Around the AFC West: Chiefs’ rivals hope to play spoiler roles

Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs traveled to the New England Patriots in a game that had serious playoff seeding implications. The day got off to a rough start when a majority of the player’s bags were shipped to the wrong location (or not unloaded). Thankfully, with the late start time, they arrived in plenty of time.

The Patriots came out swinging, starting with a drive that ended in a trick play touchdown. The Chiefs had no answer on offense and quickly handed the ball back. The defense stood and as the Patriots attempted a field goal, the long arm of the law, Tanoh Kpassagnon blocked the punt. From there, the defense woke up and assaulted Tom Brady and his terrible offensive line all day. The Chiefs entered halftime up 20-3.

After the half, the Patriots adjusted and launched a valiant effort to come back, but at the end of the game, Bashaud Breeland held strong on an end zone pass to Julian Edelman. With perfect coverage, he knocked the ball away and sealed the game as a win. The Chiefs finally vanquished the Patriots in Foxboro.

Patriots fans are complaining about the officiating, and it certainly wasn’t great. But welcome to the NFL, Patriots. It’s nice of you to finally join us after your benefiting from officiating for years. Not to mention it went both ways. The Chiefs had some questionable calls against them, too.

The Chiefs didn’t come out of the game feeling particularly happy as Patrick Mahomes injured his throwing hand early in the game. This forced an adjustment to the offense and may speak to why the offense looked off yet again. We’ll see if this trend continues because we need the defense and offense to click together.

Next week, the Chiefs host the Denver Broncos. The Broncos are heating up behind quarterback Drew Lock who will be returning to his home. I anticipate an entire section in the stadium will be Lock’s family. Regardless, Arrowhead is a tough place to play and the defense has been playing well. Denver’s offensive line is questionable and if Frank Clark is good to go (which reports say he will play), I anticipate a sack feast (a la the Thursday night game).

Opening line odds for the Chiefs in Week 15: -11.5

Game time is 12:00 p.m.