Fansided

NFL: Five teams prepped for a late season surge

By Luke Dahlgren

Nov 15, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) drops back to pass against the New England Patriots in the first half during the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) drops back to pass against the New England Patriots in the first half during the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 15, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Charcandrick West (35) runs the ball during the first half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Charcandrick West (35) runs the ball during the first half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Kansas City Chiefs (4-5)

The AFC West appeared to be intent on reinforcing the status quo. While the Chiefs, Chargers and Raiders – all held back by different fatal flaws – slug it out in futility, the Denver Broncos glide to another easy division title and the right to play at Mile High in the playoffs. This season seemed like a particularly cruel example of this; Peyton Manning’s Gumby-esque throwing arm was salvaged by the stingiest and most opportunistic defense in the NFL, while the woes of fellow AFC Westerners were compounded by injuries.

Manning might not be throwing another pass in his NFL career, and unless Brock Osweiler pulls a 2012-era Colin Kaepernick move, the time is ripe for an AFC West team to seize their chance and take the division.

The Chiefs are the top candidate to make this happen. After handling the Broncos 29-13 last week – a score that undersells Denver’s struggles – the Chiefs are set to play their other two divisional opponents twice each through their last seven games. The other three games are v. BUF, @ BAL and v. CLE. The most difficult games will likely be against Buffalo, and considering the Chiefs’ massive home field advantage, Kansas City could very well run the table and finish 11-5. That would be TEN straight wins to end the season.

The Chiefs’ strength is in their defense, a defense that has been excellent at limiting opponents possessions. Kansas City is fourth in the NFL with a 32% third down conversion rate and rest at 12th in time of possession. The Chiefs front seven, led by bigger name pass rushers Justin Houston and Tamba Hali, as well as more undersold defensive linemen Allen Bailey and Jaye Howard, has been the biggest contributor to forcing opposing offenses into hard third down conversions, while rookie defensive back Marcus Peters (a legitimate DROTY candidate), Eric Berry and the secondary have been aggressive particularly near the line of scrimmage.

The team’s downfall has been the limitations of the offense. Surprisingly enough, the injury to Jamaal Charles has helped immensely with the Chiefs’ offensive creativity. Rather than relying too heavily on Charles to produce in the running game and on screens, the Chiefs are introducing Charcandrick West, Jeremy Maclin and Travis Kelce on more varied passing plays.

It has helped that after shuffling the offensive line, the protection for Alex Smith has been greatly improved. It’s hard to predict 7-0 for the remainder of the Chiefs season, but there is a strong chance that they will be favored in every game.

Next: New York Giants

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