Will the turnover battle be the difference against the Ravens?
There were multiple points of frustration amongst fans regarding the Chiefs' offensive attack. You can pick from the playcalling or multitude of mental errors, but one of the most noticeable offensive issues was the turnover margin. Kansas City ended the regular season with 28 total turnovers, the eighth most in the NFL. Whether it be the 11 fumbles lost or the 17 interceptions, Kansas City ended 14.6% of their drives with a turnover.
The offense has been better since the playoffs began, but they have still committed one turnover in each game. They are minus-1 in the turnover differential, continuing their -11 turnover differential from the regular season. Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire committed Kansas City's only turnover from the Wild Card round, but it did not impact the outcome. He lost the ball with 1:15 left in the fourth quarter, with the Chiefs already up 26-7.
On the other hand, Kansas City's lone turnover against the Bills was far more impactful. Wide receiver Mecole Hardman's goal-line fumble went through the endzone while Kansas City held a slim three-point lead early in the fourth quarter.
Mecole Hardman has touched the ball twice in this game. He fumbled both times.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 22, 2024
This time he fumbles out of the endzone for a touchback.
Just wowwww.pic.twitter.com/WYxXWjRh2o
It is comforting to know that Mahomes has not committed a turnover himself, via interception or fumble. He made plenty of costly errors himself during the regular season, but he has been stellar so far. The Ravens defense will test every facet of the Chiefs offense. But any possible turnover will affect Sunday's outcome. The Chiefs cannot change who they are this late in the season. But they need to keep limiting turnovers in mind while developing this week's game plan, i.e., keep the ball away from Hardman.