2024 NFL odds indicate that the Chiefs could indeed miss the playoffs. With a roster that seems to be losing its spark, the team faces significant challenges ahead. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels is making headlines, the Minnesota Vikings are impressively 4-0, and trade rumors surrounding Davante Adams are swirling, but the Chiefs’ struggles are becoming harder to ignore.
One of the most concerning developments over the weekend was the knee injury sustained by Rashee Rice, the Chiefs’ standout receiver. This injury adds to the mounting issues the Chiefs offense is grappling with as they try to find their rhythm this season.
The offensive struggles have been apparent since the season’s start. Travis Kelce, once a dynamic force, is showing signs of age, while Patrick Mahomes has already thrown five interceptions in four games. The situation worsened when free-agent acquisition Hollywood Brown saw his season cut short after just one preseason game. Additionally, Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City’s leading rusher for the past two seasons, may be sidelined for the remainder of the year due to a broken leg.
With Rice’s injury, the Chiefs now find themselves without their most effective offensive weapon, raising questions about their playoff prospects.
The team’s performance in closely contested games has been a mixed bag. They currently hold a 4-0 record in one-score games, but the narrow margins indicate that their luck might not hold. The Chiefs’ offense appears to be the weakest it has been during the Mahomes era, and their vulnerability was evident last season when they went 3-5 in the final stretch.
Despite these issues, Mahomes led the team to a remarkable playoff run last year, culminating in a Super Bowl victory. However, the question remains: can the Chiefs replicate that success with a diminished supporting cast?
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the odds for the Chiefs to make the playoffs are set at -10000, while the odds for missing the playoffs stand at +2000. Some analysts suggest that betting on “no playoffs” for the Chiefs might be worth considering.
The competition within their division is lackluster. The Las Vegas Raiders are struggling, the Denver Broncos are far from playoff contention, and the Los Angeles Chargers recently fell to the Chiefs in a tightly contested game, despite missing key players.
The upcoming game against the New Orleans Saints is pivotal. A victory would propel Kansas City to a 5-0 record, providing a significant advantage in both the division and the AFC. Conversely, a loss could complicate their path, especially with tough matchups against teams like San Francisco and Buffalo on the horizon.
While the Chiefs may be favored in several remaining games, their current offensive struggles suggest they will face many close contests. The pressure to achieve a third consecutive Super Bowl win could also weigh heavily on the team.
At this point, the Chiefs offense lacks the intimidation factor it once had. If the Chargers recover and capitalize on their easier schedule, the possibility of the Chiefs finishing with nine wins and missing the playoffs in a competitive AFC could become a reality.
