:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48577191/usa-today-9045562.0.jpg)
The playoffs continue with the divisional round. The teams have gotten better, the stakes even higher and the light at the end of the tunnel is the Super Bowl. For the teams playing this weekend, these games will mean everything to them.
The first game up on the list is the Kansas City Chiefs facing off against the dreaded New England Patriots. The toughest test for the Chiefs as the Patriots have been there, done that several times already. Yet the Patriots won't have it easy themselves. Facing off against one of the best defenses in the league while hurt and still trying to get to their usual selves, this might not be a game where the victor can be figured out ahead of time.
#5 Kansas City Chiefs @ #2 New England Patriots
Where to Watch: 4:35 on CBS
Spread: Patriots by 5
Over/Under: 44
Background:
As usual, the Patriots have won the AFC East and have seized a home spot in the playoffs. They could've done better too, as injuries caused a 10-0 Patriots team to go 2-4 over the last six games, which cost them the #1 seed in the AFC. The Patriots passing attack is led by the prolific and efficient Tom Brady, who has thrown for 4,770 yards, 36 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions. Brady has had to work without Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola, but that should change tonight.
The Kansas City Chiefs are still rolling, as they got their 11th consecutive win last Saturday. That win came at a cost though, as wide receiver Jeremy Maclin will probably be unable to suit up against the Patriots, which takes a weapon away from a Kansas City team that wasn't exactly high-flying to begin with.
This is the 13th postseason appearance for Bill Belichick and Tom Brady and the 10th time they've hosted a game as the AFC's #1 or #2 seed. This will be the second time Bill Belichick and Andy Reid will face off in the postseason, the first time was Super Bowl XXXIX. This is the second time that Andy Reid will face Bill Belichick as the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs.