The Kansas City Chiefs have enjoyed their bye week and watched the NFL world go around without them, and now it is time to lock back in.
Sitting at 5-4 with two tough games to come in the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts, you could make the case that it is a crucial two weeks for the Chiefs if they are to make the postseason, which right now, they are out of.
The NFL power rankings are largely opinion-based, and for NFL.com's Eric Edholm, the Chiefs slide down one spot to No. 7, but in what is a rather interesting nugget, Kansas City is the third-best AFC team, behind the New England Patriots and Indianapolis.
So that means there is still a massive belief in Andy Reid's team despite them not even being in the playoffs if they started today.
Is Kansas City the third-best team in the AFC? Based on form, you would say no, but if we then base it on recent history, then yes. Either way, it appears quitting the Chiefs is hard, because when you have a quarterback/head coach duo like they do, you will always be in the thick of the Super Bowl conversation.
Even when you don't necessarily deserve it.
More: Chiefs' Andy Reid gives head-scratching reasoning to RB usage vs. Bills
Are Chiefs still top dogs in AFC?
There is no denying that when it comes to the postseason, there is one team others won't want to face, and that's Patrick Mahomes' Chiefs.
As Edholm wrote, the Chiefs' recent record is what makes them have the ranking they do, and when it comes to games when all the marbles are pushed into the middle of the table, having Mahomes gives you more than a fighting chance.
But as odd as it sounds, for the Chiefs to punch their ticket to the postseason, they will need to go on a run, and it has to start against Denver. In truth, winning their next two games is a great starting point.
Despite not being the juggernaut we've come to expect in recent seasons, this Chiefs team still has an aura about it, and it can make teams do funny things when their season is on the line.
So, yes, the Chiefs are still top dogs in the AFC, but this might be the year where things might finally change at the head of the table.
More Chiefs news:
- Patrick Mahomes has incredible response to potential Bills playoff matchup
- 'No more chances' for Chiefs after Bills loss
- Chiefs face 'uphill battle' after crushing Bills loss
- Is Travis Kelce injured? Chiefs TE a no-show in first half vs. Bills