It’s been an up-and-down year for the Kansas City Chiefs, bringing a mix of wins and losses, plus an uncharacteristic 6-6 record heading into Week 14. Now, Kansas City is heading into a critical game against the 7-5 ranked Houston Texans on Sunday, December 7, with a lot riding on it.
According to research from the NFL, the Chiefs only have a 34% chance of making the postseason going into the showdown. If they win, that goes up to 49%, but if they lose, it drops to 11%. So, this game is critical for Kansas City. For the Texans, the team is doing slightly better, with a 58% chance of making the postseason before Sunday. If they beat the Chiefs, that goes up to 82%, but if they fall, it drops to 45%.
So, there’s a lot at stake for both franchises, but more so for the Chiefs. No matter which way it goes, Week 14 is a critical one for both teams’ seasons. But, before the game, one Kansas City Chiefs player has gotten into some hot water with the NFL. He’s not suspended, but the league is handing down a punishment to the player for his actions against the Dallas Cowboys.
Kansas City Chiefs Player Answers to the NFL
Every week during the season, the NFL announces penalties for players for actions taken during the previous week’s games. The NFL states on their official website that these actions are “to protect players from unnecessary risk and preserve competitive balance and game integrity” and that “the NFL and NFL Players Association have agreed on a set of game-related rules violations that may result in accountability measures.”
On Saturday, Dec. 6, the NFL announced its Week 13 punishments, and Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco is on the tally. Pacheco, who works closely with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, actually got the highest fine of any NFL player for Week 13, with the NFL giving him a $46,371 fine for “unnecessary roughness” and “use of the helmet” against the Cowboys. The actions took place in the third quarter at the 13:06 mark.
According to the NFL, the funds raised from those fines will go to the Professional Athletes Foundation to “support legends in need and the NFL Foundation to further support the health, safety and wellness of athletes across all levels, including youth football and the communities that support the game.”
Patrick Mahomes Gets Real About Kansas City Chiefs Playoff Chances
After the Chiefs’ loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, he got real about what the team needs to do moving forward.
“You’ve got to win every game now – and hope that’s enough,” Mahomes said regarding what the team has to do to make the postseason. “We’re going to play a lot of good football teams coming up. If we’re going to make the playoffs, we’re going to have to win them all. That’s got to be the mindset when we step into the (training facility) when we get back.”
Going into the game, the Houston Texans carry the NFL’s second-best defense in points per game, only behind the Los Angeles Rams, so the Chiefs will have their hands full on Sunday.
