BUFFALO, New York (AFP) — Kansas City used a pair of second-half defensive scores to seize command and the Chiefs remained the NFL’s only undefeated team with a 23-13 victory yesterday at Buffalo.

The Chiefs improved to 9-0 but only after an early scare by the Bills, who saw rookies Jeff Tuel and Marquis Goodwin combine for a 59-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter to open the scoring.

Buffalo led 10-3 and the hosts were poised to stretch their lead in the third quarter before Kansas City’s Sean Smith intercepted a Tuel pass and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown that pulled the Bills level at 10-10.

The Chiefs’ defence stopped Buffalo on downs to take possession later in the third to set up the first of three field goals by Kansas City’s Ryan Succop.

Dan Carpenter answered for the Bills to equalise entering the fourth quarter, but Kansas City forced another key mistake to seize the lead for good.

Buffalo receiver TJ Graham made a catch over the middle but Kansas City’s Marcus Cooper knocked the ball out of his grasp and Tamba Hali scooped up the fumble and ran 11 yards for the go-ahead touchdown with 12:47 to play.

Buffalo outgained Kansas City 470-210 in total yardage but the Chiefs produced their fourth and fifth defensive touchdowns of the season. The Chiefs lead the NFL with 15 more turnovers forced than surrendered.