chargers

• Coach Brandon Staley suggested that Josh Kelly could cut into Austin Ekeler’s carries more often for the rest of the season.

Around the NFL

• The Patriots upset the Steelers 21-18 on Thursday Night Football.
• The Dolphins gave right tackle Austin Jackson a three-year, $36 million contract extension.
• Former NFL kicker Robbie Gould announced his retirement on Thursday.
• Ravens’ quarterback Lamar Jackson missed practice on Thursday with an illness.
• Jaguars’ quarterback Trevor Lawrence returned to practice on Thursday after injuring his ankle on Monday.