Chiefs vs. Titans: Kansas City Opens Post-Mahomes Era in Tennessee
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
For the first time in a decade, the Kansas City Chiefs are stepping into December football with no playoff stakes on the line. And for the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era, they’re doing it without No. 15 under center.
With Mahomes sidelined following surgery to repair torn ligaments in his left knee, Kansas City begins a three-game stretch to close out a season that has already seen its dynastic run come to a halt. The Chiefs, losers of three straight and five of their last six, are looking to avoid their first four-game losing streak since 2017.
Early Game Updates: A Tale of Missed Chances
The Titans opened the game with a promising drive, but the Chiefs’ defense came up big in short-yardage situations, stuffing Tennessee on both 3rd-and-1 and 4th-and-1. That gave Kansas City favorable field position early.
However, the Chiefs’ offense couldn’t capitalize. A holding penalty on their first possession pushed them into a 3rd-and-20 hole, stalling any early momentum.
Quarterback Spotlight: Minshew vs. Ward
All eyes are on Gardner Minshew, the veteran journeyman now tasked with leading the Chiefs’ offense in Mahomes’ absence. Minshew, who has 46 career starts under his belt, stepped in late last week and showed flashes-completing his first three passes-but ultimately threw a game-sealing interception in a 16-13 loss to the Chargers.
This week, he gets the full reins from the opening snap. Minshew’s experience gives Kansas City a steady hand, but with multiple starters out, he’ll need to be sharp, decisive, and efficient.
On the other sideline, Cam Ward continues his rookie campaign as Tennessee’s franchise quarterback. The No. 1 overall pick has already made history, starting a rookie-record 14 games for the Titans.
He’s coming off his cleanest performance yet-his first game without a sack-and tossed two touchdown passes last week. Still, Ward remains the most sacked quarterback in the league, a stat that highlights both his resilience and the Titans’ ongoing issues in pass protection.
Key Matchup: Chiefs Run Defense vs. Tony Pollard
If Tennessee is going to control the tempo, Tony Pollard will have to be the engine. The veteran back is coming off his two best rushing games of the season, and he’s inching closer to his first-ever three-game streak of 100-yard performances. Pollard’s blend of vision and burst has started to reemerge, and he’ll test a Chiefs run defense that ranks seventh in the NFL, allowing just 99.1 yards per game.
Kansas City’s front seven will need to be disciplined and physical at the point of attack. With the Titans looking to protect their rookie quarterback, expect a heavy dose of Pollard early and often.
Injury Report: Chiefs Banged Up Across the Board
The Chiefs are limping into this one-literally. Several key contributors are sidelined:
- WRs Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton are both out due to concussion protocol.
- The offensive line is depleted, with LT Jaylon Moore (knee) and RT Jawaan Taylor (triceps/elbow) unavailable.
- On defense, CB Trent McDuffie, LB Leo Chenal, DT Derrick Nnadi, CB Nazeeh Johnson, and TE Jake Briningstool are all out with various injuries.
It’s a tough stretch for a team already out of the playoff picture, and depth will be tested across the roster.
For the Titans, LB Cedric Gray-who led the team with 16 tackles last week-is out with a concussion. WR Van Jefferson (back) and TE Gunnar Helm (toe) are questionable. OLB Ali Gaye (knee) returned to practice this week and could be activated off IR.
Historical Context: Old Rivals, New Stakes
This matchup features two of the original AFL franchises, dating back to their first meeting in 1960 when the Chiefs were still the Dallas Texans. Kansas City has won two of the last three against Tennessee, including a 35-24 victory in the 2020 AFC Championship Game. But the Titans have had their moments too-most notably a wild-card win over the Chiefs in January 2018, just before Mahomes took over as starter.
Streaks, Stats, and Milestones
- The Chiefs’ playoff elimination ends a run that included nine straight AFC West titles, seven consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances, and three straight Super Bowl trips.
- Kansas City is 1-5 on the road this year and hasn’t dropped four straight since 2017.
- Travis Kelce needs just 52 receiving yards to hit 13,000 for his career. He’s caught a pass in 188 straight games-the longest active streak in the NFL.
- Chris Jones is 1.5 sacks away from passing Neil Smith for third-most in franchise history (85.5).
- The Titans are still searching for their first home win of the season and are currently riding an 11-game losing streak-matching their longest since relocating to Tennessee in 1997.
- Cam Ward leads all rookies with 2,638 passing yards and ranks second with 11 touchdown passes.
- Jeffery Simmons had a monster game last week: seven tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, and a forced fumble.
- Tony Pollard racked up 112 yards from scrimmage last week, while Tyjae Spears chipped in 34 rushing yards.
- Rookie TE Gunnar Helm has been a consistent target at home, with at least six catches in each of his last two games in Nashville.
What’s at Stake
There may be no playoff implications, but this game still matters. For the Chiefs, it’s about evaluating depth, salvaging pride, and avoiding a late-season spiral. For the Titans, it’s a chance to build around their young quarterback and finally give their fans something to cheer about at home.
Two proud franchises. Two quarterbacks with something to prove. And plenty of storylines still unfolding-even without the postseason on the horizon.