3 Chiefs on Thin Ice After Way-Too-Close Win Over Broncos in Week 10

The Chiefs escaped Week 10 with a dramatic last-second win over the Broncos, but numerous players struggled in what almost certainly should've been a loss.

It's hard to complain too much about a 9-0 record, though Kansas City knows this type of effort won't suffice in Buffalo next Sunday night. Patrick Mahomes missed a handful of big throws, potentially suggesting he's still feeling the effects of his ankle injury. Meanwhile, the defense struggled at times and the run game was completely ineffective.

All's well that ends well, yet this team is not above criticism. As the Chiefs get set for one of their toughest games of the season, let's look at three players on thin ice despite the victory.

1. Kingsley Suamataia - LT

Starting LT Wanya Morris suffered a knee injury in the first quarter, giving rookie second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia an opportunity to seize the starting job back. It didn't go well.

Suamataia looked nowhere near ready, getting repeatedly beat on the outside and leaving Mahomes susceptible to further injury. Andy Reid eventually kept a running back on Suamataia's side to help chip block, though it's hard to overstate how poor the former BYU star played.

There's no reason to declare he's a bust or lose faith in his long-term potential. For this team right now though, Suamataia needs to stay planted on the bench.

Protecting Mahomes is the most important thing for this team. Wins and losses only matter marginally, but the season will be over if Mahomes gets hurt. Suamataia proved incapable of accomplishing that goal right now. Should Morris' injury linger, Kansas City could be in big trouble.

The Broncos have one of the NFL's best defenses and an excellent pass rush. Suamataia was thrown to the wolves unexpectedly, though defenses are only going to improve in the playoffs.

He still has a place on this team and a role in the future, yet Suamataia cannot start another game for this team in 2024.