Chiefs LB Nick Bolton on goals list to be the AFC’s top seed: ‘Check them off’

Kansas City #Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton on goals list to be the AFC’s top seed: ‘Check them off’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs defense has earned a reputation for takeaways with their performances against the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans. Nick Bolton spoke with reporters on Monday about the goals his defensive unit set at the start of the season, which included the top record in the conference.

“I think as the year starts off, come out with five or six goals, man, you kind of just check them off as you go down the year, and for defense, that’s one of them,” said Bolton. “So yeah, we kind of getting down into that list. We are at about a four or five heading to the playoffs. We want to do on defense, and honestly, that’s one of them.”

Bolton has played his best football over the last few weeks, with interceptions, fumble recoveries, and sacks to his credit. He and his teammates watched some of Sunday’s game between the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots, which could’ve determined the Chiefs’ top-seed fate before they hit the field on Christmas Day.

“Yeah, I think back after that game, man, we were all watching, I think, in the first quarter or so, but then we were meeting all afternoon so that I would miss out on the back half of the end, and Buffalo kind of took control,” said Bolton. “So, honestly, I want to go in and know this week as a mindset, regardless of what happened that last game, and go get this win.”

The Bills are mathematically still alive in pursuit of the top seed. Still, a Chiefs victory on Wednesday against the Pittsburgh Steelers will officially seal the first-round bye and home-field advantage.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes discusses playing on Christmas Day: ‘It’s an honor’

Kansas City #Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes discusses playing on Christmas Day: ‘It’s an honor’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes addressed playing on Christmas Day for the second consecutive year during Monday’s press conference.

“I think with the short week and how this kind of worked out, I didn’t. You don’t even realize how close you are to Christmas other than when you go home and there are presents under the tree,” said Mahomes. “So, we’re all hands on deck, super focused on Pittsburgh, and understanding how great a challenge it will be. Then, get on the flight and fly in there. So I feel like a regular game, and hopefully, you can go out there and get a win. You can come home and have a few extra days to celebrate Christmas with the family if that’s going home or in Kansas City.”

The Chiefs and each team that played on Saturday will star on Netflix’s debut NFL coverage on Christmas Day as part of the ‘NFL Holiday Remix.’ Mahomes described his mindset after learning that he would play again on Christmas Day.

“It was definitely exciting until I realized it was on Wednesday. “said Mahomes. “I think it is really cool playing the first Netflix game on Christmas Day in front of the whole nation. It’s an honor, so we’ll go out there trying to do what we can not to have the same experience we had last Christmas. But as I said, it’s a great football team, and I’ll be a great challenge.”

The Chiefs were beaten last year at home against the Las Vegas Raiders, marking their previous loss of the year on the way to winning Super Bowl LVIII.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid on quick gameplan for Week 17 vs. Steelers: ‘Coaches did a good job’

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid on quick gameplan for Week 17 vs. Pittsburgh #Steelers: ‘Coaches did a good job’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spoke with reporters on Monday before the Christmas Day showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He revealed the immediate plans to accommodate the rapid turnaround between games.

“Yeah. I mean, that’s part of what you have to do,” said Reid. “The coaches did a good job of spending some time before our game on Saturday looking at them, so we had a little bit of a jump start when we came back here to take a peek at him.”

After Saturday’s victory over the Houston Texans, the Chiefs travel to face the postseason-bound Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day.

“His (Mike Tomlin) teams are tough,” said Reid. “They’re well-coached, and they’re going to play hard every snap. They’re going to give you an honest down every snap, so you’ve got to come in ready to go.”

The Steeler’s defense showcases an intense pass rush led by Pro Bowler T.J. Watt and again puts the spotlight on the Chiefs’ offensive line, according to Reid, in their protection of Patrick Mahomes.

“Yeah, I tell you, similar to the other groups. I mean, they do a nice job of rushing the passer, all of them,” said Reid. “So it’s not just the outside guys; it’s those inside guys, too. The offensive line’s got another big challenge. I thought they fared pretty good last week. Did a nice job for the most part. They have to do it again. But that’s all part of this. They know that they take that responsibility seriously and prepare themselves the right way.”

Reid didn’t commit to a starting offensive line plan for Wednesday but did confirm that D.J. Humphries is still not practicing due to his hamstring injury.

Previewing Chiefs’ Week 17 game vs. Steelers on Chiefs Wire Podcast

On the latest episode of @TheChiefsWire podcast: @EdEastonJr’s chats w/ Chris Maxey, Hunter King and Tyler Hynes #KCvsPIT

We’re back with an all-new episode of the Chiefs Wire podcast! This week, we’re previewing the Kansas City Chiefs Week 17 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Senior Writer Ed Easton Jr. spoke to actors Hunter King and Tyler Hynes, the stars of a new Hallmark movie called ‘Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.’ King and Hynes explained the film’s romantic Christmas story and talked about the inspiration they gained from the franchise and Chiefs Kingdom while developing their on-screen characters.

We check in with this past week’s press conferences, which featured comments from tight end Noah Gray and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins about the unusual schedule of three games in ten days. Lastly, Easton Jr. spoke to Xavier Worthy’s high school coach, Chris Maxey, about his special gift from the Chiefs rookie before last April’s NFL Draft and his humble beginnings.

The latest episode of the Chiefs Wire Podcast will inform listeners about all developments in the team’s mindset ahead of their matchup against the Steelers on a short holiday turnaround in Week 17. We also learn more from King and Hynes filming with multiple current and former Chiefs players, Donna Kelce’s performance, and the movie’s potential superstitious impact on the matchup with the Steelers. At the same time, Maxey discusses the importance of Worthy’s jersey number, his influence on the future, and how his humble personality fits in with the Kansas City community.

Check out the link below to get your fill of Chiefs talk ahead of Wednesday’s Christmas Day kickoff:

NFL playoff picture: Where the Chargers stand after Week 16

Find out how the win over the Broncos affected the Chargers’ chances of making the playoffs and their current seeding.

The Chargers beat the Broncos last Sunday. They improved to 9-6, as did their chances of making the playoffs.

According to NFL.com, Los Angeles has a 95% chance of making the playoffs. With the Bolts’ win, they bumped back to the sixth seed, and the Broncos moved down into the seventh seed.

The Chargers can clinch a spot in the playoffs with a win over the Patriots next Sunday.

Here’s a look at the division standings after Week 16:

1. Chiefs (14-1) *clinched division*

2. Chargers (9-6)

3. Broncos (9-6)

4. Raiders (3-12)

And a look at the playoff picture:

*There are (7) available Playoff spots

1. Chiefs (14-1)

2. Bills (12-3)

3. Steelers (10-5)

4. Texans (9-6)

5. Ravens (10-5)

6. Chargers (9-6)

7. Broncos (9-6)


8. Colts (7-8)

9. Dolphins (7-8)

10. Bengals (7-8)

AFC playoff matchups if the season ended today:

  • No. 2 Bills vs. No. 7 Broncos
  • No. 3 Steelers vs. No. 6 Chargers
  • No. 4 Texans vs. No. 5 Ravens

Chargers pegged as potential landing spot for recently-waived wide receiver

The Chargers would be wise to upgrade their wide receiver room ahead of the playoffs.

Update: Diontae Johnson was claimed by the Texans.

The Chargers should look to improve their roster in any way they can ahead of the playoffs, and one positional room they could look to do so is at wide receiver.

According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Los Angeles is someone to watch for WR Diontae Johnson, who was waived by the Ravens this past week.

Rapoport also cited the Chiefs and the Steelers as the two other potential landing spots for the wideout.

The Chargers are the highest of the three teams mentioned by waiver order. L.A. is No. 21 in waiver priority, followed by Pittsburgh at No. 25 and Kansas City at No. 32.

Johnson, a third-round draft pick in 2019 by the Steelers, has amassed 422 catches for 4,726 yards and 28 touchdowns for Pittsburgh, the Panthers and Baltimore.

Johnson’s most productive season came back in 2021 when he totaled 107 catches for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns.

Johnson would provide the Chargers’ wide receiver room with a playmaker with refined route-running skills who can create after the catch.

Ladd McConkey leads the group in receiving with 960 yards, and there is a big gap, with Joshua Palmer next with 543 yards, followed by Quentin Johnston with 477 yards.

Johnson can be claimed by a team starting Monday at 1 p.m. PT. Also, he has a minimum salary, so he is effectively a no-cost option for the Chargers if they choose to add him.

Week 16 Rooting Guide: Best outcomes as Ravens eye a top four seed

We’re looking at the Week 16 rooting guide for Baltimore fans as the Ravens look to move up into the top four seeds

The Ravens (9-5) are second in the AFC North and all but guaranteed to make the playoffs regardless of what happens in Week 16. Still, a loss to the Steelers and a Houston Win over Kansas City could send Baltimore sliding to the sixth seed, with a matchup against the Texans looming in Week 17.

Overall, a bad two weeks for Baltimore could put John Harbaugh’s team down as far as the seventh seed and on a collision course with Buffalo in the wild-card round.

There are ways back to the No. 3 or four seed, and that starts with a win over Pittsburgh on Sunday and some help down the stretch.

With Thursday night football quickly approaching, we’re looking at the Week 16 rooting guide for Ravens fans.

Amazon Prime Broncos (9-5) vs. Chargers (8-6)

Both teams are all but guaranteed to make the postseason and could face the Bills or Steelers in the wild-card round. We’re rooting for a Chargers upset, which would lock Baltimore into the fifth spot and put it on a collision course with Houston.

Root for Chargers

NBC, TELEMUNDO, UNIVERSO Texans (9-5) vs. Chiefs (13-1)

Houston would have to fall off the cliff and lose three straight for Indianapolis to take that No. 4 seed as the AFC North winner. Baltimore matches up well with the Texans and the Colts, so a Kansas City win is a positive.

Root for Chiefs

CBS Browns (3-11) vs. Bengals (6-8)

The Bengals (7%) currently have the lowest odds of any team still eligible for the playoffs, but this explosive offense could make noise in the postseason.

Root for Browns

CBS Patriots (3-11) vs. Bills (12-2)

Defeating the Steelers and eventually gaining control of the AFC North could put the Ravens as high as the No. 3 seed. A loss or two by the surging Bills could get Baltimore to as high as the No. 2 seed if they can win out.

Root for New England

Chiefs will wear a festive uniform patch for the NFL Holiday Remix games

Kansas City #Chiefs will wear a festive uniform patch for the NFL Holiday Remix games | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs are part of a new tradition of having teams play on Christmas Day. The Saturday before, they will receive their unique uniform patch.

To celebrate the occasion, the four competing teams in the NFL Holiday Remix—the Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs, and Pittsburgh Steelers—will wear a festive, holiday-inspired uniform patch during their games on Saturday, Dec. 21, and again on Christmas Day. The patch features the NFL shield backed by two candy canes.

“The NFL on Christmas has become a holiday staple with families coming together to celebrate and watch NFL games,” said Tim Ellis, NFL executive vice president of marketing. “This year, we look forward to the start of a new holiday tradition with Netflix, which will be seen around the world. These holiday-inspired uniform patches are a great touch to mark this special occasion.”

The Chiefs’ matchup with the Steelers on Wednesday begins the first of a three-season partnership with Netflix to broadcast NFL games on Christmas Day. Play-by-play announcer Ian Eagle, analysts Nate Burleson and JJ Watt, and sideline reporters Melanie Collins and Stacey Dales will be on the call.

NFL playoff picture: What are Chargers’ chances of making postseason after loss to Buccaneers?

Find out how the loss to the Buccaneers affected the Chargers’ chances of playing beyond the regular season.

The Chargers lost to the Buccaneers on Sunday. They fell to 8-6, as did their percentage of making the playoffs.

According to NFL.com, Los Angeles has an 88% chance of making the playoffs. With the Bolts’ loss, they dropped to the seventh seed, and the Broncos moved into the sixth seed.

Here’s a look at the division standings entering Week 16:

1. Chiefs (13-1) *clinched division*

2. Broncos (9-5)

3. Chargers (8-6)

4. Raiders (2-11)

And a look at the playoff picture:

*There are (7) available Playoff spots

1. Chiefs (13-1)

2. Bills (11-3)

3. Steelers (10-4)

4. Texans (9-5)

5. Ravens (9-5)

6. Broncos (9-5)

7. Chargers (8-6)


8. Colts (6-8)

9. Dolphins (6-8)

10. Bengals (6-8)

AFC playoff matchups if the season ended today:

  • No. 2 Bills vs. No. 7 Chargers
  • No. 3 Steelers vs. No. 6 Broncos
  • No. 4 Texans vs. No. 5 Ravens

Week 15: Should you drop George Pickens in fantasy football?

Fantasy football managers may need to decide whether to keep George Pickens on their roster as he may miss the entirety of their playoffs.

For the lucky few fantasy football fanatics who have made it into the playoffs, congratulations are in order! However, if Steelers WR George Pickens is on your roster, things may be looking grim.

While league settings may vary, the majority of fantasy football leagues will be playing their playoffs between Weeks 15 and 17—the weeks Pickens might miss, according to one Steelers insider.

It is unlikely Pickens will end up on IR, forcing fantasy managers to decide if the Steelers WR is worth keeping around ultimately. His absence from Week 15 is all but confirmed, and insiders seem to agree that Pickens may not be able to recover from his hamstring injury in time for Weeks 16 and 17.

If Pickens is on your roster, it is important to consider when, if at all, he will return to action in the regular season. Can your roster sustain having the Pittsburgh Steelers WR taking up a spot on the bench, or will you ultimately need to let him go in favor of some other potential breakout Steelers players, like WR Mike Williams, WR Calvin Austin III, or TE Pat Freiermuth?

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