As the Kansas City Chiefs dominate the NFL with a perfect 9-0 record after Week 10, their chances of a deep playoff run seem undeniable.
However, NBA star Draymond Green stirred the pot with a bold prediction during his appearance on the Schultz Report podcast, forecasting a surprising postseason stumble for Patrick Mahomes and his team.
“The Kansas City Chiefs will lose the first playoff game they play,” Green declared, a statement sure to rile up Chiefs fans. While the comment may seem dismissive, Green offered a nuanced take on why he believes the Chiefs‘ success may not be as inevitable as it seems.
When host Andrew Schultz pointed out that key players like Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and Juju Smith-Schuster are returning to the lineup, Green acknowledged their potential impact but remained skeptical.
“That doesn’t necessarily make them a winning team,” he said, though he conceded it would give the Chiefs a competitive boost.
Green‘s primary critique wasn’t about talent but growth. He suggested that while the Chiefs are maintaining their dominance, other teams are improving at a faster rate.
“They’re winning because they know how to win,” Green remarked, implying that the Chiefs‘ success is rooted in their experience rather than significant growth this season.
This perspective may seem odd, especially given the Chiefs‘ track record of excelling under pressure against elite teams like the Bengals and Buccaneers. A 9-0 start isn’t just about knowing how to win-it’s a testament to strategic excellence and execution, hallmarks of Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid.
Doubts Aren’t New for the Chiefs
Green‘s skepticism isn’t the first time a sports star has doubted the Chiefs‘ playoff potential. Earlier this year, NBA legend Stephen Curry backed his hometown San Francisco 49ers to beat the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII. While Curry admitted his respect for Mahomes and Travis Kelce, he ultimately predicted a 49ers victory.
“In my household, this is a win-win kind of vibe. But obviously…the hometown team,” Curry said. However, Mahomes and the Chiefs silenced critics with a hard-fought victory, adding another championship to their resume.
Will Green’s Prediction Fuel the Chiefs?
Green‘s remarks add intrigue to the Chiefs‘ journey as they aim to stay unbeaten and cement their status as the NFL’s premier team.
Whether his comments become bulletin board material for the Chiefs or reflect a legitimate concern remains to be seen.
Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid have made a habit of defying doubters, and this season could be no different.
As the playoffs approach, the real question isn’t if the Chiefs can continue their dominance, but how they’ll respond when faced with challenges on football’s biggest stage.
One thing is certain: the Chiefs‘ path to glory will be one of the most closely watched stories of the postseason.