Stephen A. Smith has made a bold prediction that has the NFL world buzzing. On the popular show First Take, he confidently stated that the Kansas City Chiefs will suffer their first loss of the season this weekend against the Buffalo Bills. This is a significant claim, especially considering the Chiefs’ impressive performance thus far.
The Chiefs are set to face the Bills on Sunday, and Smith believes that quarterback Josh Allen has what it takes to end Patrick Mahomes’ undefeated streak. When asked by Molly Qerim if he thinks the Chiefs will finally take a loss, Smith laid out his reasoning with conviction. “I believe so,” he asserted, emphasizing the challenge the Chiefs will face in this matchup.
Why Stephen A. Thinks the Bills Will Win
Smith pointed out several key factors that contribute to his prediction. He noted, “I’m not predicting that anybody is going to go 16-0, and obviously, I think I can say this is the toughest game left on the Kansas City Chiefs’ schedule.” He elaborated on the strength of the Bills, who currently hold an impressive 8-2 record and have shown significant improvement throughout the season.
Moreover, Smith highlighted the importance of the game being played in Buffalo, where the atmosphere can be electric and challenging for visiting teams. “You’re also on the road in Buffalo, okay, and Josh Allen is 0-3 in playoff competitions against Patrick Mahomes, although he’s won three of the four regular-season encounters going up against him,” he explained. This context adds another layer of intrigue to the matchup.
As he continued, Smith expressed his belief that the Bills’ current form and Allen’s MVP-caliber performance make them a formidable opponent. “Not only are you going up against a Buffalo Bills team that is 8-2, that has looked better than any of us had anticipated, that has an MVP-caliber player at the quarterback position,” he said, underscoring the challenges the Chiefs will face.
What This Means for the Chiefs
Despite his prediction of a Bills victory, Smith doesn’t think this loss will derail the Chiefs’ season. He stated, “I’m going to pick the Buffalo Bills to win this game. I think this is the one loss on the Chiefs’ record. I think they’ll probably go 16-1 as opposed to 17-0.” This prediction still leaves the Chiefs in an enviable position as they continue their pursuit of a strong season.
However, not everyone is on board with Smith’s assessment. Fans took to social media to express their disbelief and skepticism regarding his pick. One fan remarked, “He been saying Chiefs will lose every week,” while another cautioned, “Don’t bet against them!” The passion of the fans is palpable, and it’s clear that many believe in the Chiefs’ ability to maintain their winning streak.
Injuries Could Impact the Bills’ Chances
While Stephen A. is confident in the Bills’ chances, it’s important to note that they are dealing with significant injuries heading into this crucial game. Tight end Dalton Kincaid has already been ruled out, which is a blow for Allen, as Kincaid has become one of his favorite targets. Additionally, wide receiver Amari Cooper is questionable due to a wrist injury, and offensive tackle Spencer Brown is also uncertain for the game with an ankle injury. These factors could play a critical role in the outcome of the game.
First Take’s Impact on NFL Discussions
The discussion around the Chiefs and Bills has been amplified by the popularity of First Take. The show has seen remarkable growth, averaging 496,000 viewers in 2023, making it the most-watched year in its history. The addition of Shannon Sharpe alongside Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim has further boosted its appeal, with the show reporting over 250 million views on YouTube.
With such a large audience, opinions expressed on First Take can significantly influence public perception and fan discussions surrounding the NFL. As Smith’s bold prediction circulates, it will undoubtedly spark debates among fans and analysts alike.
The Anticipation for Sunday’s Game
As the game day approaches, anticipation is building. Will the Bills manage to pull off the upset that Stephen A. Smith predicts, or will the Chiefs prove their mettle and continue their winning ways? The stakes are high, and the excitement is palpable. Fans will be glued to their screens, eager to see how this clash between two powerhouse teams unfolds.
In the world of the NFL, every game is crucial, and this matchup is no exception. With the playoffs looming, both teams will be looking to make a statement. Whether you’re rooting for the Chiefs to remain undefeated or hoping for a Bills victory, one thing is for sure: this game is set to be a thrilling showdown that could have significant implications for both teams moving forward.
So, as we gear up for Sunday, the question remains: can the Bills rise to the occasion and hand the Chiefs their first loss? Or will Mahomes and his crew continue their dominance? The answer will unfold on the field, and fans can’t wait to find out.