As in every year it seems, there is an incredible amount of parity in the National Football League. The 2017-18 season is turning out to be no different.
The Kansas City Chiefs and veteran quarterback Alex Smith were off to what seemed like an imposing 5-0 start. Many were picking the Chiefs, led by their signal-caller, to be a shoo-in for a Super Bowl appearance.
Fast forward two months into the season and the Chiefs are 6-3. Smith, a Bonita Vista Middle School/Helix High alumnus, continues to have perhaps the best year in his 13-year career. But he has proven to be not exactly invincible, as have the Chiefs.
Kansas City tumbled to its third loss in four games after being beaten by the host Dallas Cowboys, 28-17, in last Sunday’s high profile matchup. The Chiefs surrendered two second-half touchdowns to squander a 17-14 lead.
Smith completed 25 of 34 passing attempts for 263 yards with two touchdowns and one interception (his first pick of the season, coming in Week 9) in the Nov. 5 game. However, the Cowboys (5-3) grounded KC rushing attack, stopping rookie star Kareem Hunt almost dead in his tracks. Hunt rushed nine times for just 37 yards.
Dallas second-year quarterback Dak Prescott threw form 249 yards with two touchdowns while sophomore running back Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 93 yards and one touchdown. Prescott also rushed for one score.
The Chiefs still lead the AFC West, though their lead has been reduced to two games after the Oakland Raiders topped the host Miami Dolphins, 27-24, in a national Sunday Night Football telecast.
The Chiefs next play at the New York Giants (1-7) on Nov. 19 before hosting the Buffalo Bills (5-3) on Nov. 26.
Smith has thrown for 2,444 yards with 18 touchdowns and one interception on the season to go with a 113.9 quarterback efficiency rating.
Oakland has one game left against Kansas City — that on Dec. 10. The Raiders are 1-0 against the Chiefs so far this season.
The Baltimore Ravens dropped to 4-5 on the season following their 23-20 loss at the Tennessee Titans last Sunday. Eastlake High School alumnus Tony Jefferson had three tackles and two assists in the loss.
Jefferson has 43 tackles to his credit this season, including two sacks.
The Chicago Bears (3-5) host the Green Bay Packers (4-4) on Sunday, Nov. 10. It’s chance for head coach John Fox (Castle Park High School/Southwestern College alumnus) to get back in the NFC North race.
Midway through the season, the Philadelphia Eagles continue to boast the NFL’s top record at 8-1. The Los Angeles Rams (NFC West), New Orleans Saints (NFC South) and Minnesota Vikings (NFC North) are all 6-2.
The New England Patriots (AFC East) and Pittsburgh Steelers (AFC North) both boast 6-2 records while the Titans (5-3) lead the AFC South standings.
Each of the division leaders qualify for the NFL playoffs.
