The Jaguars loss screwed the Chiefs. Now, instead of the Jets having to play a meaningful game next week against Buffalo, they'll be able to rest their starters knowing that they will finish no better or no worse than 6th in the AFC. The Jets can start preparing for a road game in either Kansas City or Indianapolis.
The Chiefs are now in an interesting predicament: Do you play your starters and try to secure a #3 seed and play the Jets, or do you rest your starters, risk losing the #3 seed, and then perhaps play the Ravens? By playing your starters and preparing to beat the Raiders, you are not only risking injury to a key player but you are also setting up the Jets or Ravens (who also might have no reason to play their starters) with a bye week situation. The Jets or Ravens could spend a week preparing for the Chiefs or Colts while the Chiefs would be spending their time on Raiders prep.
Part of me wants the Chiefs to go for the three seed, risk injury and then let the cards fall as they may. But at the same time, I'd be furious if Cassel got hurt unnecessarily and then the Chiefs had no shot in the playoff opener. The Chiefs have earned the week off by clinching early, and it's a benefit they strongly have to consider taking advantage of.
But that's for tomorrow. Today, we celebrate.
