In Week 14, the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs are ranked from second to sixth within the nationwide energy rankings we’re following. That is after the workforce superior to 11-1, turning into the primary NFL workforce to clinch a 2024 playoff spot. We are able to affirm that the NFL’s official fairy mud tiebreakers by no means entered that playoff calculation.
Right here’s this week’s sampling:
(unchanged from 4)
I encountered loads of backlash for dropping Kansas Metropolis one other slot final week after a victory — however then Friday’s slog towards the Raiders kinda backed my instincts up. As soon as once more, the Chiefs pulled forward towards a workforce that’s worse than them, and as soon as once more, it was an actual battle to complete off the victory. The offense going chilly and the protection carrying down has develop into the usual method in latest video games. This time, Kansas Metropolis wanted a foul Raiders snap to maintain Las Vegas from ruining a second straight vacation weekend at Arrowhead. That includes luck. The Chiefs have a significant issue at left sort out, with Wanya Morris struggling badly towards the Raiders and getting benched within the fourth quarter, whereas rookie Kingsley Suamataia has additionally had his share of points this season. Ought to they flip to D.J. Humphries? That is perhaps the most suitable choice at this level.
— Eric Edholm
(down from 2)
First-time Professional Bowl nominee: Cornerback Trent McDuffie
The Chiefs haven’t been as strong on protection as they have been final season, however that’s no reflection on McDuffie. He took over for L’Jarius Sneed, who was traded to the Titans, because the No. 1 cornerback and responded because the Chiefs had hoped. McDuffie was a first-team All-Professional in 2023 for his play in slot protection, however he one way or the other missed on a Professional Bowl choice. Taking part in largely outdoors this season, McDuffie deserves a bid.
— Adam Teicher
(down from 4)
Worst-case state of affairs: The fairy mud wears off
The Chiefs are 11-1 regardless of being eleventh within the league in level margin at plus-54. Since 2000, 23 groups have gained 11 or extra video games by Week 13, and the Chiefs’ level differential is final by 34 factors, in response to TruMedia. Solely three of the groups had some extent margin of lower than 100. The opposite 11-1 workforce this yr, the Lions, has some extent margin of plus-180. Patrick Mahomes is seventeenth (amongst certified QBs) within the league in passer ranking (92.2), and the protection is twenty seventh in EPA (minus-7.5) since Week 8. How for much longer can this final?
— Josh Kendall
(unchanged from 4)
Based on DVOA information, the Chiefs are one of many worst 11–1 groups of contemporary occasions. Now, I feel most coaches would settle for this and transfer on, however Friday’s sport towards the Las Vegas Raiders introduced some very huge image points with their go safety into clear focus, in addition to the continued lack of ability for Patrick Mahomes and Xavier Worthy to lastly hone the deep shot that would completely knock out an opponent at a second’s discover. This has the texture of a pared-down Tremendous Bowl LV season, although it’s encouraging to see Noah Grey taking over an even bigger function as an total youth motion takes maintain beneath the veteran tentpoles of this roster.
— Conor Orr
(down from 3)
In some unspecified time in the future, their luck goes to expire.
— Mike Florio
(unchanged from 3)
They’ve struggled to win their video games, however they discover a method. It’s all concerning the playoffs for them, and they are going to be there — so cease worrying. The Chargers will probably be a problem this week.
— Pete Prisco
(down from 3)
The Chiefs have been outplayed by the Raiders, almost every week after barely beating the Panthers. Kansas Metropolis retains successful, and that’s a very powerful factor, however its lack of ability to have a straightforward win must be thought of as effectively. The Chiefs will not be nice proper now. We’ll see in the event that they flip a swap and develop into nice in January once more.
— Frank Schwab
(down from 3)
The Chiefs don’t get a whole lot of model factors for surviving one other shut sport at dwelling as a result of they need to not have struggled a lot vs. the rival Raiders. They’ll get loads of possibilities to attempt to flex as champions with 4 robust video games left.
— Vinnie Iyer
(down from 4)
Beat the Bolts on Sunday night time, and Okay.C. is the AFC West champion for the ninth straight season — would possibly even be good in the event that they don’t should win a document fifteenth consecutive sport by one rating to attain it. Nonetheless, given the state of QB Patrick Mahomes’ safety and a protection that’s appeared weak recently…
— Nate Davis
(unchanged from 2)
It’s the identical story for the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs. They play right down to their competitors for three-and-a-half quarters, however they discover a technique to get a gritty win towards a divisional opponent. Can the Chiefs flip it up when it will get to the playoffs? Time will inform, nevertheless it’s been a bit since they’ve had a powerful win.
— Marcus Mosher
