Chiefs beat Browns. Three takeaways.

The Kansas City Chiefs improved to 13-1 on Sunday, but let’s be real: it wasn't exactly a flawless performance. While the defense absolutely went off, forcing five turnovers and keeping the opposing offense in check, the offense looked about as sharp as a butter knife in a steakhouse. Still, a win is a win, and the Chiefs are inching closer to securing the top spot in the AFC playoffs. Here's a look at three key takeaways from this Sunday's game:

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Patrick Mahomes injured with week to week ankle sprain.

Yep, this is the main takeaway from Sunday, unfortunately folks. Halfway through the fourth quarter, on a failed fourth-down try, Patrick Mahomes got tangled up and was hit awkwardly on his ankles. It looked pretty nasty, but early reports suggest it shouldn’t be too serious. Realistically, if Mahomes can get back to full strength for the playoffs, the Chiefs should be fine.

The real concern, though, is whether the Chiefs can still secure the No. 1 seed if Mahomes has to miss a game or two. The Chiefs have three games left: they host the Texans in five days, then head to Pittsburgh on Christmas Day. Both games will be crucial for playoff positioning, as Kansas City needs to win two of their last three to clinch the top spot. The problem? Houston, Pittsburgh, and Denver are all playoff-bound if the season ended today, meaning it’s a tall ask for backup Carson Wentz to get it done if Mahomes can’t go.

The most likely scenario, as I write this Sunday night, is that Mahomes sits out against the Texans and returns for the critical games against Pittsburgh and Denver. The best-case scenario is that the Chiefs win both and take two weeks off before the Divisional round. But it might come down to Wentz to help make that happen.

Defense Wins Championships—And Games, Too.

Now that the depressing segment is out of the way... Let's forget Patrick Mahomes and the offense for a second, the defense was the real MVP on Sunday. Five forced turnovers? That’s not just good football—it’s playoff-caliber football. The defensive line was relentless, the secondary was opportunistic, and the linebackers were all over the field.

When the offense is sputtering like an old car on a cold morning, it’s the defense that steps up to put the team in a position to win. Sure, the Browns and Jameis Winston didn’t exactly make it difficult, but forcing five turnovers? That’s the kind of game-changing dominance that makes you feel confident going into January football.

And let's also take a moment to give a special shoutout Trent McDuffie who got his first career NFL interception on Sunday, as predicted by Arrowhead Arena!

If the Chiefs can replicate this level of defensive intensity (and minimize those maddening lapses in coverage), they’ll be tough to beat come playoff time. Maybe the offense can catch up, but for now, this win was all about the defense, and God knows this unit will have some work to do over the next ten days, whether or not Mahomes can play.

Time for Change: Why the Chiefs Must Overhaul Their Offensive Staff This Offseason.

The Kansas City Chiefs' offense has been a shell of its former self in recent seasons, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that a change in the offensive staff might be necessary this offseason. Despite Andy Reid’s Hall of Fame career and status as one of the league’s best offensive minds, there’s a growing sense that his play-calling has become a bit too predictable and, at times, bland. The Chiefs’ offense, which once thrived on innovation and unpredictability, now often looks sluggish, as if it’s just trying to survive rather than dominate. While Reid’s resume is unquestionable, it feels like the spark that made his offense so dangerous has dimmed.

One of the biggest issues has been the lack of impact from offensive coordinator Matt Nagy. After his stint as head coach in Chicago, Nagy returned to Kansas City with a chance to prove himself as more than just a "reliever" for Reid. But so far, Nagy has shown little to suggest he’s anything more than a placeholder. There’s been no noticeable uptick in creativity or execution, and the offense has largely sputtered, especially when the team needs to find a spark.

The Chiefs have limped through games offensively for the last two seasons, and it’s become painfully evident in recent weeks. They still have the talent, but the fire seems to be missing. One thing the offense undeniably misses is the fiery presence of Eric Bieniemy, the former offensive coordinator. Bieniemy’s no-nonsense approach and willingness to call players out for lackluster play was a driving force for the Chiefs' offense during their most dynamic years. His passion and intensity were contagious, and they seemed to push players to perform at their best. Now, with Bieniemy gone, there’s a sense that the offense has lost its edge. It’s not just about play-calling; it’s about leadership, accountability, and making sure guys are fighting every play.

This isn’t to say Reid doesn’t have the pedigree to turn things around—he absolutely does. But the Chiefs have a real need for an injection of fresh energy, someone who can bring the offense back to life with creativity and a relentless desire to win. The upcoming offseason should be focused on retooling the offensive staff, bringing in new voices who can challenge the current structure and reignite the fire that once made this offense the most feared in the NFL.

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