It was a golden opportunity for the Kansas City Chiefs to put a stamp on the AFC West and secure a playoff spot. But that is not how their Christmas Day game against the Las Vegas Raiders turned out to be. A defeat is hard to swallow for anybody, but especially harder for a player of Patrick Mahomes’ caliber!

The Chiefs lost the game 14-20 at their home in Arrowhead Stadium, against their longtime bitter divisional rivals. Understanding the delicate situation their team is in, QB Mahomes got brutally honest at the post-match press conference.

Patrick Mahomes understands the need of the hour

The Chiefs were ready to sweep the series against the Raiders, but it was the Raiders who got their revenge. And as the regular season finishes in just two weeks, the star QB rings out the warning bells. “Clean it up, I mean that’s with two games left you have to do it and if we don’t we’ll be going home”, said Mahomes.

It was a tough game for the entire offensive unit of the Chiefs. And Mahomes was marshaled brilliantly by the Raiders’ backline throughout the game. The 29-year-old managed to score only 1 TD while also getting intercepted once. Despite that the QB also had positive things to say.

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“If we clean it up, we can beat anybody I truly believe that”, said Mahomes about the Chiefs’ squad. Hopefully his words will inspire confidence within the squad. As the Chiefs will need that for the next two games and possibly beyond.

The Chiefs want another playoff ride

Though their playoff chances haven’t dwindled much, even after the loss, the Chiefs can’t afford to make it a habit. They sit at the 3rd place to qualify with a 96% probability, down from 99% before the game. Patrick Mahomes and Co. are still in prime position to clinch the AFC West division.

However, if the Chiefs do end up losing their next against the Cincinnati Bengals, that playoff road will get far tougher for them and they will have to depend on favorable results elsewhere. But for the defending champions, making it through the playoffs is just not enough. They want it all, once again.

Do you think Patrick Mahomes can guide his team to a playoff run? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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