Games can unfold in any number of ways, even when you're 50 minutes of the way through. I thought it would be fun to consider what are some of the ways that it could happen, look for precedents, and then see which one seems the most likely.
1. The Early Chiefs Comeback + Cruise to Victory
Precedent: Chiefs vs Bills last week, Chiefs vs Texans & Titans last year
This is where the Chiefs get in an early hole, typically 10 points or so, but take the lead by halftime and hold on for a 10+ margin of victory. The opponent hangs around but it never actually feels like the game is in doubt in the 4th.
Final Score: Chiefs 34, Bucs 24
2. The Late Chiefs Comeback, Close Game
Precedent: Chiefs vs 49ers last year, Chiefs vs Patriots two years ago
This is where the Chiefs are trailing in the 4th quarter and need some Mahomes magic. As long as he touches the ball, you feel good about your chances.
Final Score: Chiefs 38, Bucs 34
3. The Chiefs Take Big 1st Half Lead, Opponent Makes It Close Late
Precedent: Chiefs at Bucs this year
Two months ago these teams played in Tampa and it was 17-0 Chiefs in the first quarter. Tampa cut it to 27-24 with 4 minutes to go but never got the ball back.
Final Score: Chiefs 34, Bucs 31
4. The Chiefs Take Big 1st Half Lead, Opponent Comes Back to Win
Precedent: Chiefs vs Raiders this year
Mahomes has won 25 of his last 26 games. But that one loss, KC was up 21-10. We know Tom Brady can come back in Super Bowls.
Final Score: Bucs 37, Chiefs 34
5. The Chiefs Play Their Best Game
Precedent: Chiefs vs Ravens this year, at Broncos this year, quarters 2-4 of Texans game last year
Mathieu makes a pick, Sorensen forces a fumble, Chiefs receivers are getting open. Basically, the AFC Championship vs Bills but without the muffed punt.
Final Score: Chiefs 38, Bucs 17
6. Mahomes Gets Hurt
Precedent: Last year vs Broncos, this year vs Browns
If Chad Henne has to play more than he did in the Browns game, that's bad news for KC.
Final Score: Bucs 27, Chiefs 17
7. The Chiefs Get Outplayed
Precedent: Last year vs Colts, 1st quarter of Texans playoff game
If the Chiefs drop every pass, fumble the ball, and get beat on deep balls over and over, this game won't be close.
Final Score: Bucs 34, Chiefs 20
8. The Bucs Do What They Did to the Saints & Packers
Precedent: Bucs last 2 games
All the other possibilities have been from a Chiefs perspective, but the Bucs just won two playoff games as underdogs. Their defense made plays and the Bucs were aggressive when they needed to be. The games were close for the most part, but the Tom Brady team just won in the end.
Final Score: Bucs 30, Chiefs 27
So that's four ways that each team could win.
What do I think is most likely? 1, 3 or 5.
I don't normally predict wins, because it's extra embarrassing if they lose...but I do think Chiefs will be up 10 points in the 4th. Maybe the Bucs get a late touchdown like they did in the regular season, or maybe Chiefs make it a 3-possession game.
No comments:
Post a Comment