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Once again, every ranking we’re monitoring has the Kansas City Chiefs as the NFL’s best team. In this case, it looks like Bill Parcells had it right: you are who your record says you are.
Here’s our weekly sampling:
NFL.com: 1
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The Chiefs can do on an average day what most teams are unable to do at their best. Kansas City accumulated more than 400 yards of offense and 32 points on Sunday, a workmanlike (by their standards) performance in a narrow win over the Saints. K.C. did it playing with a patchwork offensive line that left Patrick Mahomes feeling the heat of the New Orleans pass rush for much of the day. Mahomes threw three touchdown passes anyway, and the Kansas City defense was aided by an extremely rusty version of Drew Brees, playing his first game in a month. A health concern to watch: Clyde Edwards-Helaire exited late in the fourth quarter with ugly-looking hip and ankle injuries. If the talented rookie running back is forced to miss time in the playoffs, Le’Veon Bell will suddenly be front and center in the backfield.
— Dan Hanzus
ESPN: 1
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Most underrated star: CB L’Jarius Sneed
The rookie has not only been as dependable as one could expect of a fourth-round draft pick from Louisiana Tech, but he has also been a playmaker. Sneed is third on the Chiefs in interceptions, with three, despite missing six games because of a broken collarbone. He had an interception, a sack and three passes broken up in Sunday’s three-point win over Drew Brees and the Saints.
— Adam Teicher
Sports Illustrated MMQB: 1
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They went into the Superdome and beat the second-best team in the NFC, and all this is increasingly routine—the Chiefs are now 22–1 since Veteran’s Day 2019. Plus, way more this year than last, they’re able to win different ways.
— Albert Breer
CBSSports.com: 1
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They are rolling to the top seed in the conference. They are playing a lot of close games, which is a bit concerning.
— Pete Prisco
Yahoo! Sports: 1
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The bye became more important for the Chiefs when Clyde Edwards-Helaire hurt his ankle and hip. If CEH misses the rest of the regular season, Kansas City will be hoping he is ready for its first playoff game. An extra week would give him a better chance.
— Frank Schawb
The Sporting News: 1
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The Chiefs keep looking better in their quest to repeat as Super Bowl champions. Patrick Mahomes has locked into the MVP and the defense is starting to rise for the occasion of a strong playoff tuneup. Kansas City is a huge favorite vs. the field now.
— Vinnie Iyer
USA Today: 1
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With RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire suffering a mini-blowout, Kansas City is literally limping to the finish... and could really use that first-round bye.
— Nate Davis
The Washington Post: 1
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Securing the No. 1 seed in the AFC seems all but certain now, with the difficult road game in New Orleans out of the way. The Chiefs have only the Falcons and Chargers left on the regular-season schedule and will do whatever is needed to remain ahead of the Steelers and Bills. They’ll be fortunate if rookie RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire avoided a serious injury Sunday.
— Mark Maske
Mile High Report: 1
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I am sure you all remember when the Las Vegas Raiders were 6-3 and riding a wave of glory after beating the Kansas City Chiefs. Even then, I was calling them a fraud — and here we are with the Raiders 7-7 and the Chiefs 13-1.
— Tim Lynch
Bleeding Green Nation: 1
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Patrick Mahomes is a damn cheat code. Including the playoffs, dude is 41-9 as a starter in his first 50 games. The Chiefs are primed to repeat as Super Bowl Champions.
— Brandon Lee Gowton