The Denver Broncos may be preparing for their biggest test of the season, but according to Stephen A. Smith, it’s the Patrick Mahomes-led Kansas City Chiefs who are officially in panic mode entering Week 11. When asked on ESPN who needs Sunday’s matchup more, Smith didn’t hesitate:
“It’s definitely Kansas City. You lose this game, you’re three games out… you don’t have a chance of winning the AFC West.”
Smith points out the Chiefs’ inconsistency, stressing their 5–4 record and ongoing offensive struggles despite having “all their horses back,” including Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce. He said that Denver’s dominant defense, which boasts a +35 sack differential, the largest through 10 games in NFL history, will pose the exact kind of pressure Mahomes has struggled with in the past.
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Currently, the Chiefs sit third in the AFC West. They are two games behind Denver and one behind the Chargers. This has put their nine-year division title streak in jeopardy. Mahomes understands the stakes, calling winning the division the team’s “first goal” every season.
However, with Kansas City’s cushion gone and Denver riding momentum, Smith says the urgency is squarely on the Chiefs: “They got to win this game.”
Also read: Patrick Mahomes’ wife Brittany Mahomes takes on major leadership role with latest career move
Patrick Mahomes steers away from sports gambling question
With the 5–4 Chiefs preparing for a crucial divisional matchup against the Broncos, Patrick Mahomes found himself fielding questions about more than football during Wednesday’s press conference. Instead of discussing Denver’s defense or bouncing back from the Week 9 loss to Buffalo, Mahomes was pressed about the gambling scandals sweeping across pro sports.
Between NBA guard Terry Rozier being placed on immediate leave amid a federal betting investigation and MLB pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz being indicted for allegedly rigging wagers, Mahomes was asked how much it’s been on his mind. Mahomes immediately backed away from the subject.
“I just stay away… I don’t want to put myself in that position,” he said.
The Chiefs quarterback also said that the NFL and NFLPA regularly remind players about strict gambling rules. He added that fans being financially invested can create uncomfortable dynamics:
“Sometimes they get really attached… because they have money on the line.”
The three-time Super Bowl champ urged fans not to gamble beyond their means and stressed that players must “focus on the sport that you love” to avoid distractions.
Edited by Prasen
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