Chiefs Still Have a Shot at AFC West Champs After Broncos Lose to the Chargers

Dec 8, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (82) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Redskins in the first quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

So you’re saying there’s a chance…

In case you fell asleep last night at about 6:30 PM and didn’t look at anything on the internet, television or your phone until right now, you might not know that the Denver Broncos lost last night to the San Diego Chargers in the Mile High City.

“But Jason, this is a Chiefs blog? Why do we care about the Broncos and the Chargers?”

I’ll tell you why you care. Because this changes everything.

When the Chiefs lost their second game to the Broncos two weeks ago, many thought it all but ended their hopes of truly finishing the “Cinderella-Worst-to-First” story they had been writing all season. To go from the worst team in the league in 2012 with a 2-14 record to winning their division and getting the #1 Seed in the AFC would have been a turnaround like nobody had ever seen. Afterall, the Broncos had already been crowned by the national media as the eventual AFC representative to the Superbowl. Add to that the neverending love fest with Peyton Manning and the Chiefs hopes of a homefield playoff game were buried and over — until last night happened.

You see, with the Broncos beating the Chiefs twice, that gives them the “head-to-head” advantage in the NFL tie breaker procedures. So even with the two teams having the same record — as they will if the

Dec 1, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dexter McCluster (22) catches a pass as Denver Broncos strong safety Duke Ihenacho (33) attempts the tackle during the second half of the game at Arrowhead Stadium. Denver won 35-28. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs beat the Oakland Raiders this Sunday — the Broncos still retain the #1 spot in the division. However, losing last night, takes away that one game lead, and all that is left is the tie breaker. One more Broncos loss in the next two games coupled with another Chiefs winning streak means that this season could still end in dramatic fashion.

But it’s not going to be easy.

I don’t claim to have any illusions about the ease of this scenario. First, the Chiefs would have to win out. That’s not impossible as they travel to Oakland this Sunday to meet a Raiders team still in upheaval. Then, they return to Arrowhead next Sunday to face the Indianapolis Colts who, while good and already AFC South Champions, isn’t the team who beat the Broncos and the San Francisco 49ers earlier this season. Finally, the Chiefs take their show on the road in Week 17 to play their final division game in a re-match with the Chargers.

Winnable? Sure.

Easy? Have you been hanging out with Dwayne Bowe, making midnight Sonic runs?

The other thing that would have to happen would be the Broncos would have to lose one more game. This could prove to be more difficult than the Chiefs winning all three of their final games. The Mile High Team has 10 days to recover from this loss before travelling to East Texas to meet the Houston Texans. If I said the Raiders are in upheaval, the Texans are in shambles. They’ve already fired their head coach — a guy only a couple of weeks removed from having a stroke on the sidelines — and are playing their undrafted, rookie quarterback. Their star wide receiver has

Oct 20, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Case Keenum (7) is sacked by Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali (91) during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

been quoted in the media as saying “we suck” when asked about his team. The only saving grace of the Texans is their defense is still highly rated and playing well. The other thing about this Texans team that makes them more dangerous than a cornered possum — story for another time, but trust me…it’s ugly — is the fact they have absolutely nothing to lose. They haven’t won a game since Week 2. Everybody has counted them out. They have been the biggest disappointment in the NFL this season besides, perhaps, the Atlanta Falcons. That team would like nothing better than to upset the crowned prince of the NFL, Peyton Manning and his merry men.

If the Broncos win this game, however, they will have one more chance to lose when they travel to meet the Raiders in Oakland in Week 17. If this scenario plays out, where the Broncos are playing for the division aginst Oakland, and the Chargers are still alive in the playoff race, I could see the Chiefs vs. Chargers game in Week 17 being flexed to the Sunday Night Football slot.

So there it is, Addicts. That’s the playoff scenario. What do you think? Do the Chiefs still have a shot in the West, or do you believe Manning and company will win out? Either way, this is a great way to start off a Red Friday! Sound off below. As always, thanks for reading and GO CHIEFS!