3 Chiefs on Thin Ice After Hard-Fought Win vs. Bengals in Week 17

The Chiefs picked up a massive 25-17 comeback win over the Bengals on Sunday, clinching the AFC West for an eighth straight season.

It's a remarkable feat and now Kansas City will host a playoff game as the No. 3 seed in the conference regardless of what happens in Week 18.

That being said, not everything was pretty. The Chiefs went down double-digits due to costly drops and a turnover, as has been the case all too often. Let's look at three Chiefs on thin ice despite the resilient victory.

3 Chiefs on Thin Ice Despite Week 17 Win vs. Bengals

1. Marquez Valdes-Scantling - WR

At some point, enough is enough.

Valdes-Scantling dropped an easy pass over the middle, then promptly gestured as if it was Patrick Mahomes' fault before failing to haul in a deep ball on the next drive. The guy has made some excellent plays for the Chiefs, but it's not working right now for whatever reason.

For a player making $11 million this season, these repeated mistakes are unacceptable. With one game to go, Valdes-Scantling has 21 catches for 315 yards, a far cry from last year's production.

I don't expect the Chiefs to keep Valdes-Scantling next year, though they'll still need him to contribute in this playoff run. He's got a few games left to wash his hands of this disastrous year, and it appears he'll get at least a couple of opportunities a game.

Here's hoping he catches the next one.

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2. Travis Kelce - TE

A meaningless Week 18 game that'll allow Kelce to rest is just what the doctor ordered. He's been struggling for the better part of a month, catching just three catches for 16 yards against the Bengals.

Kelce still needs 16 yards to reach 1,000 for the eighth straight year and I'd guess Andy Reid lets him get at least one drive to extend his streak.

It sure has been a tough path to get to nearly 1,000 yards this time. What was once routine and graceful now looks difficult. Murmors are getting louder about a potential Travis Kelce retirement, though I'm hoping he's not done quite yet.

In order for this Chiefs team to reach the heights we're dreaming of, Kelce's production will need to increase. Rashee Rice's breakout is a massive boost, but there's no replacement for Kelce's chemistry with Mahomes built up over years of big moments.

If Kelce limps to the finish line and into the playoffs, the questions about his future will only grow louder.

3. Nick Bolton - LB

Bolton turned things around in the second half to help the defense hold the Bengals scoreless, but he was frequently targeted in pass coverage early and often as Cincinnati built its lead.

Drue Tranquill is a more reliable coverage linebacker, though it's a bit concerning to see the Chiefs routinely targeted by talented backfields. Most AFC contenders, notably the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins, have exceptional running games.

It's easy to see that becoming an issue for the Chiefs if linebacking play doesn't improve a bit.

Of course, I'm nitpicking a bit here. The Chiefs have won every game they've scored at least 21 points in and we all know the defense is a strength.

However, time of possession could be an issue in the playoffs if opponents can run at will.

I'd think some rest will get the defense back to the elite, consistent level it was playing at. Given the injuries of the last few weeks, this squad should be in better shape once Kansas City hosts an AFC Wild Card game in a couple of weeks.

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