Chiefs vs. Colts: A Lot On The Line In Week 16
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The Indianapolis Colts are 9-5 and have clinched the AFC South.
They boast a great coach in Chuck Pagano, a potential superstar in Andrew Luck (some would say he’s already there) and a defense that’s ranked No. 13 against the pass. Indy is actually in a position to clinch a first round bye if it wins out and the Ravens beat the Patriots and Bengals in the final two weeks of the season.
The Colts have a lot going for them and they have a lot to play for, so without a doubt, this weekend will be a challenge for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Kansas City has a lot to play for as well, though.
The Chiefs got off the losing path two weekends ago in Washington, putting up a dominant 45-10 win on the Redskins. The very next week, Kansas City traveled to the bay and put up 56 points on the Oakland Raiders, winning 56-31. Over the past two weeks, the offense has clicked and the defense has held. The Chiefs have clinched a playoff spot and they’re still in contention for the AFC West title.
The NFL playoffs may be technically a few weeks away, but for the Colts and Chiefs, it starts in Week 16. There’s a lot on the line for both teams in regard to standings and even a bye; but that’s not even considering momentum.
Some don’t believe in momentum in sports, but you can count me among those who swear by it; especially in football. If you’ve watched the game long enough, or just have good intuition, you can literally feel momentum change within the course of the football game. Not only can you feel a crowd getting sucked out of a game, or the energy that they bring to it; but you can see momentum in the eyes and body language of players. Count me among those who believes body language can impact the game as well. Mistakes seem to compound or the ball just tends to bounce your way the whole game.
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I believe that same momentum can be translated from game to game. Winning streaks? Losing streaks?
That’s all momentum folks.
In any league, but especially in the NFL, playing your best in the weeks and days leading up to the playoffs is preferable. Often times, it’s not the best team that makes a run and wins the Super Bowl, but the healthiest and hottest team heading into the playoffs.
Just ask both New York Giant squads that won the Super Bowl in the past six years, or even the Packers team that won it in 2011.
You don’t have to be the undefeated New England Patriots to make the Super Bowl. You don’t have to be the most talented and you don’t have to be elite.
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The Chiefs have a chance to win three in a row going into San Diego to end out the season. Make no mistake about it, the ‘Bolts are going to bring it just like they did at Arrowhead, so winning this game is crucial for Chiefs.
Building momentum for the playoffs is integral. You don’t have to be the best, you just have to be hot at the right time.