Chiefs, Bills Face Key Injuries Ahead NFL Week 9 Clash at Orchard Park

The Kansas City Chiefs will face the Buffalo Bills in a crucial Week 9 matchup with significant playoff implications, especially for the AFC division race. The Chiefs will start Kareem Hunt at running back, replacing the injured Isiah Pacheco, with rookie Brashard Smith possibly seeing more playing time; meanwhile, the Bills will be without wide receiver Joshua Palmer and key defensive players Shaq Thompson and DaQuan Jones, potentially weakening their defense. The Chiefs offense has improved significantly with the return of top receivers Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy, and there is speculation that the team might trade wide receiver Tyquan Thornton, who has fallen down the depth chart despite earlier productivity. On the fantasy football front, tight ends like Brock Bowers, who returns from injury, and emerging players such as Gadsden and Loveland, are highlighted as must-start options for Week 9. Injuries and lineup changes on both teams could heavily influence the outcome of this pivotal game, which could alter the playoff landscape in the AFC.