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The Kansas City Chiefs are one step away from making NFL history after securing a dramatic 32-29 victory over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship. The win takes the Chiefs to their fifth Super Bowl in six seasons, putting them in contention to become the first team to achieve a 'three-peat' in the modern NFL era.
Kansas City will face the Philadelphia Eagles on 9 February in New Orleans, in a rematch of Super Bowl 57. The Eagles enter as slight favorites after dominating the Washington Commanders with a 55-23 victory in the NFC Championship.
The AFC Championship was another classic encounter between Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Bills quarterback Josh Allen, meeting in the postseason for the fourth time in five years. Despite Allen being a frontrunner for this season's MVP award, Mahomes, a two-time MVP, led the Chiefs to victory in a nail-biting finale.
Buffalo entered the fourth quarter leading 22-21, but two crucial failed fourth-down attempts swung the game in Kansas City's favor. Mahomes delivered with two touchdown drives and a field goal, while the Chiefs' defense held firm to secure the win.
The game started with Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt powering into the end zone, but the Bills quickly responded with a field goal and a James Cook rushing touchdown. Mahomes regained the lead with a touchdown pass to Xavier Worthy and a scrambling touchdown of his own. However, Allen kept Buffalo in the game with a spectacular deep throw to Mack Hollins for a touchdown before halftime.
In the second half, Buffalo edged ahead with Cook's second touchdown, but their fourth-quarter struggles proved costly. Mahomes' decisive touchdown run and a late Chiefs field goal sealed Kansas City's place in Super Bowl 59.
In the NFC Championship, the Eagles overwhelmed the Commanders with their dominant run game. Saquon Barkley, the league's leading rusher, scored three touchdowns, while quarterback Jalen Hurts added three rushing scores of his own.
Washington rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels showed promise, contributing a touchdown and two-point conversion to keep the Commanders in the game. However, turnovers, including a fumble by Austin Ekeler, ultimately doomed Washington's Cinderella run.
The Eagles, seeking their third Super Bowl win in eight years, will now face the Chiefs in what promises to be a historic showdown in New Orleans.
