KANSAS CITY, Mo. — If the Chiefs beat the Chargers on Sunday, if the Browns beat the Ravens and the Jaguars win against the Texans, the Kansas City Chiefs will slide into the playoffs.
That’s a lot of “ifs” and team leaders know thinking about those scenarios, along with all the festivities of Christmas, can lead to distractions.
“A lot going on. There’s Christmas this week. You know, it’s easy, I think to get distracted. We don’t necessarily control our own destiny, you know the whole ‘what-ifs’ what do we need to happen. I think it’s easy to get distracted. The thing will be to focus in on the Chargers, you know a division game coming in and we need to take care of our business,” said Quarterback Alex Smith.
“You set a schedule and then you get busy. So, we don’t let that be a distraction at all. You go about your business and make sure you take care of things. It’s also Christmas in California. We know that,” said Andy Reid, head coach.
Last year, the Chiefs were in San Diego for the final game of the regular season. The Chargers came from behind and won in overtime to claim a playoff spot. This time, the Chargers are in Kansas City for the final weekend, and again the Chargers can clinch a playoff spot if they beat the Chiefs.
“Regardless of whether they’re alive or not, we know we’re going to get their best. It’s exciting and they’re a good team. A team that came in here and beat us; a team that went on a stretch there and beat a lot of good teams. It’s not going to be an easy one by any means. We’re probably going to have to play our best game of the year to move on and that’s what it’s going to take from here on out,” said Philip Rivers, Chargers’ quarterback.
