NFL power rankings: Chiefs climbing ladder
The National Football League is a crazy place. Teams are rising and falling all over creation, including our Kansas City Chiefs. Left for dead a month ago, Kansas City has risen from the ashes like a Phoenix to suddenly put itself in the midst of the playoff picture in the AFC.
Last week, the Chiefs were able to pull out a third straight victory to move to 4-5, putting them one game out of the last wild card spot and three behind the Denver Broncos in the AFC West. Kansas City also has the easiest remaining schedule in the league, perhaps giving us reason to dream.
We now get to take a look at the NFL power rankings, giving us a nice idea of what the Chiefs are considered nationally…
FanSided – 17
"Kansas City is suddenly looking like a team on the move. The Chiefs began the season with a convinving road win aginst the Houston Texans but completely fell apart after that, losing the next five games. The stretch was kicked off by a five-turnover performance against the Denver Broncos in Week 2, leading to a disastrous defeat. On Sunday, the Chiefs paid back that favor and then some, winning for the first time in seven meetings between the two teams. Kansas City’s defense was dominant, forcing five interceptions, amassing five sacks and forcing a Peyton Manning benching in the third quarter. The Chiefs have the easiest schedule of any team over the final seven weeks, perhaps giving hope to a major run in the near future."
NFL.com – 22
"Around the time Charcandrick West was scampering 80 yards down the field, speculation started on whether or not the Chiefs have enough firepower to catch the Steelers, Bills and Jets in the wild-card race. If the back seven plays the way it did in Denver, why not? Corners Marcus Peters and Sean Smith had Broncos wideouts on lockdown, while the pass rush added five more sacks, giving them 11 over the last two games. Speaking of 11, No. 11 has rushed 11 times for 111 yards during that fortnight. Deride him with “game manager” retorts, but Alex Smith has always been effective when he uses his legs."
Yahoo – 13
"Manning didn’t play well and that certainly helped the Chiefs’ cause. But give Kansas City credit for what happened in Denver, too. They play one team with a winning record the rest of the season."
Monday Morning Quarterback – 9
"Put me on record as saying the Chiefs, even settling for field goals, would have beaten a classic Peyton Manning on Sunday. That defense is playing the way it should have all season right now."