A win by the Seahawks in tonight’s game may not be mandatory, but it would be really nice. It may be just a bit easier now, thanks to the Baltimore Ravens.
A Seahawks win next week will guarantee a spot in the playoffs. In that respect, Seattle doesn’t need to beat the Chiefs. But a 10-6 team that wins its last two games is more impressive than one that loses two of its last three. And winning both would lock up the fifth seed. In the spirit of giving, the Baltimore Ravens just made a ten win season for the Hawks slightly more likely.
No, the Ravens didn’t kidnap Patrick Mahomes – although that would be a great re-enactment of The Ransom of Red Chief, wouldn’t it? They did the next best thing, though. They stomped all over the Los Angeles Chargers, 22-10. As Travis Wakeman wrote for our friends at Bolt Beat, the Chargers chances of winning the AFC West took a catastrophic hit with that loss. The flip side is that the Chiefs chances of capturing the division got a huge boost.
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Now all Kansas City has to do to win their division is win one of their last two games. Their season finale is a home game versus the woeful Oakland Raiders. You know the Chiefs will be more amped to crush the souls of their mortal enemies at home.
Beating a tough Seahawks team on the road? That doesn’t sound nearly as fun.I know they aren’t thinking that way, but it was a pleasant fantasy while it lasted. But the Chiefs don’t need this game nearly as much as they did before last night.
I’m not suggesting they’ll give less than their best effort, or rest Mahomes. A brief aside to Andy Reid: Pat looks a little tired, don’t you think? You really should rest him so he’s in tip-top shape for the Raiders. At least think about it, coach.
Yeah, that won’t happen. But subconsciously, Kansas City may take their foot off the gas just a bit. Maybe Russell Wilson gets an extra tenth of a second to make that throw to Tyler Lockett streaking past his defender. For the Seahawks to win, Wilson has to be on target. And maybe he’ll get that extra sliver of time from a team that isn’t quite as anxious about this game as they were last night.
As Lee wrote, some classic CenturyLink Field noise from the 12s would certainly help the cause of the Seahawks. A more relaxed Chiefs team may play even better; who knows? Regardless, we offer our heartfelt thanks to the Baltimore Ravens for their kind and thoughtful gift.