Chiefs: Is Kansas City A Legitimate Playoff Contender?

Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs are 4-0 for the first time since 2003. They have a coach is a proven winner in Andy Reid. They have a quarterback who simply refuses to make poor decisions when the ball is in his hands. Jamaal Charles continues to move the chains, and destroy the game clock in the fourth quarter. This team leads the NFL in sacks. These are just some of the reasons the Kansas City Chiefs are LEGITIMATE playoff contenders this year.

The Chiefs have started off better than any of us addicts could ever dream. They’ve allowed the least points per game out of any team in this entire league. It all begins with the defense. I am a major proponent of the fact that this league has moved on from “defense wins championships” to “the quarterback wins championships” theory (I’ll get to Alex Smith in a bit.) This defense will lead Kansas City to a playoff bid. The way they are playing, I have not ruled out an AFC West division title. YES I SAID IT, A DIVISION TITLE. The Denver Broncos are a good team, but you have to remember that Peyton Manning’s arm strength is not what it used to be. Also, he is without his pro bowl left tackle Ryan Clady against a HONGRY Chiefs defense that leads the NFL in sacks and points allowed. The Chiefs vs. Broncos game in week 11 could very much end up being a battle of 9-0 teams.

Another reason why this undefeated Kansas City Chiefs team is a legitimate playoff contender is because of their quarterback play. Quarterback Alex Smith is currently at seven passing touchdowns and two interceptions. He also has a 60.3% completion percentage while rushing for 151 yards on 30 carries. The Chiefs main issues last year were surmised of their quarterback play. Matt Cassel, now of the Minnesota Vikings, threw two interceptions in the Chiefs first game last year. I believe that any team has a chance in any game if their quarterback plays well and right now Alex Smith is playing pretty darn well. He continues to show the will to keep drives going and is now getting more comfortable throwing the ball downfield.

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Kansas City also has a very favorable schedule. This week, the Chiefs face a Tennessee Titans team that is coming off a blowout win and who have lost their starting quarterback to injury. Their next games after that include Oakland, Houston, and Cleveland at home, and teams like Tennessee and Buffalo away. These are all extremely beatable teams home or away.

There is no doubt in my mind the Kansas City Chiefs are playoff contenders. In my mind, not making the playoffs at this point would be a huge disappointment for the 2013 Kansas City Chiefs team.