The Kansas City Chiefs could have a huge advantage in Sunday night's matchup with the Detroit Lions. Not only will the game be in Arrowhead, but the Chiefs' playmakers appear likely to go against backups.
Per Lions insider Tim Twentyman, Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch, and Avonte Maddox have all missed practice this week and it seems that the trio of defensive backs are going to be a game-time decision, raising the possibility of being without one or two of the defenders for Sunday night's game.
This is great news for Kansas City's playmakers. Offensively, the performance has been inconsistent due to a struggling run game and the loss of star receiver Rashee Rice. Now, it seems the Chiefs will have a far better chance to get rolling against Detroit's backups and set the tone for Rice to return the following week. What was a daunting matchup is looking far more winnable with this news and in many ways, this is a game the Chiefs cannot afford to drop.
Chiefs Pass Catchers Appear Poised to Have Surprise Advantage on Sunday Night
Kansas City is 2-3 on the season and chasing both the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC West standings. Despite blowing the Baltimore Ravens off the field two weeks ago, questions have been renewed after a tough loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, leaving a sense of urgency in the building and a "chip on their shoulder" attitude that has often resulted in Super Bowls. But this is in no way to discount the talent of the Lions or the challenge that lies ahead.
So much of the doubt around Kansas City has been with the lack of skill players showing up and consistently giving Patrick Mahomes the needed help. Detroit's lack of stability in the secondary gives a chance for a repeat performance with the Chiefs putting the light show they did against the Ravens.
This appeared to be the needed statement after an underwhelming start. However, it was followed up the very next week with a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars and a surrendered lead. Again pundits and fans a questioning exactly what this version of the Chiefs might be. A familiar spot for a franchise that loves to adop an underdog outlook. Setting up what is going to be a huge game where the offense is poised to make a statement.
While Tyquan Thornton has been a big play threat for Kansas City this season and had three catches for 90 yards, there hasn't been a lot of consistency elsewhere. Travis Kelce had seven catches for 61 yards and a touchdown on Monday while Hollywood Brown (four catches, 48 yards) and Xavier Worthy (six catches, 42 yards) could each have bigger games if the early injury report is any indication.
A big game should be the expectation if both Branch and Joseph are out. Detroit is going to be forced to turn to players who have no business in the starting lineup, leaving no question that this appears to be Kansas City's game to lose, even as the narratives continue to swirl.