In Week 18, a lot of the nationwide rankings have the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs on high. There are nonetheless, nonetheless, just a few that don’t.
Right here’s this week’s sampling:
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I wasn’t nervous about shifting Kansas Metropolis as much as No. 1 final week, however the Christmas Day efficiency actually validated my choice. That is the model of the Chiefs we’d have favored to see a minimum of a couple of times earlier than this season, whilst they’ve rolled to a 15-1 mark that places them, record-wise, among the many finest ever. Patrick Mahomes turned in a classic effort, and the protection racked up 5 sacks with out Chris Jones. Now they will sit Mahomes and Jones and every other veterans they wish to relaxation within the meaningless regular-season finale in Denver. Nicely, it’s not meaningless for the Broncos, who can clinch a playoff spot and knock out the Bengals, however you get the concept. Truthfully, the Chiefs would in all probability moderately the possessed Bengals be dispelled anyway, even when Cincinnati and Denver gave all of them they might deal with in Kansas Metropolis this season. The important thing factor to recollect about these video games (in Week 2 and Week 10) because the playoffs close to is that they each ended as most Chiefs video games do: with Mahomes and Co forward when time ran out. They’ve solely gotten higher since.
— Eric Edholm
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Largest offseason contract scenario to observe: Extensive receiver Hollywood Brown
The Chiefs subsequent 12 months at large receiver could have Xavier Worthy heading into his second season and Rashee Rice getting back from a knee harm. Can they afford to put money into Brown, notably contemplating their tight wage cap scenario and checklist of potential free brokers that additionally contains security Justin Reid, linebacker Nick Bolton and guard Trey Smith? Brown missed most of this season with accidents however has 9 catches for 91 yards within the two video games since his return.
— Adam Teicher
(up from 4)
The Chiefs clinched the AFC’s No. 1 seed with their Christmas Day win. Which means the subsequent time they play a significant sport, all of us could have already given up on our New 12 months’s resolutions (Jan. 18 or 19). That’s good for Patrick Mahomes’ ankle and 35-year-old Travis Kelce’s vitality stage. Dangerous information for the Chiefs haters: Since Week 8, Kelce is fourth within the league in catches (69 for 578 yards).
— Josh Kendall
(down from 3)
A number of weeks again I discussed that Carson Wentz didn’t look dangerous in his restricted motion. If Kansas Metropolis does, certainly, determine to relaxation starters this weekend, it’s a very attention-grabbing check to see what the Chiefs seem like beneath comparable circumstances confronted by groups which have handed them by within the energy rankings, like Minnesota and Philadelphia. Can Wentz dangle round towards a superb Broncos protection? We’re continuously shifting the goalposts on Kansas Metropolis on this discussion board, however that might shock me out of my unfair bias.
— Conor Orr
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They picked the correct time to play their finest sport of the 12 months.
— Mike Florio
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They are going to relaxation guys this week to prepare for the playoffs. Win two and they’re within the Tremendous Bowl once more.
— Pete Prisco
(up from 4)
The narrative in regards to the Chiefs successful nothing however shut video games is fading. None of their previous three wins have been doubtful, and two have been towards playoff groups. Kansas Metropolis is beginning to peak, and that’s scary for the remainder of the AFC.
— Frank Schwab
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The Chiefs have reminded everybody how Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and the offense can rev up when wanted and the protection stays the regular basis. They’re once more the clear group to beat to cease a “three-peat.”
— Vinnie Iyer
(up from 3)
Certain, the model factors have largely been missing in 2024. But Okay.C. may nonetheless be part of the 2007 Patriots as the one groups to win 16 regular-season video games. That apart, does anybody doubt {that a} core that’s received three titles prior to now 5 seasons can elevate its efficiency in January? As such, may this be the 12 months we lastly see a historic three-peat Lombardi breakthrough?
— Nate Davis
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And similar to that, the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs are the No. 1 seed within the AFC, and the highway to the Tremendous Bowl runs by way of Arrowhead. It positive looks like the Chiefs have coasted by way of the primary month of the season and are actually beginning to ramp up towards the playoffs. They performed arguably their finest sport of the season towards Pittsburgh, holding the Steelers to only 10 factors, even with out Chris Jones. It’s arduous to think about anybody going into Kansas Metropolis and beating them within the playoffs at this level.
— Marcus Mosher
