With their AFC West showdown against the Denver Broncos later today, Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback, Patrick Mahomes made it on the injury list dealing with the flu. Earlier today, the Mile High City was dealing with cold temperatures in the twenties and snow accumulating by the hour. So will Mahomes be able to play today?
The Kansas City Chiefs can ill afford to lose their star quarterback, even against the struggling Denver Broncos. Though Patrick Mahomes is not injured, he’s dealing with the flu and has been given IVs to strengthen his immune system both Saturday and Sunday. We all know Mahomes is a warrior, and if he can win two playoff games and a Super Bowl with a bad ankle, certainly he can overcome the flu.
However, when you mix the snowy weather conditions, cold temperatures, a big AFC West battle, and the Miami Dolphins matchup a week from today in Germany, do the Chiefs need Mahomes to defeat Denver today? The simple answer is yes, but if Kansas City gets a big lead, Mahomes needs to be on the sidelines.
To make that happen, the Chiefs defense has to create short possessions, and the offense will need to score points in bunches. If Mahomes has to methodically matriculate the ball down the field with each drive, that could wear him down in the second half.
Mahomes is going to play but he won’t be at full strength in this game, nor do they need to be to defeat the Broncos for the 17th straight time. However, if Mahomes gets fatigued that could mean he might take unnecessary chances with the football. To combat that point, this is the game the Chiefs running attack needs to drive the offense.
Since the Jets win, the Chiefs have done a relatively poor job rushing. In cold weather environments, like the one they’ll face today in Denver and in the coming months, Head Coach, Andy Reid needs to get his ground attack on par with the passing game.
If the offensive line can control the line of scrimmage, and the run game is effective, Mahomes magic might need to be needed in the fourth quarter. For his health, let’s hope this game is over by then.
