Oakland Raiders: Taking A Closer Look At The AFC Playoff Picture

Kansas City Chiefs (6-4)

Remaining Schedule: Buffalo Bills, @New York Jets, Oakland Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers, Miami Dolphins, @Denver Broncos

You didn’t think we’d forget about the Chiefs, did you?

The Chiefs have a fairly soft run to the end of the season. But they’re also a team that’s streaky and has been inconsistent of late. After getting off to a scorching 5-0 start, the Chiefs have come back down to Earth in a big way, going just 1-4 over their last four games – with the surprising blow, being a loss to the previously one-win Giants last week.

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Looking at their last six games though, it’s hard to envision the Chiefs not getting to double digit wins. But hey, stranger things have happened. Look at last week’s stunning loss to the Giants as evidence of that.

Let’s not discount though, that mixed in with Kansas City’s final six games are three divisional matchups. In fact, three of their last four games are division games – Oakland, Los Angeles, and Denver, with Miami squeezed into Week 16. It’s more of a gauntlet than it appears at first blush.

Let’s also not overlook the idea that as the calendar turns and the temperature begins to drop that quarterback Alex Smith isn’t quite as efficient as he is when the weather is warmer. It’s an idea that Colin Cowherd summed up recently.

"“Here is Alex Smith, 35 degrees and below in his career, 5-7, 60% completion rate, under 200 yards a game, a pathetic 15 touchdowns, 10 picks, and a passer rating of 82. Do you know what his record is when it’s 60 or above? His passer rating jumps to 90. His touchdowns and interceptions, 2 to 1 ratio. His record is 40-22.”"

And with December almost upon us and all six of their remaining games – four at home, two on the road in New York and Denver – in potentially cold weather conditions, is it possible that Smith succumbs to the climate and has his play drop off?

Maybe. History would seem to suggest it’s possible. If anything about Kansas City losing four of five has shown us anything, it’s that – well – anything is possible.

Division rivalry games and potential inclement weather could keep this Kansas City team from going on a big run and reaching the 12 games they won last season. But, they should be able to win enough to lock up a playoff spot.

Predicted Finish: 10-6