The Kansas City Chiefs will be facing the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Round, but they may be without one of their key players.
In the easy win against the Houston Texans in the AFC Wild Card Round, the Chiefs did lose their star wide receiver Jeremy Maclin to an injury. In the win, Maclin suffered an ankle injury, which resulted in his day ending early.
With the difficult task of being on the road against the Patriots on Saturday, the Chiefs desperately need Maclin to be healthy if they are to upset the defending Super Bowl Champions.
According to Adam Schefter, Maclin is officially listed as questionable against the Patriots.
Chiefs WR Jeremy Maclin (ankle) is officially listed as questionable for KC’s game vs. Patriots.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 15, 2016
After a 2014 season in which a Chiefs’ wide receiver didn’t score a touchdown, the Chiefs opened up their wallets to sign Maclin from the Philadelphia Eagles. The reunion of Maclin and Andy Reid has been a huge success in 2015, as Maclin has been one of the main reasons why the Chiefs are in the playoffs.
This season, Maclin has totaled 87 receptions, 1,088 receiving yards, and eight receiving touchdowns, as he has been worth every penny for the Chiefs.
If Maclin is unable to play against the Patriots, the Chiefs’ offense could be in for a long game. Alex Smith has been playing very well during the Chiefs’ winning streak, but the loss of Maclin would really limit his options to throw the ball to on offense.
Travis Kelce would become the Chiefs’ No.1 option on offense if Maclin is indeed ruled out, but the Patriots’ defense would likely look to take him out of the game with double coverage.
The Patriots are currently five-point favorites against the Chiefs but if Maclin is ruled out, you can expect that to rise, as the Chiefs’ season would likely end in New England without Maclin.