Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid remains focused on keeping his team sharp despite securing the AFC West title last week. With plenty of football still ahead, the Chiefs aim to sustain their momentum as they prepare to take on the Cleveland Browns this Sunday.
In a dramatic victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, the Chiefs clinched their division for the ninth consecutive season with a narrow 19-17 win. Kicker Matthew Wright sealed the deal with a clutch 31-yard field goal, bouncing off the left upright and through the goalposts as time expired.
Although the Chiefs have not dominated opponents as decisively as in previous years, securing 10 of their 12 wins this season by seven points or fewer, Reid emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus and intensity, especially against upcoming playoff-hungry teams like the Browns.
“We’re not just settling in and calling it a day,” Reid remarked. “We’ve got to stay aggressive and focused. We’re facing formidable opponents looking to secure their playoff berths, so we need to stay hungry and proactive.”
While the Chiefs push towards the postseason, the Browns find themselves playing for pride after being officially eliminated from playoff contention following a recent 27-14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite the disappointing outcome, Browns right guard Wyatt Teller stresses the significance of every game as a reflection of the team’s dedication and unity.
“Every game contributes to your legacy,” Teller emphasized. “Regardless of playoff implications, we’re always striving and fighting for something. We owe it to our teammates and the bond we share as a team not to falter.”
Despite enduring a string of losses in recent weeks, the Browns have shown promise on offense, averaging 378.2 yards per game during their last five matchups. As they gear up to face the Chiefs, the Browns aim to showcase their offensive prowess once more.
The Chiefs face a challenging schedule, including a quick turnaround with three games in an 11-day span, culminating in a Christmas Day showdown with the Steelers. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes acknowledges the physical toll of the packed schedule but underscores the professional commitment required to rise to the occasion.
“Playing multiple games in such a short timeframe isn’t ideal for your body,” Mahomes acknowledged. “But it’s part of the job. You have to show up and perform, no matter the circumstances.”
As the Chiefs prepare for their upcoming games, they anticipate the return of starting kicker Harrison Butker, who has been sidelined with a left knee injury. While Butker and offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor were limited in practice, offensive tackle D.J. Humphries sat out due to a hamstring concern.
Meanwhile, the Browns faced absences in their practice session, with star defensive end Myles Garrett missing due to personal reasons. Guard Joel Bitonio and tight end David Njoku were also absent due to back and hamstring issues, respectively. Teller and cornerback Martin Emerson were among those with limited participation due to glute and shin concerns.
With both teams
