Are two prominent suspensions going to benefit one specific team: the Kansas City Chiefs? Let me give that a resounding “probably.”
Let’s put it another way… is the 2016 AFC playoff positioning between the Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers going to be affected by the end of regular season play, because of what has taken place this summer?
I would say yes.
With both the New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and the Pittsburgh Steelers star running back Le’veon Bell receiving four games suspensions at the beginning of the 2016 season the Chiefs could be the benefactors, especially if,
- The Patriots at least lose two out of four games against (at Arizona then home against Miami, Houston and Buffalo)… Buffalo probably has the best shot there, and
- The Chiefs can beat Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh without Mr. Bell.
Winning in Pittsburgh will be no small feat. Their high powered offense is widely regarded as the best in the NFL but removing Bell from the mix should help a little. It’s the K.C pass defense that will be tested that day. Hopefully the Chiefs own offense is purring by then and can help bring home a “W” before Bell’s return.
Le’Veon Bell has stated on his Twitter account that he will appeal his the four game suspension… and win. It’s hard to say how likely that is. His suspension is over missed drug tests. Bell says he never missed a drug test while Ian Rapoport says he missed several of them.
#Steelers RB Le’Veon Bell is facing a 4-game suspension for violating @NFL policy on substance of abuse, as @DanGrazianoESPN said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 22, 2016
Tom Brady has finished appealing to anyone outside of Foxborough, Massachusetts for a long time now. Thank goodness we never have to hear those words “___________ ______” again. You won’t hear them here, that’s for sure.
Both of these perennial AFC foes figure to play, perhaps dominating, roles in the race to represent the AFC when the Super Bowl rolls around on February 5, 2017 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. If the Kansas City Chiefs can win their own division and gain one of the top two spots in the AFC thereby skipping Wildcard weekend, then hosting a playoff game… it will go a long way towards being that representative in the Super Bowl.
On the other hand… the Chiefs haven’t even started training camp yet.
Oops… the rookies reported todaaaaay! It’s getting exciting around here.
What do you think Chiefs fans? Will these two suspensions help the K.C. cause this season?