ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) Linebacker Tamba Hali and cornerback Sean Smith returned turnovers for touchdowns in extending the Kansas City Chiefs’ perfect start to nine straight games with a 23-13 win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
Hali put the Chiefs ahead for good by scoring on an 11-yard fumble return with 12:47 remaining. Smith changed the momentum of the game by intercepting Jeff Tuel’s pass at the goal line and returning it 100 yards to tie it at 10 in the opening minutes of the second half.
Kansas City’s opportunistic defense made up for its own deficiencies as well as an Alex Smith-led offense that managed just 210 yards. Buffalo had a season-best 470 yards of offense.
Tuel, an undrafted rookie, struggled in his first NFL start. He went 18 of 39 for 229 yards passing with a touchdown and two interceptions while filling in for interim starter Thad Lewis, sidelined by bruised ribs.
The Chiefs head into the bye week with extra time to prepare for the Denver Broncos. Kickoff on November 17th will now be at 7:30pm for Sunday Night Football from Mile High. Pregame begins at 6:30 from the Chiefs Fox Football Radio Network on NewsRadio 1350 KMAN.