Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has developed a friendship with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The two NFL stars occasionally play a game of golf together during the offseason.
But Allen's affection for Mahomes will likely go out the window this weekend, at least for a few hours, when the Bills-Chiefs divisional round playoff game begins inside Highmark Stadium.
Allen and the Bills will look to avenge their overtime loss to the Chiefs in the 2021 divisional round. The Chiefs also eliminated Buffalo from the playoffs in the 2020 AFC Championship Game.
But the location of Sunday's game will be different than recent postseason matchups between the Bills and Chiefs. Previously, the Bills had to travel to Arrowhead Stadium in January, but this year the Chiefs will have to fly to New York.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills looks to pass against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
But past playoff heartbreaks are the last thing on Allen's mind.
“We don't need to mention that,” Allen said Wednesday. “I'm sure people will bring up what I fear, but no, I have a lot of respect for him, his game and who he is off the field.”
BILLS COULD BE AFFECTED BY SNOW ONCE AGAIN WITH MORE FEET REACHING BUFFALO
The Bills' 2021 loss led the NFL to change its postseason overtime rules. Kansas City won the toss and ended the 2021 divisional game with a touchdown on the first possession of overtime. The rules now stipulate that both teams are guaranteed the opportunity to possess the ball in overtime.
Sunday's game will also mark the first time Mahomes has played a postseason game outside of Arrowhead Stadium. Mahomes expressed his excitement at the opportunity to play in front of a loud, supportive crowd.
Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, left, and Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills after a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Dec. 10, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri. (Ryan Kang/Getty Images)
“Even though I know it's going to be hostile and there's going to be people talking trash and everything, I'm excited because it's one of the best environments in football,” Mahomes said. “And you want to do that when you grow up, watching these games in the best environments and seeing what it's like.”
Although no snow is forecast for Sunday, both teams are accustomed to playing in frigid temperatures. The Chiefs defeated the Miami Dolphins in one of the coldest games in NFL history last week.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) runs a play during the second half of an NFL wild card playoff game against the Miami Dolphins on Jan. 15, 2023, in Orchard Park, New York. (AP Photo/Joshua Bessex)
There is quite a bit of familiarity between the Bills and the Chiefs. The rivals have split their last six meetings, including playoffs, since 2020.
“There are no secrets,” Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones said.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Whatever the scenario, Allen appreciates how difficult it will be to beat the defending champions.
“They're at the top of the mountain. They know what it takes to get there. We still have to do it,” said Allen, whose only appearance in the AFC championship game ended in a 38-24 loss at Kansas City. “As a competitor, being in a situation like this is something you dream about.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital sports coverage in X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
