Chiefs still have work to do before the playoffs.

Chiefs win AFC WEST

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Our focus isn’t going to change...

For those of you unable to resist the urge, consider this your final opportunity to congratulate the Chiefs on winning the AFC West.

As per Todd Haley’s approach the entire season, we’re going to continue to steady our focus on one game at a time. The demolition of the Tennessee Titans, coupled with Cincinnati’s belated Christmas gift made for one hell of an afternoon… but that should be the end of it. 86 all talk of the playoffs, my friends – despite the guaranteed home contest.

“Our focus isn’t going to change,” Coach Haley said Tuesday. “It’s all part of staying in the present tense and understanding the task at hand. We have a big (game) this week.”

If it were any other week during any other season, this game would be circled on the calendar of every Chiefs fan nationwide. Before Sunday’s developments, it likely was. Its Raider week and wrapping-up the division early is no reason to relax, even as fans.

The Chiefs are too young, too unproven and too fragile to kick-up their heels for this final regular season contest. This week is paramount in terms of rhythm for a constantly developing football team. There are very few players the Chiefs can feel comfortable with resting against Oakland and each of them are exclusively veteran.

Mike Vrabel, Thomas Jones and John McGraw come to mind, but there are few (if any) others. Tenured players like Brian Waters and Casey Wiegmann are far too valuable given the lack of depth on the offensive line. Matt Cassel’s absence in San Diego should tell you all you need to know about this team’s chances without him leading the offense. 

When asked about this Sunday’s game, Linebacker Derrick Johnson said simply, “We still have business to handle with the Raiders.” That doesn’t sound like a football player looking for a vacation.

It’s been a long season, and an even longer stretch without a playoff contest at Arrowhead Stadium. The city deserves it and has every right to be antsy, but we would be well served to follow Todd Haley’s lead and forget about the playoffs… for now.