Upcoming Match-ups

Chiefs hoping to erase playoff embarrassment: 2014 Win Total

John Benson

by John Benson in News

Updated Jan 17, 2018 · 9:40 AM PST

For a team that went from 2-14 to 11-5 in one season, you’d think the talk about the Kansas City Chiefs would be more positive. Instead, the current discussion is the team’s horrific playoff loss against the Colts last January where it was up 38-10 in the third quarter.

While there are some who cite QB Alex Smith as a savior, a closer look to last year’s stats reveal he’s more of a manager than a high-level quarterback. The Chiefs were 24th in passing and 10th in rushing. We’ve seen such a model work for other playoff teams, but those squads boasted a good defense, which the Chiefs do not possess. The team ranked 25th against the pass and 22nd against the run.

That’s why Andy Reid drafted defensive end Dee Ford in the first round to not only stabilize the line against the run but provide some pass rush.

The biggest difference for the Chiefs in 2014 compared to 2013 is the fact they are playing a playoff team schedule. Going into this season, the Chiefs face seven playoff teams with an overall schedule featuring opponents boasting a .559 winning percentage last year (the seventh hardest in the league). Also, the Chiefs play just one set of back-to-back road games.

Oddsmakers are split with the Chiefs, offering either 8 or 8.5 for o/u wins. Considering the AFC West is still somewhat confusing (Does San Diego return to legitimacy? Does Oakland stop playing like Oakland?) with all signs pointing towards Denver dominance, it’s hard not to imagine an Andy Reid team not making the playoffs again, which then makes the over at -120 (for 8 games compared to -140 for 8.5 games) more attractive.

Author Image