One game each NFL team can’t afford to lose in 2020
Kansas City Chiefs
Week 1 – Houston Texans @ Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are riding high after their first Super Bowl Championship in 50 years, and on the heels of their star quarterback Patrick Mahomes signing the richest contract in sports history. And why shouldn’t they be? They have their young core locked in for years, and Mahomes is the best player in the game, by a wide margin.
But are they too confident? Jordan Mannix of Arrowhead Addict discussed the reality that the Chiefs should be confident, but cannot allow that to overshadow preparation. There is no reason to believe that they are, but that is literally the only fear.
So, Week 1, lights bright, the attention of the world on your Thursday Night season opener, banner raising, coronation at Arrowhead Stadium. If Kansas City wins this one, they’ll ride the momentum all the way back to the AFC Title Game and potentially beyond. But, a loss here could show the team is overlooking the regular season, and it could be a bumpy ride in KC.
Las Vegas Raiders
Week 17 – Las Vegas Raiders @ Denver Broncos
Head coach Jon Gruden and the Las Vegas Raiders believe they are built to be contenders. So does general manager John Elway and his Denver Broncos. If both future Hall of Famers are correct, their Week 17 bout in the Mile High City could be a for a Wild Card birth in the 2020 playoffs.
The Raiders have to be right about their season, and they cannot afford to lose this one. If they’re wrong, and they lose, it’ll be on the backs of the quarterbacks, and it will be time for Gruden to go hunting for a new one.
Los Angeles Chargers
Week 7 – Los Angeles Chargers @ Miami Dolphins
The Los Angeles Chargers should be able to compete with most teams given the quality of their defense. Unfortunately, the fate of the franchise rests entirely on the other side of the ball with their offense – and it could be a train wreck.
Because the future of the franchise rests in the development of their sixth overall draft pick, quarterback Justin Herbert – no one should expect the Chargers to go to the playoffs in 2020. But, the team cannot regress and call it a successful year.
Losing to the team who drafted a pick ahead of you in the previous draft is the definition of regression – so this is a can’t lose game for the Chargers.