It’s official: the long-standing curse surrounding the Buffalo Bills not being able to win a Super Bowl has been lifted.
The curse was put into effect on November 17, 1996, in the X-Files episode “Musings of a Cigarette Smoking Man.” In the episode, the enigmatic Cigarette Smoking Man, played by William B. Davis, declares that as long as he is alive, the Buffalo Bills will never win a Super Bowl (watch below). The Buffalo Bills had lost four consecutive Super Bowls between 1990 and 1993 and, to this day, still haven’t won.
The good news for Bills Mafia is that Davis lifted the curse on Wednesday. Taking to his Facebook page, the 87-year-old actor officially ended the curse ahead of Sunday’s game against the defending Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Taylor Swift.
“I am today officially removing my curse on the Buffalo Bills. If they are able to defeat Kansas City I will permit them to go on and win the Super Bowl. Go Bills Go. …………………..Cigarette Smoking Man,” said Davis.
Known for his ever-present Morley cigarettes, the Smoking Man, also known as C.G.B. Spender, is one of The X-Files‘ most iconic villains. Portrayed by William B. Davis, this shadowy figure is a high-ranking member of the Syndicate, a secretive organization dedicated to covering up government conspiracies and perceived alien activity.
Bills Mafia respond
News of the Cigarette Smoking Man lifting the curse has gone viral on social media. Member of the Bills Mafia who remember the episode have shared their excitement online.
Had this sent to me today. The actor who played the Cigarette Smoking Man on X-Files lifted his “curse” on the #Bills.
— Ryan Talbot (@RyanTalbotBills) January 24, 2025
For those who never watched X-Files, the clip is below. #BillsMafia https://t.co/bTj3ySRrxF pic.twitter.com/FhQ8I5rkEy
How to watch:
The Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs AFC Championship game takes place at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, January 26, at 6:30 PM EST. The game will air on CBS and Paramount+.
It’s the second game of the day, following the Washington Commanders taking on the Philadelphia Eagles at 3 PM EST on FOX for the NFC Championship.
The winners will face off at Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, Feb. 9 in New Orleans at the Caesars Superdome airing on FOX.
The odds
The current odds on DraftKings have the Buffalo Bills as underdogs at +1.5. The over/under is 48.5. According to CBS Sports:
- 83% of public bets are on the Bills at +1.5.
- 54% of betting fans have chosen the Chiefs’ moneyline.
- 80% of bets are on the over.
