In Week 18, a lot of the nationwide rankings have the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs on high. There are nonetheless, nonetheless, a couple of that don’t.
Right here’s this week’s sampling:
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I wasn’t nervous about shifting Kansas Metropolis as much as No. 1 final week, however the Christmas Day efficiency definitely validated my determination. That is the model of the Chiefs we might have favored to see a minimum of a few times earlier than this season, at the same time as they’ve rolled to a 15-1 mark that places them, record-wise, among the many greatest ever. Patrick Mahomes turned in a classic effort, and the protection racked up 5 sacks with out Chris Jones. Now they will sit Mahomes and Jones and every other veterans they need to relaxation within the meaningless regular-season finale in Denver. Nicely, it’s not meaningless for the Broncos, who can clinch a playoff spot and knock out the Bengals, however you get the thought. Actually, the Chiefs would in all probability moderately the possessed Bengals be dispelled anyway, even when Cincinnati and Denver gave all of them they may deal with in Kansas Metropolis this season. The important thing factor to recollect about these video games (in Week 2 and Week 10) because the playoffs close to is that they each ended as most Chiefs video games do: with Mahomes and Co forward when time ran out. They’ve solely gotten higher since.
— Eric Edholm
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Largest offseason contract state of affairs to look at: Vast receiver Hollywood Brown
The Chiefs subsequent 12 months at vast receiver may have Xavier Worthy heading into his second season and Rashee Rice getting back from a knee harm. Can they afford to spend money on Brown, notably contemplating their tight wage cap state of affairs and record of potential free brokers that additionally consists of security Justin Reid, linebacker Nick Bolton and guard Trey Smith? Brown missed most of this season with accidents however has 9 catches for 91 yards within the two video games since his return.
— Adam Teicher
(up from 4)
The Chiefs clinched the AFC’s No. 1 seed with their Christmas Day win. Meaning the following time they play a significant recreation, all of us may have already given up on our New Yr’s resolutions (Jan. 18 or 19). That’s good for Patrick Mahomes’ ankle and 35-year-old Travis Kelce’s power degree. Dangerous information for the Chiefs haters: Since Week 8, Kelce is fourth within the league in catches (69 for 578 yards).
— Josh Kendall
(down from 3)
Just a few weeks again I discussed that Carson Wentz didn’t look unhealthy in his restricted motion. If Kansas Metropolis does, certainly, determine to relaxation starters this weekend, it’s a extremely fascinating check to see what the Chiefs appear like beneath comparable circumstances confronted by groups which have handed them by within the energy rankings, like Minnesota and Philadelphia. Can Wentz dangle round in opposition to a superb Broncos protection? We’re continuously shifting the goalposts on Kansas Metropolis on this discussion board, however that will shock me out of my unfair bias.
— Conor Orr
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They picked the precise time to play their greatest recreation of the 12 months.
— Mike Florio
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They may relaxation guys this week to prepare for the playoffs. Win two and they’re within the Tremendous Bowl once more.
— Pete Prisco
(up from 4)
The narrative in regards to the Chiefs profitable nothing however shut video games is fading. None of their previous three wins had been unsure, and two had been in opposition to playoff groups. Kansas Metropolis is beginning to peak, and that’s scary for the remainder of the AFC.
— Frank Schwab
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The Chiefs have reminded everybody how Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and the offense can rev up when wanted and the protection stays the regular basis. They’re once more the clear crew to beat to cease a “three-peat.”
— Vinnie Iyer
(up from 3)
Certain, the type factors have largely been missing in 2024. But Ok.C. might nonetheless be a part of the 2007 Patriots as the one groups to win 16 regular-season video games. That apart, does anybody doubt {that a} core that’s received three titles up to now 5 seasons can elevate its efficiency in January? As such, might this be the 12 months we lastly see a historic three-peat Lombardi breakthrough?
— Nate Davis
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And similar to that, the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs are the No. 1 seed within the AFC, and the street to the Tremendous Bowl runs by way of Arrowhead. It positive looks as if the Chiefs have coasted by way of the primary month of the season and are actually beginning to ramp up towards the playoffs. They performed arguably their greatest recreation of the season in opposition to Pittsburgh, holding the Steelers to only 10 factors, even with out Chris Jones. It’s laborious to think about anybody going into Kansas Metropolis and beating them within the playoffs at this level.
— Marcus Mosher
