5 Chiefs on Thin Ice Entering 2023-24 Playoffs

4. Nick Bolton - LB

Bolton is one of the most important players on the defense and we know he's a proven player in big games after his massive TD in the Super Bowl last year.

However, he's not quite been himself this season. The Bengals targeted him early in Week 17, potentially showcasing a blueprint to beat the Chiefs in the playoffs. If opponents control the clock through the backfield while targeting players like Bolton, it'll be difficult for Kansas City's offense to put up the points it'll need to win.

Against teams with talented running backs like the Dolphins, Ravens and even the Bills with James Cook, Bolton simply must be better. Drue Tranquill has been the Chiefs' best linebacker this season, which can't be the case if Bolton is going to get a big extension this summer.

He turned things around in the second-half against the Bengals, yet I'm admittedly still concerned about his abilites in pass coverage.

This team has less margin for error than previous iterations. If Bolton struggles defending the pass, he'll need to sit in favor of Tranquill.

For a player looking to reset the market for linebackers this offseason, that certainly qualifies as pressure going into the postseason.

This final Chief is feeling pressure as well, though it's more about being on any roster next season, let alone the Chiefs'.