As the trade deadline approaches, both Kansas City and Buffalo are expected to be aggressive to fill roster gaps, with Buffalo needing help on defense and Kansas City seeking backfield depth after Isiah Pacheco's MCL sprain.

Kansas City’s offense remains potent but requires running back depth, with Kareem Hunt, Brashard Smith, and possibly Elijah Mitchell options to step in.

Buffalo faces a wide receiver question as Josh Allen’s targets shrink in distance, highlighting Keon Coleman’s impact and potential deadline targets like Chris Olave, Jakobi Meyers, or Calvin Ridley.

Key context includes Mahomes’ success outside the pocket, the Chiefs’ playoff edge over the Bills (4-0 in postseason play), and Cook’s recent 216-yard rushing performance shaping ground-game implications.

Buffalo’s defense is hampered by injuries along the line and a lack of a clear closer, with Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones, T.J. Sanders, and DeWayne Carter listed as probable misses and pass-rush concerns rising.

Kansas City’s defense is strong overall but shows vulnerabilities against the run and in depth on the defensive line, prompting talk of interior linemen or additional pass rush help.

Regardless of the Sunday result, Buffalo’s deadline priorities center on edge rushers and wide receivers, while Kansas City may look to deepen its roster to sustain its championship path.

The Week 9 Chiefs-Bills showdown is framed as a tipping point that could reveal each team’s fatal flaws ahead of the trading window.