Chiefs much healthier for divisional round than in Week 14 vs. Bills
The Kansas City Chiefs have a major advantage over the Buffalo Bills heading into the divisional round of the playoffs that they didn't have back in the Week 14 contest between the two teams. That major advantage? Health. Flashback to mid-December and the Chiefs were coming off a disappointing loss to the Green Bay Packers. Three […]
The Kansas City Chiefs have a major advantage over the Buffalo Bills heading into the divisional round of the playoffs that they didn't have back in the Week 14 contest between the two teams.
That major advantage? Health.
Flashback to mid-December and the Chiefs were coming off a disappointing loss to the Green Bay Packers. Three extremely important players for Kansas City suffered injuries during that game and were held out for Week 14 against the Bills.
It starts with starting RB Isiah Pacheco, who has become the engine of the Chiefs' offense this season. When the Chiefs need a jolt on offense, he seems to pull through with an energizing run that makes it look like he's angry at the turf. He's averaged 4.6 yards per carry over the past three games that he's played in and has averaged a rushing touchdown per game in his last five games.
Beyond Pacheco, the team also had another key absence on offense. Chiefs starting LT Donovan Smith was out with a neck injury. That put rookie OT Wanya Morris in line to start his first career game against a tough Buffalo pass-rush. The rookie did an admirable job, but having the veteran tackle back in place for the playoffs could prove vital.
Finally, on the defensive side of the ball, the Chiefs were without LB Drue Tranquill. He had been playing the MIKE linebacker position for Kansas City in the place of typical starting LB Nick Bolton. Some would argue Tranquill has been the Chiefs' best linebacker this season. He certainly makes a huge difference in coverage. That injury to Tranquill thrust Bolton back into action, playing with a cast on his wrist and in a game for the first time since mid-October.
As things currently stand, the Chiefs will have all of these players healthy for the divisional round of the playoffs. That doesn't even include WR Mecole Hardman, who was on injured reserve. He's had some big games against Buffalo in the past for Kansas City, and is on the cusp of a breakout in his return to the team.
Even with the late additions to the injury report on Saturday, the Chiefs are in a much better spot than they were back in Week 14. The roles are almost reversed with the expected absences of key Bills players and several others expected to be game-time decisions.
Chiefs vs. Bills broadcast info: Will you be able to watch on TV?
A look at broadcast information for CBS and Paramount+ coverage of the Kansas City Chiefs’ game vs. the Buffalo Bills.
