Chiefs Host Raiders: OPEN THREAD

Laddie Morse

Today’s game versus the Raiders holds some importance for the Chiefs. They need to win out — all three games — to have any hope of nailing down the number one seed in the AFC. With the Dolphins beating the Cowboys in the final seconds on a field goal yesterday, 22-to-20, their record is now 11-and-4 and they are just one game ahead of K.C.. Here’s a look at the current state of affairs (the top five) in the AFC Conference (note the ESPN’s numbering system on the left):

Baltimore plays at the 49ers tonight so we’ll ahve to wait and see on that front.

The Dolphins won over the Cowboys yesterday on a last second Field Goal. They need to beat both of their final two opponents to grab the top spot but it isn’t going to be easy. They face the Conference leading Ravens this week then meet the Bills who they lost to the first time, 48-to-20.

The Browns will not best the Chiefs.

The Chiefs need help to win the Conference #1 seed, but it’s still quite possible.

Buffalo is on a roll, but needs help to get there.

Note: The Bills may be the most feared opponent in the conference because no one will want to face them come playoff time (not even at Home) if they keep up this pace (the Bills have won 4 out of their last 5 games and will play the Pats — a sure fire win — at noon today).

No snow is projected for Christmas day in Kansas City nor will there be any at Arrowhead Stadium today.

Referee Assignment

I’m not happy about this one… but referee Clete Blakeman and his crew will be the Chiefs and Raiders officials today. Prior to this season, I would say that referees targeted the raiders more than any other team. Now it seems the Chiefs are being targeted. Anyone specifically? Yes, our new Right Tackle, Jawaan Taylor leads the NFL in penalties with 17 overall penalties while second place has 11. Taylor has been called for: 8 False Starts, 6 Offensive Holding, 3 Illegal Formations, and 1 Face Mask. Will having Clete Blakeman and his crew help with this situation? We’ll see about that but it doesn’t look hopeful right now.

After a recent game against the BUffalo Bills, not only did Patrick Mahomes get upset, but Head Coach Andy Reid did too, each spouting off about the officials in the post game media event. Kadarius Toney was flagged for being offside by inches, and while many fans compared that Offensive Offside Penalty to the one following 2018 season when Dee FOrd was fallged for Defensive Offside, and just like 5 years ago, everyone blamed the refs. ] As a result, the league office published a fine for both the Head Coach and Quarterback” $100K for Andy Reid and $50K for Mahomes. Reid said in his post game remarks:

What Mahomes said was even more striking:

Here’s that play that Mahomes remarks followed and the cause for him getting so upset (0:23):

Here’s the other play (in the previos game) that Mahomes was also referring to with the Packers DB draped all over the back of Marquez Valdes-Scantling before the ball arrives:

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With McKinnon out, both CEH and Pop should be able to carry the load. I wonder if Deneric Prince will get the call?

Laddie Morse — ArrowheadOne