The NFL Divisional Round is, in my opinion, the best weekend of the season. The top eight teams battle it out for a spot in the conference championship games, the final step before the Super Bowl. For many fans, this may be their last chance to see their team play at home until next season in September – well, August if you count the preseason. The four stadiums hosting this weekend’s games are guaranteed to be packed with fans ready to cheer on their teams. Normally, home teams have an advantage in these instances, in the AFC only three of the last 10 divisional round games have been won by visitors and the same in the NFC with only three teams surprising the home team.
Chiefs Fans Eager for the Game
One team that already has their fans on the edge of their seats is the Chiefs, who play the Texans in the first game of the divisional round. This is the same team they beat on December 21 in the Chiefs’ final home game of the season. That means it’s been almost a month since the fans of the two-time defending champions were able to cheer them on at Arrowhead Stadium. It seems Chiefs fans can’t wait any longer as they line up outside the gates of Arrowhead 8.5 hours before game time to tailgate in 18 degree weather. True football fans ready to support their team – just look at the pregame lines!
Love for one’s team knows no bounds, and these fans are sure to be eager to watch the game and see Chiefs stars like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, who haven’t played since December 25 when they clinched the AFC’s top seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Arrowhead Stadium, once considered the loudest stadium in the league, reached an ear-splitting 142.2 decibels, exceeding the sound of a jet engine taking off. Today, the crowd will likely try to replicate that feat – or maybe there’s a secretTaylor Swift concert? Speaking of Swift, she’ll most likely be at the stadium to support Travis, as she did during the last postseason. However, she might not be with Brittany Mahomes this time, as Brittany just gave birth to their third child, making her attendance almost impossible.
Chiefs Players are Made for Playoffs
Personally, I think the Chiefs will play at home again next Sunday against either the Ravens or the Bills. First, Andy Reid has an incredible 22-4 record after a bye week, and I don’t see the Texans pulling off an upset, even with a strong defense that will try to pressure Mahomes all game long. As for Mahomes, he’s proven time and time again that he thrives in the playoffs. In his 18 postseason games, he has a 15-3 record, 5,659 total yards, 46 total touchdowns, and only 8 interceptions. One more win would tie him with Joe Montana for the second-most playoff wins in history. The only slight difference? Mahomes would do it in seven seasons, while Montana took 16. Go for it, Pat!
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Kelce has also shown that he is at his best in the playoffs. Travis holds the record for most career postseason receptions (165), most career postseason games with at least one receiving touchdown (14, tied with Jerry Rice), and most postseason games with 100+ receiving yards (8, also tied with Jerry Rice). Impressive for a tight end, but even more so when you see your name next to a legend like Jerry Rice. This truly underscores Kelce’s incredible value in the playoffs. The Chiefs are looking for their fifth Super Bowl appearance in the last seven seasons – all with Mahomes as the starting quarterback. Truly remarkable, a run for the ages.