The Kansas City Chiefs' season is on life support at 5-5 with the AFC West just about out of reach and a playoff spot in serious doubt.
With the Indianapolis Colts up next, the Chiefs' season, without being too heavy-handed, all comes down to the next four quarters. A win keeps the year alive, and a loss... Well, that would be devastating, particularly if the teams around Kansas City win.
So that puts a lot of pressure on the Chiefs to clean up their act with penalties plaguing them in their loss to the Denver Broncos.
But if you thought there was panic for Andy Reid's team as they stare down the barrel of their first playoff-less season since 2014, you'd be wrong.
“We're not overreacting, but there's a certain urgency you got to have,” Reid said. “To make sure that you clean up some of the stuff we've had, and so overreacting doesn't help.
"What helps is that you take care of your business individually and then collectively as a team, what you have to do.”
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Chiefs focused on Week 12 vs. Colts
Given the road ahead for the Chiefs, getting caught up in the hypotheticals of their situation isn't going to help anyone.
Instead, the old one day at a time mantra is the play here.
And that is the Colts, who are flying high, coming off a bye fresh and ready to roll into Arrowhead and put the final nail in Kansas City's playoff coffin for 2025.
The Chiefs know what is at stake, and while Reid isn't overreacting, the same can't be said for those outside the building regarding what has transpired this season. Some think the dynasty is over, while others think the "fear" the Chiefs once had is now gone.
Either way, Kansas City's 2025 season likely boils down to the next four quarters of football.
Win that game and you stay alive, but lose, and an already bad situation will likely get worse.
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