Kansas City Chiefs Won't Make the Playoffs for These 5 Reasons

For a team that entered the season in a rebuilding mode, the Chiefs have had a remarkable season.   Even with last weekend’s lost to the San Diego Chargers; the Chiefs still control their own playoff destiny but I don’t believe they have the talent and experience to win their final three games.   Here are the five reasons why the Chiefs will miss the playoffs. 

1. Matt Cassel’s Health

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback Matt Cassel #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs in action during the game against the Denver Broncos on December 5, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Todd Haley and the rest of the coaching staff went into San Diego with a very conservative game plan that resulted in the Chiefs not converting a single third down in the 31-0 loss to the Chargers. 

Even if Cassel is healthy and tough enough to suit up this weekend against the St. Louis Rams, I expect the same predictable and conservative run-only offense, and so will the Rams, which will lead to another road loss for the Chiefs.

2. The Super Chargers Are Back

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SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 12: Running back Darren Sproles #43 of the San Diego Chargers carries the ball against safeties Eric Berry #29 and Kendrick Lewis #23 of the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium on December 12, 2010 in San Diego, California. the Ch

The San Diego Chargers are finally healthy and the momentum from the can of whoop-ass they opened up on the division-leading Chiefs will catapult them to finish the season on a four-game winning streak that will be enough to tie the Chiefs for the Divisional lead.  The Chargers will win the division based upon their better conference record.  

3. 10-6 Won’t Be Good Enough

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback Matt Cassel #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs in action during the game against the Denver Broncos on December 5, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

The Baltimore Ravens will win at least 11 games to secure one of the AFC playoff spots.  The New York Jets will get to 10 wins and due to a better conference record will beat out the Chiefs for the final playoff spot.

4. The Chiefs Draft Class

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KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 26: Tony Moeaki #81 of the Kansas City Chiefs makes a one-handed 18-yard touchdown catch behind NaVorro Bowman #53 of the San Francisco 49ers at Arrowhead Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs won 3

The 2010 rookie class have given the Chiefs a major upgrade in talent.  As with most rookies though, the grind of the long NFL season is wearing them down and their impact is becoming less and less with each game.

5. The "Wizard" Is Revealed

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 12: Head Coach Todd Haley of the Kansas City Chiefs paces on the sidelines during a 31-0 loss to the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 12, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The Chiefs have done a magnificent job of overcoming some of their shortcomings using defensive schemes to prevent big plays and using gimmick plays and defying conventional wisdom on offense by going for it on fourth down. 

In recent weeks, the Chargers and Broncos have shown the rest of the league the formula for beating the Chiefs (i.e. get a lead to neutralize the running game and convert third downs easily due to the Chiefs lack of a pass rush).