It started shortly after a group of jets roared overhead and a few golf carts carrying VIPs – including no less than Time Magazine's Person of the Year – hurtled into the bowels of Arrowhead Stadium. It started shortly before the sideshow and ceremony made way for football in Kansas City.
A short film will be shown on the large screens on each side of the field: a compilation of clips showing Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen at their brilliant best. The soundtrack featured a line from one of their previous matchups: “Two incredible quarterbacks playing at a spectacular level,” the announcer shouted.
As the teaser came to a close, the fireworks began and the stage was set: if anything was going to knock Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce out of the center of the stage, it would definitely be these two and their battle for supremacy.
Mahomes has been the standout quarterback over the past five years — he's led the Kansas City Chiefs to three Super Bowls in four years — but no one has bothered him here like Allen.
Before this trip, the Buffalo Bills star was the only quarterback to win twice at Arrowhead in the Mahomes era.
Josh Allen earned a third victory over Patrick Mahomes at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday
The Buffalo Bills quarterback consoles his counterpart after the visitors' 20-17 victory
By Sunday night, at the end of four tough, contentious quarters, Allen had posted three wins in the Chiefs' backyard.
One Kansas City supporter put it rather bluntly when the Bills QB gave Buffalo the order early on: “Mahomes is Allen's baby,” they said angrily.
But in reality, neither quarterback added many moments to their bulging highlight reels on Sunday. Neither quarterback produced many fireworks — at least with ball in hand.
The Chiefs offense was greeted with boos during a dismal first half; the Bills only scored a pair of field goals in the second half.
Instead, the lasting image of this 20-17 win in Buffalo will be Mahomes on the sideline, spitting in anger toward the officials. The quarterback threw his helmet on the ground and had to be restrained by several of his teammates.
Mahomes was furious with the officials for a late call that cost the Chiefs the win on Sunday
Travis Kelce thought he helped the Chiefs win late with a clever lateral
Coach Andy Reid later called the incident “embarrassing” for the NFL; some supporters threw shrapnel at the officials as they ran towards the tunnel.
In fact, their anger should have been directed at Kadarius Toney, who was (rightly) punished for offside in the final moments before scoring a go-ahead goal from Kelce's lateral.
It was a moment of genius from the tight end. Instead, Toney's mistake and Mahomes' anger more likely summed up another night of frustration for the defending Super Bowl champions. One that could have significant implications for both teams' hopes of reaching Las Vegas in February.
For the Chiefs, it is now back-to-back defeats and four losses in the last six games. Their record now stands at 8-5. Kansas City's playoff hopes shouldn't hinge on this outcome: They remain destined to sweep the AFC West. But the hope for a farewell fades.
For the first time in his career, Mahomes is faced with the prospect of a road playoff game.
Coach Andy Reid called the decision to take away the touchdown 'a little bit embarrassing'
He threw a crucial interception on Sunday's opening drive; his offense still isn't clicking. While more and more eyes are on Kansas City. Kelce's performances don't seem to be affected by all the distractions and all the attention on his relationship with Swift.
The tight end was the Chiefs' leading receiver on Sunday and he nearly turned the loss into a win on the team's final drive.
But suddenly Kansas City looks vulnerable, and Mahomes' meltdown was the clearest indication that the tension and frustration are starting to boil over.
Despite this victory, problems remain in Buffalo. The win here at least keeps their playoff hopes alive. According to ESPN, a loss would have brought their chances of reaching the postseason to just 7 percent. Victory gives them about a one in three chance.
So it represents a crucial first step. But nothing more. Stefon Diggs struggled for yards and Allen worked much of the second half. Running back James Cook was a standout player, but the defense won the visitors this game.
The win in Kansas City ensures Sean McDermott's Bills keep their playoff hopes alive
'It wasn't the nicest victory. We all know that,” Allen said. “But the defense played great.”
Next week's clash with the Cowboys will prove another tough test for Sean McDermott's side. I hope the Bills coach chooses his words more carefully when selecting the bones from this week's game. No comparison with terrorist attacks would be a start. At least the win gives the Bills some positive headlines after a tumultuous few days.
There are no such conveniences for Kansas City. Chiefs fans might be able to console themselves with the knowledge that a first half-sack on Allen ensured that Big Macs will be buy-one-get-one here on Monday.
If only a few wins came that easily.