The Arrowhead Fix: The Morning After Edition

Dec 22, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) breaks a tackle and runs in for a touchdown during the first half of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Many people need their coffee to get up and going in the morning, and especially in the middle of the afternoon when things are starting to drag.  Here at Arrowhead Addict, we understand that for a Chiefs fan, coffee is simply not enough.

Here’s all that’s happening around Chiefs Kingdom today.

Welcome to The Fix.

Well, that didn’t go like we thought it would. The Chiefs met the Indianapolis Colts on the field at Arrowhead Stadium and were summarily trounced in every phase of the game.

Although the Chiefs lost to the Colts 23-7, they had already secured their playoff berth last Sunday when they defeated the Oakland Raiders. As they firmly sit in the #5 AFC Seed, the only question that remains is: who will they play in the first round of the playoffs on the first weekend of the new year? Our friend Joel Thorman over at Arrowhead Pride has a great breakdown on the scenarios that could play out involving the Chiefs’ three potential opponents: the New England Patriots, the Cincinnati Bengals or the Colts.

If that eventual playoff game is against the Colts, the Chiefs will have their hands full. Sam Mellinger at the Kansas City Star breaks down the abomination that was the Chiefs Week 16 match up with the Colts.

"Chiefs fans have complained all season about their team not getting more respect nationally, but their team is building a stack of self-incriminating evidence to support every accusation that it is a product of a weak schedule and a significant step below the league’s more legitimate playoff teams."

Looking ahead to the holiday season the thing on most Addicts’ Christmas list early this season was to play meaningful football in December. Yesterday’s debacle aside, the Chiefs are in the playoffs, and firmly seated in their position. Thus, meaningful football in December translates to a potential “post-Christmas preseason game.” ESPN Blogger Adam Teicher explains:

"Next Sunday’s final regular-season game against the San Diego Chargers in San Diego is now meaningless to the Chiefs. Since the Denver Broncos won Sunday, the Chiefs have been eliminated from any chance of winning the AFC West championship or getting a first-round playoff bye. The Chiefs also cannot fall below the fifth seed in the AFC playoffs. In that case, the smart thing for coach Andy Reid to do is rest key players such as quarterback Alex Smith and running back Jamaal Charles. Reid, though, wasn’t saying how he would handle the game. “I haven’t even gotten that far. I wasn’t anticipating this right here,” Reid said after the Colts game. There’s something to be said for heading into the playoffs with some momentum, although that’s not worth the risk of losing a star player such as Smith or Charles. “To a certain extent, I think you you want to have some rhythm, a good taste in your mouth headed into the playoffs,” Smith said."

Finally, a lot Addicts have asked me what happened to the AA Radio episode for this past week. To be honest, I’ve been pretty sick and have had no voice — thank you for your sympathy. Unfortunately, no voice equates to no podcast. I am feeling better, so you can look for your week 17 episode of the show on Friday morning!

Happy holidays, Addicts! Your Chiefs are still playoff bound!

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