A number of of the most important Tremendous Bowl contenders went down in NFL Week 9, however which of them needs to be frightened about their performances on Sunday? This feels like a job for the panic meter.
Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
Panic meter score: 2.5/10
If the playoffs began in the present day, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs could be on the surface wanting in. Kansas Metropolis is the No. 8 seed within the AFC and two full video games behind the Denver Broncos within the AFC West after dropping to the Buffalo Payments in Week 9, nevertheless it should not be frightened but. The Payments have taken down the Chiefs in 5 straight regular-season matchups, but Kansas Metropolis reached no less than the AFC Championship Sport after every of the final 4.
The Chiefs play the Broncos in Week 10. A win would put the reigning AFC champs proper again within the thick of the division race. In the event that they lose, the panic meter score will look so much completely different subsequent Monday.
Indianapolis Colts QB Daniel Jones
Panic meter score: 4/10
Jones was within the midst of a Baker Mayfield-esque resurgent 12 months for the Colts, however he got here crashing again right down to earth in Week 9. Within the 27-20 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jones threw three interceptions and misplaced two fumbles. The Colts coughed up six turnovers within the recreation after recording solely 4 of their first eight video games of the season.
It isn’t time to panic on Jones simply but. He is been an ideal match for Shane Steichen’s offense, and one dangerous Sunday does not change that. However Week 9 taught us the New York Giants model of Jones continues to be in there. Colts followers simply hope that model does not present up within the playoffs.
Inexperienced Bay Packers
Panic meter score: 5.5/10
The Packers are a tricky workforce to pin down. Inexperienced Bay has spectacular, decisive wins towards the Detroit Lions, Washington Commanders and Pittsburgh Steelers, however they’ve additionally dropped head-scratching video games to the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers. By way of eight video games, the Packers are a high-floor, low-ceiling workforce that may lose to anybody on any given Sunday.
To make issues worse, star tight finish Tucker Kraft suffered a torn ACL in Week 9, knocking him out for the season. Kraft is such an vital piece to this offense because of his potential to interrupt tackles and create explosive performs, so Inexperienced Bay will not have that factor for its playoff run.
Houston Texans
Panic meter score: 9/10
We nonetheless have hope for the Chiefs, Colts and Packers, however the panic alarm is blaring by the streets in downtown Houston. The Texans misplaced to the Broncos, 18-15, in Week 9 to drop to 3-5, placing them 3.5 video games behind the Colts within the AFC South. Subsequent week’s recreation towards the Jacksonville Jaguars is essential, and C.J. Stroud won’t have the ability to play after struggling a concussion in Week 9.
After video games towards the Jaguars and Tennessee Titans, the Texans have a gauntlet of a three-game stretch towards the Payments, Colts and Chiefs. At this level, it might be a miracle if Houston finishes 10-7 and makes the playoffs.
