4 vital questions to ask the Kansas City Chiefs ahead of AFC championship

Will the Chiefs linemen be ready to go?

First and foremost, the Chiefs took plenty of lumps against the Bills. The most impactful injury is undoubtedly guard Joe Thuney's strained pectoral. Backup Nick Allegretti performed well in limited action after Thuney's exit, but the Chiefs need their best to face the Ravens.

Defensive tackles Justin Madubuike and Travis Jones are both pass-rushing savants, registering multiple pressures against the Texans. Add Michael Pierce, Jadeveon Clowney, and Odafe Oweh to the mix, and Kansas City is facing a formidable pass-rushing unit. Baltimore led the league with 60 sacks during the regular season, three more than the Chiefs in second place.

Thuney helps most on the interior but is integral to cleaning up stunts and helping whoever is in at left tackle. Speaking of left tackle, Donovan Smith held his own against the Bills, but fans have to wonder about rookie Wanya Morris' status. Morris is still recovering from a concussion he suffered in Kansas City's regular-season finale. He looked serviceable as a starter, even supplanting Smith for a handful of games.

On the other side of the ball, the defensive line sorely missed veteran Derrick Nnadi against the Bills. He did not practice ahead of the divisional round, still recovering from a triceps injury. The Florida State alum has his shortfalls, but he is a better option for defending the run than Matt Dickerson or Turk Wharton. His status ahead of the championship game will have ripple effects on the game and the active roster.