AFC stock reports: Chiefs struggle with identity, Colts out of playoff picture

The Kansas City Chiefs continue their struggle against the Tennessee Titans, permitting tight playoff contention in the AFC.

Once again, the Kansas City Chiefs fell just short of defeating the Tennessee Titans in Week 10. Every team has a team that just seems to have their number, and for the Chiefs, it’s Tennessee. Sunday’s loss makes the streak four straight losses to the Titans, four out of five since head coach Andy Reid signed in Kansas City, which makes Reid 1-8 all time. The last three games have all been within three points.

As the Chiefs welcome back their former MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes, it seems that they also welcomed back their mistakes. It was another game of consistent penalties, coaching blunders, and players not able to execute their assignments. Dropped passes were frustrating to watch throughout the game, and settling for field goals became consistent. Harrison Butker ended up kicking four field goals on the day. That doesn’t count the bad snap and blocked kick at the end during the final two drives.

Patrick Mahomes had to carry the team through numerous penalties, dropped passes, and injuries in his first game back since dislocating his knee in Denver. All while having some plays where he was off himself, including the first pass of the game that almost ended up being intercepted. Many fans are back to being aggravated with the team and have little optimism going forward after another painful loss.

With the loss to the Titans, the Chiefs find themselves two games back on the Baltimore Ravens who hold the two seed. Following their win against the New England Patriots last week, Baltimore looks to be a very dangerous team come January. The good news is that the Chiefs have a chance to climb back in the race with Baltimore having some tough games toward the final part of the season.

Another bit of good news is that teams around the AFC took steps back with the Chiefs. Hopefully, the team can get going when it matters most down this final stretch, but with the injuries continuing to pile up, especially along the offensive line, it’s going to make every game count.