On a rainy Christmas night, the Kansas City Chiefs played host to the Denver Broncos. The Chiefs defeated the defending Super Bowl champions 33-10, and officially put an end to the any hope of the Broncos repeating by eliminating their AFC West rivals from playoff contention. Here are the Kansas City Chiefs week 16 takeaways.
Kansas City Chiefs Week 16 Takeaways
The Chiefs Are Playoff Bound
When the nation was opening presents this morning, we knew there were two different ways for the Chiefs to clinch a playoff spot; they could win the game against the Broncos or the Pittsburgh Steelers could defeat and eliminate the Baltimore Ravens. Both of these scenarios played out today, thus, the Chiefs are headed to the post season. This will be the Chiefs third playoff appearance in Andy Reid’s four years as head coach.
We still do not know where the Chiefs will be seeded for the post season. The Chiefs still have a shot at the second overall seed in the AFC, which will be determined next week. If the Chiefs defeat the San Diego Chargers and the Broncos beat the current division leaders, the Oakland Raiders, the Chiefs will win the AFC West and earn the number two seed in the playoffs. With the two seed, the Chiefs would have a bye in the first round of the playoffs. However, if the Chiefs lose or the Raiders win in Denver, the Chiefs would be the five seed and have to travel to face the Houston Texans on Wild Card weekend.
The Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill Show
Tonight was Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill’s night. The Pro Bowl tight end finished with 11 catches and 160 yards, which includes an 80-yard touchdown reception. The Broncos defense had no answer for Kelce on crossing routes all night long. Number 87 is a mismatch against any team in the league and continues to cement himself as a premier tight end and receiving threat.
And did you see the block Kelce threw on Tyreek Hill’s long touchdown run? It was a thing of beauty. Kelce is the total package and will provide a boost for this team in the post season.
Meanwhile, Hill had six carries for 95 yards, which included a 70 yard touchdown. Hill has clearly become a focal point of the offense and will be a matchup nightmare for defenses in the post season. Hill had a couple of drops tonight, which need to be cleaned up, but there is no doubt that Hill will make plays in the playoffs.
These Chiefs Look Super
Say what you want about Alex Smith’s limitations or the run defense, if the Chiefs play like this in the playoffs, they are capable of beating any team in the league. The corners completely shut down the Broncos top two receivers and the offense made big play after big play. In the game tonight, the Chiefs outgained the Broncos 484 yards to 246 yards. This is the formula that Kansas City can use to advance in the post season.
With the way the playoffs are shaping up, the Chiefs will be in a post season field that includes Tom Savage (Houston Texans), Matt McGloin (Oakland Raiders), and Matt Moore (Miami Dolphins). The Chiefs have to be considered one of the favorites in the AFC, especially with how well they are at creating turnovers. Chances are, however, that the Chiefs will have to get through the Steelers, who destroyed Kansas City earlier this season, and Tom Brady and the Patriots to make it to the Super Bowl. A tall task, but this team can make a run.
