Buffalo Bills turn monster mistake by Chiefs into early lead

After a series of breaks early in Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Buffalo Bills got a massive one when Kansas City’s Mecole Hardman fumbled a punt.

Kansas City forced the Bills to punt on their second drive of the game, but Hardman’s miscue happened deep in Kansas City’s side of the field. Buffalo gunner Taiwan Jones recovered the fumble at the Chiefs’ 3-yard line, setting up a touchdown pass from Josh Allen to Dawson Knox on the first play of the ensuing drive. Rookie kicker Tyler Bass missed the extra point, but the Bills still took a 9-0 lead over the reigning Super Bowl champion midway through the first quarter.

It was the biggest of three early breaks that went Buffalo’s way early in the first quarter.

Allen nearly threw an interception on the Bills’ opening drive but wide receiver Cole Beasley knocked the ball out of Chiefs defensive back Juan Thornhill’s hands as he went to the ground.

On Kansas City’s first drive, Tyreek Hill dropped what would have been a long gain on third down, forcing the Chiefs to punt.