3 Chiefs on Thin Ice Prior to Super Bowl Rematch vs. Eagles in Week 11

We've got a massive matchup this week as the Chiefs host the Eagles in a Super Bowl rematch between the two best teams in the NFL.

I expect fireworks on Monday Night, though three Chiefs need to have big performances to avoid public scrutiny. Not everyone can be the betting favorite to win NFL MVP for a third time, after all.

Let's look at three Chiefs on thin ice heading into Week 11's epic showdown with the Eagles.

3 Chiefs on Thin Ice Prior to Super Bowl Rematch vs. Eagles

1. Marquez Valdes-Scantling - WR

The clock is officially running and Valdes-Scantling is auditioning for a spot on this team next year. He has the sixth-highest cap hit on the roster, so his contract is a logical one to get off the books in the offseason if he doesn't start producing.

Through nine games, Valdes-Scantling has a pedestrian 14 catches for 249 yards and one TD. Remove the Chargers game and he's sitting at 11 catches for 165 yards. For a player making over $11 million, that's completely unacceptable.

Rashee Rice should be more involved as the season progresses and Justin Watson has been a more effective version of Valdes-Scantling, so the deep threat is on very thin ice indeed.

If Valdes-Scantling doesn't have a strong sescond half of the season, it's likely we're entering the final few months of his time as a Chief.

He's not the only player who needs to produce, as you'll see on the next page.

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2. Travis Kelce - TE

To be honest, I think this one is dumb.

I do not believe Travis Kelce deserves any flak for traveling to Argentina to support Taylor Swift during his bye week, but that's not stopping the public from questioning Kelce's commitment to the team.

Kelce has just 72 combined receiving yards in his last two games. If his box score impact remains low, the questions will continue about his off-field endeavors.

Frankly, I don't care what Kelce does for the rest of the season as long as he's healthy for the playoffs. Kansas City's defense is obviously good enough to push us through the rest of the season, so all I care about is Kelce's health.

The Chiefs do have an excellent opportunity to separate themselves in the AFC, though a loss to the Eagles wouldn't impact Kansas City's tiebreakers over the Jaguars, Dolphins or Ravens.

All that said, I hope the public doesn't disparage Kelce if his stats aren't up to his standard against Philly. A big game would go a long way for the Chiefs' chances to win, but Kelce's performance will not be damaged by his blossoming romance one way or another.

This last Chiefs' player on thin ice does need a huge second half of the season if he wants to stick around.

3. Justin Reid - S

Reid is a good player and his physicality is a boost for this defense. Were money not an issue, he'd be a lock to make the 2024 roster.

However, money is an issue and Reid has the fifth-highest cap hit on the team. For a defense emphasizing youth and a roster in need of cash, Reid could be a logical cap casualty.

Bryan Cook and Mike Edwards' excellent play in the secondary may make Reid's services unnecessary too. If Brett Veach can get strong production at a much cheaper cost, it's kind of his job to make that move.

There's still plenty of time for Reid to earn his spot, though. This week is the perfect time to start.

With no Nick Bolton, Philadelphia's physical run game has an advantage over the Chiefs. Reid can mitigate that advantage, though if he performs poorly it'll be obvious.

I'm rooting for you, Justin. Show out and leave Veach no choice but to keep your contract on the books in 2024.

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