Chiefs' Playoff Chances Dwindle After Thanksgiving Loss
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The Kansas City Chiefs' playoff aspirations took a significant hit following their Thanksgiving loss to the Dallas Cowboys, dropping their record to 6-6. According to Deadspin, this defeat has left the Chiefs in a precarious position, as they are now required to win all remaining five games to have any hope of extending their playoff streak.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes acknowledged the team's dire situation, stating, 'If we're gonna make the playoffs, we're gonna have to win 'em all.' The Chiefs' playoff chances have dramatically decreased, with betting odds reflecting a -120 for missing the playoffs, indicating a shift in expectations after the loss.
Pro Football Talk notes that even achieving an 11-6 record may not guarantee a playoff berth, as the Chiefs currently find themselves in a crowded field for wild-card spots, having lost to teams currently holding those positions, including the Los Angeles Chargers and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Arrowhead Pride highlights that Kansas City's chances to make the playoffs have plummeted to 44%, down from 57% just a week prior, and their odds of winning the AFC West have also declined to 5%. The team's playoff picture is complicated further by the necessity of relying on other teams' outcomes, as they no longer control their own destiny in the division race.
The upcoming schedule features crucial matchups against the Houston Texans, the Chargers, and other teams, all of which are pivotal for the Chiefs' playoff hopes. Mahomes emphasized the importance of winning the next games, stating, 'I hope that's enough.' The Chiefs' defense has also been a point of concern, with issues such as double-digit penalties and a lack of turnovers impacting their performance.
This has resulted in a frustrating month for the defense, which has not forced a turnover in November and has recorded only two sacks in the last three games. With the playoffs looming, the Chiefs must address these defensive weaknesses and find a way to regain their form if they hope to make a postseason run.