After suffering their first loss of the season to the Buffalo Bills, snapping a 15-game winning streak dating back to last season, the Kansas City Chiefs‘ goal remains the same: to become the first team in NFL history to win three consecutive Super Bowls. The Chiefs have surpassed lofty expectations despite a significant number of injuries to key players that prevented their projected starting lineup from playing together for the first 10 games of the season and the rest of the season.
The first major injury was to newcomer Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, who was sidelined before the season even began. He and Rashee Rice, another now-injured player, had promised to be one of the fastest and most dangerous wide receiver duos in the NFL. Adding to the list of setbacks, Isaiah Pacheco also suffered an injury, but is expected to return this weekend. Combined with superstar Travis Kelce and rookie speedster Xavier Worthy, this group gave Patrick Mahomes the potential for an extraordinary season. Unfortunately, that potential has now become a “what if” for Chiefs fans, especially if the team falls short of its ultimate goal.
Marquise Brown’s Cryptic Message
After the loss, Brown posted a cryptic message with only a clock emoji, hinting that his return might be imminent. However, according to the injury report, he is not expected to return until the final week of the season. Perhaps the post was more about knowing that the Chiefs could face the Buffalo Bills again in the playoffs, and with him on the field, their chances of winning would increase.
Deandre Hopkins is likely to have a great season and an even better playoff run, but the Chiefs need a player like Brown to prevent Kelce and Hopkins from being double-teamed throughout the game – something Andy Reid addressed in today’s press conference. If Brown returns healthy for the playoffs, along with Hunt, Pacheco, Kelce, Gray, JuJu and Worthy, the Chiefs would be much better equipped to make a Super Bowl run.
The defense has done an incredible job over the past two years, so if the offense steps up, few teams could compete with them, including the Bills. Although Josh Allen is 4-1 against Mahomes in the regular season, he’s 0-3 in the playoffs. Decide for yourself which games matter more: regular season wins or playoff wins.
Next up for the Chiefs
The Chiefs can easily shake off this loss with the next two games on their schedule. First, they travel to Carolina this weekend, followed by a home game against the Raiders – both very winnable games that should solidify their position atop the AFC. After that, they host the revamped and dangerous Chargers. However, with Mahomes’ 9-2 record against them and the game being played at Arrowhead, it’s hard to see the Chiefs losing this one.
