Patrick Mahomes’ Kansas City Chiefs have performed like the most dangerous team in the NFL after decimating the Washington Commanders 28-7 at home. After a poor start, where the Chiefs suffered three defeats in five games, Mahomes and Co. have dominated every team in their path. But during their commanding performance, Kansas had two major injury concerns, which could have a significant impact on their season.

Speaking after the win over Washington, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid revealed RB Isiah Pacheco and LB Nick Bolton suffered knee injuries. As per recent developments, Kansas City could face a major injury concern with Pacheco. According to NFL injury expert Jesse Morse, the 26-year-old running back has suffered an MCL sprain in his right knee. Pop has been one of the most important players for Reid and the Chiefs. Hence, his absence can have major implications for the remainder of the season.

The report further revealed that the 26-year-old running back’s MCL sprain could keep him out for one to four weeks. As the Chiefs gear up for a trip to Highmark Stadium to take on the Buffalo Bills, Patrick Mahomes could be short-handed. Pacheco has performed like the perfect shield for Showtime, as he leads the Chiefs in rushing attempts and rushing yards (78 attempts for 329 yards).

Further, Isiah Pacheco has perfectly executed his role of making violent yet efficient runs to ensure defenses don’t smother the Kansas passing game. But with the inconsistency among the Chiefs’ receivers throughout the season, with Xavier Worthy (shoulder injury) and Rashee Rice (suspension) missing time earlier, Pacheco’s absence could also hold back Kansas City. Now, the Chiefs will have to rely on their depth and need veteran RB Kareem Hunt, with rookie Brashad Smith, to step up.

Hunt showcased his worth in the RB1 role last season when Isiah Pacheco was out because of a fractured fibula. Similarly, Smith will also need to shoulder major responsibility and perform when presented with a high-upside passing assignment. So, if the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Bills without Pacheco, it could very well be the toughest test for their offense this season.

Kansas City Chiefs’ elite defense carries title hopes, masking offensive inconsistency

Transitioning from offense to defense, the Kansas City Chiefs have been elite. With offensive inconsistencies causing a poor start, the Steve Spagnuolo-coached defense has kept Patrick Mahomes and Co. afloat. The Chiefs’ defense is ranked second in the NFL in points allowed (16.4 PPG) and 3rd in passing yards allowed (177.8), making it a championship-caliber unit.

Kansas City showcased its gritty defense against the Commanders by holding them to only 66 yards in the second half and a total of seven points for the entire game. One of the stars of this manic defensive effort was defensive lineman Mike Danna. The 27-year-old had three tackles, one interception, and one sack against Washington, gaining praise from head coach Andy Reid.

“I thought he did a great job,” said Reid after the victory, “That was a big play there. So one of those turnovers when they were driving the field, he comes in, he made it look easy, but that’s not an easy thing to do. And then he had a little YAC (Yards After Catch) after it. So he did pretty good.”

Despite an injury-hit offense, the Kansas City Chiefs remain one of the favorites to win it all in February. Hence, their upcoming clash against the Buffalo Bills promises to be a blockbuster battle.