Must See TV: Chiefs have two weeks to get it together

Dec. 27—Let's just call it what it is. We're heading into Week 17 and there's no need to sugarcoat it anymore.

The Kansas City Chiefs just aren't very good. End of story. This team has struggled for most of the year and is no longer winning the tight games that were going their way in the early parts of the 2023-24 season.

This offense just isn't the same as we've grown accustomed to seeing with Patrick Mahomes behind center.

While the defense has given them a chance to win any game, the offense hasn't been winning in the second half of the season.

There's no need to blame it all on the wide receivers, either. It takes all parts to win and it takes all parts to own up to the mistakes. Mahomes hasn't been his best this season and as a whole, the offense just isn't the same.

Heck, Kansas City is lucky it's going to win the AFC West still. If any other team in the division was slightly above average, KC would be missing the playoffs altogether. Had Denver not blown a perfect opportunity on Sunday night to get above .500 for the first time all year, it would be in a prime spot to contend for the division.

The Broncos' loss to the New England Patriots practically ended that chance. The Las Vegas Raiders aren't in any better of a spot with both teams having a 7-8 record.

So, the Chiefs are practically a lock to win the West. What that means is they better get their act together in these last two games. The offense better get into a good rhythm before the playoffs come or this team will be going home in the first round.

Week 17 predictions ahead:

THURSDAY

New York Jets (6-9) vs. Cleveland Browns (10-5): Joe Flacco came out of nowhere and has now won three games for the Browns. I'm shocked, too. Get ready for a fourth one. BROWNS 20-16.

SATURDAY

Detroit Lions (11-4) vs. Dallas Cowboys (10-5): Dallas' offense was absent last week. It should be back on Saturday since it's back home. Cowboys move to 8-0 in Texas. COWBOYS 33-27.

SUNDAY

Miami Dolphins (11-4) vs. Baltimore Ravens (12-3): Well, the Dolphins finally won a game against a good team. They can't win this one, though. Baltimore's defense and Lamar Jackson are rolling. RAVENS 31-20. Patriots (4-11) vs. Buffalo Bills (9-6): I predicted the Bills to win out back when they were 6-6. Only two more left for me to be right. BILLS 38-13. Atlanta Falcons (7-8) vs. Chicago Bears (6-9): The Falcons got a quality win over the Indianapolis Colts last week. They'll spoil a shot at their division by dropping this one. BEARS 34-30. Raiders (7-8) vs. Colts (8-7): The Colts will get a much-needed win over Vegas here. They will keep their playoff hopes alive in Lucas Oil Stadium. COLTS 27-20. Carolina Panthers (2-13) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-7): The Jags are on the struggle bus. No better time to welcome the Panthers down to Florida. No upset here. JAGUARS 30-17. Tennessee Titans (5-10) vs. Houston Texans (8-7): Last week was ugly for Houston. If it can get a little healthier, this will be a good opportunity to stay in the postseason hunt. TEXANS 23-20. Los Angeles Rams (8-7) vs. New York Giants (5-10): The Giants aren't very competitive at this point.

The Rams just earned a huge win last Thursday over the New Orleans Saints. RAMS 32-15. Arizona Cardinals (3-12) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (11-4): Eagles roll at home. No need for any upset alert. EAGLES 35-21. Saints (7-8) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7): This is a tough one. Definitely a game to watch as the NFC South is up for grabs. Anything could happen here. New Orleans steals one from Tampa. SAINTS 24-23.

San Francisco 49ers (11-4) vs. Washington Commanders (4-11): The Commanders could just not show up to this one and make everyone's day a little easier. 49ERS 41-10. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-7) vs. Seattle Seahawks (8-7): The Seahawks barely escaped the Titans last week. That performance won't cut it against the Steelers' defense. STEELERS 18-16. Cincinnati Bengals (8-7) vs. Chiefs (9-6): The struggles continue for the Chiefs. Jake Browning and the Bengals go into Arrowhead Stadium and earn a key victory for their playoff chances. BENGALS 27-24 Los Angeles Chargers (5-10) vs. Broncos (7-8): Denver will have Jarrett Stidham at quarterback.

The Chargers are playing horribly and don't have Justin Herbert. Game of backup quarterbacks. BRONCOS 23-20.

Green Bay Packers (7-8) vs. Minnesota Vikings (7-8): Green Bay squeaked out a win over Carolina last week.

The Vikings won't surrender so much offense though. VIKINGS 28-23.

RECORDS

Overall: 141-99; Last week: 5-11; Upset alert: 4-12.