Kansas City Chiefs Show That AFC West Could Send Three Teams To The Playoffs

By Anthony F. Irwin @AnthonyIrwinNBA on October 19, 2014

Not since 2006 has one division sent three teams into the playoffs. Given how mediocre the AFC has looked this season, I think the Kansas City Chiefs have a chance at squeaking into the playoffs, along with the Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers — whom they beat on Sunday, in San Diego.

There has been quite a bit of regression talk with the Chiefs this season, as a favorable schedule helped them make the playoffs last year. A memorable playoff collapse has apparently stuck in people’s minds and few put them into the postseason with their preseason predictions, as much of the attention has been paid to the Broncos and Chargers. Sunday, the Chiefs reminded those people they are for real.

San Diego entered Sunday with tied for the league-high with five wins — one of which against the last year’s Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. They’ve more than made a case for themselves as legitimate contenders with Denver. This Sunday felt like a playoff game and Andy Reid’s Chiefs didn’t collapse. As they get healthier, it’s hard not to think they belong in playoff conversations.

Kansas City’s strongest attribute — their running game — was on display and continues to get stronger as their running backs get healthier. Jamaal Charles and Knile Davis are probably the league’s best backfield combination and make it nearly impossible for teams to come back as they allow their team to dominate time of possession.

It almost never happens, but as the rest of the AFC has yet to impress, people should seriously considers these Chiefs as playoff contenders. Should they stay healthy, a postseason rematch of Sunday’s great game is more than a possibility.

Anthony F. Irwin is an NBA, NFL, MLB and NCAA Football contributor for www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. Send him an email at .