Andy Reid discusses the Chiefs' playoff outlook, emphasizing their focus at a 5-5 record.

Jarrett Bailey

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Andy Reid on Chiefs' playoff picture: What Chiefs need to focus on at 5-5 image

TL;DR

  • Kansas City Chiefs trail Jaguars by one game for AFC wild card spot.
  • Jaguars hold tiebreaker, making Chiefs' deficit effectively two games.
  • Coach Andy Reid emphasizes fixing minor, self-inflicted errors like penalties.
  • Chiefs have had multiple games with ten or more penalties this season.

The Kansas City Chiefs find themselves in a difficult situation. With a 5-5 record, they trail the Jacksonville Jaguars by one game in the AFC playoff race for the last wild card position. However, this deficit is effectively two games due to the Jaguars possessing the tiebreaker over the Chiefs. Given that Kansas City is also four games behind the Denver Broncos in the AFC West standings, securing a wild card berth appears to be the most feasible route for the current AFC Champions to reach the playoffs.

During his weekly media availability, head coach Andy Reid stressed the importance of focusing on minor details so that the overall objective can be achieved.

"You've got to take care of the small things," Reid said. "Why are we having the penalties? Then, let's fix that. Don't point to the officials. Don't point here or there. Take responsibility for it."

Reid went on to state that the minor errors Kansas City can manage are precisely what's causing them the most harm.

"All those things [we] control," Reid said. [They're] small things, but they all add up."

This season, the Chiefs have played three games marked by at least ten penalties, a factor that significantly contributed to their defeat against the Broncos. Whether it's the recurring illegal formation penalty against Jawaan Taylor for his alignment, or holding calls that nullify substantial receptions, the Chiefs largely self-inflicted damage in Week 11. While this doesn't diminish the Broncos' victory, the Chiefs have repeatedly hindered themselves throughout 2025, directly affecting their struggles in tightly contested matches.

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Staff Writer