The dire situation that the Kansas City Chiefs find themselves in isn't lost on Patrick Mahomes as his team enters Week 12.
Sitting at 5-5, with the division title out of reach, and way back in the hunt for a playoff spot, it has gotten late, early for the Chiefs as Week 12 and the Indianapolis Colts come into view.
The very definition of a season-defining game, Kansas City knows this clash against the Colts is essentially for all the marbles. Win and you survive, but lose, and things get darker than they have in years.
But how does Mahomes deal with what will be such a monumental week?
“Just like if you were going to a big divisional game or playoff game, you know what's at stake,” Mahomes said. “So, you try to prepare yourself throughout the week and do the little extra stuff so that your mind can be settled on game day, knowing that you need to go out there and win the football game. We're playing against a really good football team that's playing great football right now, and it's a great opportunity.
"We're five and five, not where we want to be at, but we get to write the rest of this season’s story. It starts this week with the Colts at Arrowhead, and I'm excited for us to go out there and do it.”
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Chiefs facing incredible Week 12 pressure
Given how far back the Chiefs are in the playoff hunt, if they were to lose, and the Jacksonville Jaguars, who currently occupy the seventh seed, and already have beaten Kansas City, beat the Arizona Cardinals, then it might just be curtains for the 2025 season.
Needing to go at least 5-2 down the stretch, possibly even better, the margin for error in Kansas City is nearly zero.
Having played well for the most part but lacking in critical situations, something we aren't used to seeing, the Chiefs are now in a position where every game is a one-and-done situation.
There is enough star power and experience on this team to steady the ship, and at home, against the 8-2 Colts, everything is on the line for the Chiefs.
Will they come through? If they want playoff football, they'll have to.
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