How many AFC Championship game appearances do Bills have? Exploring Buffalo's franchise history

The Buffalo Bills have been perennial contenders in the AFC during the Sean McDermott and Josh Allen era. With a top-tier offense and a solid defensive unit, they're a safe pick to qualify for the postseason.

As we approach the 2024-25 AFC Championship Game, let's examine the Bills' record in this crucial matchup.

How many AFC Championship game appearances do the Buffalo Bills have?

According to Stat Muse, the Buffalo Bills have played in six AFC championship games, winning four and losing two.

The Bills first reached the AFC Championship Game in 1989, when they faced off against the Cleveland Browns. They lost the game by a 10-21 score line and were eliminated from the playoffs.

The Bills' next trip to the conference championship was in 1991, when they faced off against the Raiders. They won the game but lost the Super Bowl against the New York Giants. The Bills then went on a streak of three consecutive AFC championship game appearances from 1992 to 1994, winning all three but losing in the Super Bowl to the Dallas Cowboys twice and to Washington once.

Their most recent appearance in the AFC championship game was in 2021, when they played against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The Bills lost the game 24-38 and were forced to wait for another shot at the big game.

How did the Buffalo Bills get to the 2024-25 AFC Championship game?

The Buffalo Bills started the 2024 season with a gaping hole in their offense. Perennial Pro Bowler wide receiver Stefon Diggs had been traded to the Houston Texans, leaving Josh Allen without his premier pass-catching weapon.

However, Josh Allen shook off the loss by distributing the ball evenly to the pass catchers on the roster. Keon Coleman, Khalil Shakir, Amari Cooper, Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox got their fair share of the ball as the Bills clinched the AFC East with a 13-4 record. Allen's play in the regular season made him a frontrunner for this year's MVP Award.

The Bills have continued their fine form in the playoffs by earning a blowout win over the Denver Broncos in the wild-card round and a close win against the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round.

Next is a date against their playoff nemesis, the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs ended three of the Bills' last four playoff runs, and Sunday's game will be another chance for Josh Allen and Co. to break the streak. It's going to be a thrilling contest at the Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.