Week 13: at Green Bay Packers (7:20, NBC)
The Chiefs make a return to Lambeau Field, marking their first appearance there since 2015. However, this time around, the opposing quarterback won't be Aaron Rodgers, as Jordan Love has taken the reins as the starter.
Opinions vary on the Packers' playoff prospects for the year, with some suggesting they might not contend. Personally, I hold a different view. For starters, they're under the adept guidance of Matt LaFleur. Additionally, the team boasts a cadre of young talents like Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Luke Musgrave, bolstering their offensive arsenal along with running backs Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. Coupled with a strong offensive line and a talented defense, the Packers appear poised to achieve respectability, if not championship contention.
Anticipate a challenging and very cold matchup, but I'm inclined to believe that the Chiefs will emerge victorious in this game.
Result: Chiefs WIN 31-23 and march to 10-2.
Week 14: vs Buffalo Bills (3:25, CBS)
I understand that many of you reading this might be taken aback or even somewhat perturbed by my choice to predict a Buffalo victory in this matchup. It's completely understandable, and I don't fault anyone for feeling that way. Nevertheless, I believe there are valid reasons to approach this game with a degree of concern.
To begin with, the Bills have consistently posed a tough challenge for the Chiefs in regular season encounters. Secondly, I'm inclined to entertain the notion that Andy Reid might hold a little back when facing top-tier AFC adversaries in the regular season, potentially reserving them for playoff matchups. Thirdly, and perhaps most crucially, the Bills will be entering this game off the back of their bye week, making it an arduous task for any elite team to triumph against a well-rested opponent. Additionally, the Bills boast an exceptional quarterback in Josh Allen, a factor that can tilt the outcome of any game in their favor.
It's not a prediction I relish making, but I project the Bills winning in Week 14.
Result: Chiefs LOSE 27-24 and fall to 10-3.
Week 15: at New England Patriots (7:15, ESPN)
For a variety of reasons, the Chiefs will never have an easy game against a Bill Belichick led team.
Naturally, the Patriots no longer resemble the dominant force they were during the era of Tom Brady. Nonetheless, they retain their share of talent and exhibit disciplined coaching, particularly on the defensive front. Additionally, their robust offensive line serves as a notable asset. Their adeptness at creating turnovers further heightens the potential for tightly contested matchups.
This particular game seems destined to evoke frustration for Chiefs fans, given the anticipated challenges. Nevertheless, it's a scenario that holds promise of a victorious outcome for the Chiefs.
Result: Chiefs WIN 23-17 and go to 11-3.