Ranking potential Divisional round opponents for the Chiefs

On this week’s game preview edition of the Arrowhead Pride Laboratory, we looked at the three possible divisional round opponents, discussed the problems they create for the Chiefs and ranked them from scariest to least scary. As you probably know by now, the Chiefs can’t play the Tennessee Titans, who are guaranteed to go to Baltimore should they upset New England.

Here are the teams we’re most fearful of in reverse order:

3) Buffalo Bills

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The Bills have the defense and run game to play a ball-control offense to limit the possessions and margin for error for the Chiefs in a do-or-die game. They have quality players at all levels of their defense with players like defensive lineman Ed Oliver, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and cornerback Tre’Davious White among plenty of others. Quarterback Josh Allen has shown an ability to make plays with his legs and arm to extend drives and score touchdowns. If John Brown can break a significant play in the passing game, the defense could do enough to hang around with the Chiefs.

2) Houston Texans

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It remains to be seen whether or not wide receiver Will Fuller V will be available this week or would if the Chiefs were to play the Texans next week, but an offense with him on the field creates problems. Deshaun Watson has no fear challenging down the field with the likes of Fuller and Hopkins, who are more than capable of capitalizing. The Texans are a much better football team when Fuller is in the mix. If he is, there is enough firepower to hang with Kansas City in a shootout. Throw in the fact that J.J. Watt would be back in the mix to generate pressure up front, and you can see the issues they present.

1) New England Patriots

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Can the scariest match up also be the one I want to see the most?

The Patriots have been an underwhelming football team the second half of the season. They just blew a home game against a bad team to give the Chiefs a bye. But is anyone really going to count out Tom Brady and Bill Belichick? I need to see the Chiefs do it.

The Patriots were not the more talented team the last time these two matched up in the playoffs. It will be the same if they face off on January 12.

The worry is way more about the history of this team than it is the on-field performance. If there’s anyone that should be revered for getting his team to play good football in January, it’s Belichick.

I love that the Chiefs could potentially have the opportunity to play a rematch with the Patriots. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t still worry me. The only quarterback-head coach combo with a playoff win that the Chiefs could face in the playoffs are the reigning Super Bowl champions. They deserve respect.

Arrowhead Pride Laboratory

We went into further detail on these teams and more on this week’s Wild Card preview edition of the Arrowhead Pride Laboratory.