During the Week 15 edition of Fox NFL Sunday, the spotlight was on the Kansas City Chiefs, and it was none other than the legendary Jimmy Johnson who stirred the pot with his bold predictions. The iconic former Dallas Cowboys head coach didn’t hold back when discussing the Chiefs’ playoff prospects, leading to a heated exchange with host Curt Menefee.
Johnson, now 81 years old, made a striking assertion that caught everyone off guard: he believes the Chiefs, who entered Week 15 with a stellar 12-1 record and a commanding lead in the AFC, will falter in their first playoff game. “I’m sorry, Kansas City, but I think they’re gonna lose their first playoff game,” Johnson stated emphatically. “They’ll win the division, but they’ll lose their first playoff game.”
His co-stars, including Michael Strahan, Howie Long, and Terry Bradshaw, were visibly shocked by this prediction. They challenged Johnson, expressing disbelief over his take on the back-to-back Super Bowl champions. The conversation took a lively turn when Menefee pointed out that Kansas City would likely host their first playoff game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead, given their strong performance. “That first playoff game will be at home. You sure they’re gonna lose?” Menefee pressed, trying to clarify Johnson’s stance.
In response, Johnson raised his hands in mock exasperation, retorting, “What did I say?! Did I say they were going to lose their first playoff game?” This playful banter elicited laughter from the panel, with Strahan humorously throwing his hands up in disbelief next to Johnson.
But what led Johnson to this controversial conclusion? He argued that the Chiefs’ recent victories have not been as dominant as one might expect from a team of their caliber. In fact, he suggested that luck played a significant role in their success. For instance, during Week 13, the Chiefs narrowly escaped a loss against the Las Vegas Raiders, winning by just two points due to a botched snap on a potential game-winning field goal drive. The week prior, they edged out the struggling Carolina Panthers by a mere three points. Additionally, in November, they managed to defeat the Denver Broncos by only two points after a blocked field goal attempt.
Johnson’s perspective raises an intriguing question: Are the Chiefs truly as invincible as their record suggests? He believes that the outcomes of those close games could have easily swung the other way, hinting at a vulnerability that might be exposed in the playoffs.
As if in response to Johnson’s comments, the Chiefs showcased their potential by securing their highest point differential of the season in Week 15, defeating the Cleveland Browns 21-7. However, the victory came at a cost: star quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a mild high-ankle sprain during the game. The injury occurred in the second half after he was hit by multiple defenders while attempting to throw an incomplete pass.
With Mahomes sidelined, Carson Wentz stepped in to finish the game. Wentz is now expected to start against the Houston Texans on Saturday, as Mahomes’ injury is deemed week-to-week. This development adds another layer of uncertainty to the Chiefs’ playoff outlook, especially considering that Mahomes is a three-time MVP and a crucial part of their success.
The Chiefs have a remarkable home playoff record, having lost only two home playoff games since 2019. Both defeats were in the AFC Championship, one against the Cincinnati Bengals and the other against the New England Patriots, both in the same year. This statistic underscores the advantage they typically enjoy at Arrowhead Stadium, where the atmosphere can be electric and intimidating for visiting teams.
As the playoffs approach, the Chiefs will need to navigate the challenges that come with injuries and the pressure of postseason play. Johnson’s prediction may have raised eyebrows, but it also serves as a reminder that anything can happen in the NFL playoffs. Will the Chiefs rise to the occasion, or will they fall short of expectations?
In the world of the NFL, surprises are always around the corner, and every game can change the narrative. As fans gear up for the playoffs, all eyes will be on Kansas City to see if they can silence the doubters and prove that they are indeed a team to be reckoned with. The drama of the NFL never fails to deliver, and this season is shaping up to be no different.
With the playoffs looming, the excitement is palpable. Will the Chiefs, led by a resilient team and a talented quarterback, overcome the odds and make a deep playoff run? Or will Jimmy Johnson’s bold prediction come to fruition? One thing is for sure: the NFL playoffs are going to be thrilling, and every game will matter.
