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AFC West: 5 reasons Chiefs will win division

By Matt Verderame

Oct 16, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) prepares to throw the ball against the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) prepares to throw the ball against the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 1, 2015; London, United Kingdom; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston (50) celebrates with teammates Tamba Hall (91) and Eric Fisher (72) after intercepting a pass in the second quarter against the Detroit Lions during game 14 of the NFL International Series at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; London, United Kingdom; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston (50) celebrates with teammates Tamba Hall (91) and Eric Fisher (72) after intercepting a pass in the second quarter against the Detroit Lions during game 14 of the NFL International Series at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Justin Houston is coming back … soon

This might be the most unsung storyline of the upcoming weeks. Justin Houston isn’t just a good player who will help Kansas City’s defense. He’s one of the best players in the league and will totally alter how teams will play against the Chiefs.

Houston is eligible to come off the Physically Unable to Perform list on Monday, but isn’t expected to come back until Monday. The Chiefs have been getting by with the combination of Frank Zombo, Dee Ford and Tamba Hali, but it pales in comparison to the impact Houston is going to make.

Kansas City relies so heavily on getting a pass rush. So far, the Chiefs have only racked up seven sacks in five games, including 3.5 from Ford. Somehow, the team has gotten to a 3-2 record and remains in the thick of the race.

It is believed that Houston will be back on the field come early November, which would mean the Chiefs have to survive at least two more games without him. If that’s the extent of it, look for the defense to take a huge jump over the final 8-9 games. Also, Kansas City is done playing divisional games without Houston.

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