How the Chiefs can reach the playoffs
By Andrew Jones
Sep 17, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) is hit by Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) while throwing a pass during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Broncos won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Week 10 – Chiefs at Broncos
This doesn’t look good the way Denver put the hurt on Green Bay in week 8. The Denver defense is swarming and though I don’t expect Manning to keep playing the way he did Sunday night, the Chiefs’ offense will have a hard time scoring.
Denver 17, Chiefs 14
Other key matchups: BUF@NYJ, MIN@OAK, CLE@PIT
The New York game is a tough one to call as most likely the Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick won’t be back to 100 percent by then. The Chiefs still want the Bills to win here because of the tiebreaker they could later hold. Bills over Jets. Oakland’s schedule gets much more meaty here as they start playing tougher teams. Minnesota is quietly 5-2 with a really well built defense. Look for them to shut down Derek Carr and the Raiders for a win. Pittsburgh won’t really be messing around at this point and despite losing LeVeon Bell to IR will get the ball to their top receivers enough to beat a lowly Browns team.
Standings after week 10:
Steelers (6-4)
Bills (5-4)
Raiders (4-5)
Jets (4-5)
Chiefs (3-6)
Dolphins (3-6)
Week 11 – Chiefs at Chargers
This should be a win for the Chiefs as the Chargers defense cannot stop anyone and they will be without a key offensive weapon in Keenan Allen who was placed on IR today. The Chiefs will win this game by getting pressure on Phillip Rivers and running all over the Chargers’ defense.
Chiefs 27, Chargers 14
Other key matchups: OAK@DET, DAL@MIA, NYJ@HOU, BUF@NE
Detroit is a mess right now so Oakland will unfortunately win that game. Dallas should have their star quarterback returning from injury and he will be well enough to dominate a Cameron Wake-less Miami defense. Houston has shown some fight lately after their thrashing at the hands of the Dolphins so look for them to drop a Jets team with a fearsome pass rush. Do I even need to mention how badly New England dominates at home?
Standings after week 11:
Steelers (6-4)
Raiders (5-5)
Bills (5-5)
Chiefs (4-6)
Jets (4-6)
Dolphins (4-6)
Next: Week 12-13 matchups