Chargers playoff chances increase, Chiefs Alex Smith Ruled out

 

Credit: AP Denia Poroy

Credit: AP Denia Poroy

Earlier today Kansas City Chiefs starting Quarterback Alex Smith was diagnosed with a lacerated spleen.  Smith apparently suffered the injury sometime last week during the Chiefs-Steelers game.  Although Smith suffered the injury, he still ended up finishing the game and practiced two days this week.  After being reevaluated, Smith is now ruled out for Sundays’ game against the San Diego Chargers in a game that has serious playoff implications.  Chiefs trainer Rick Burkholder clarified that Smith will not need surgery but a lacerated spleen injury usually takes about 6 weeks to heal.

The San Diego Chargers, currently at 9-6 and coming off an overtime win against the 49ers, will clinch a playoff berth with a win against the Chiefs.  As for the Chiefs, they sit at 8-7 and would need a win as well as the Baltimore Ravens to lose and the Houston Texans lose or tie.  Smith’s replacement is long time NFL backup Chase Daniel.  In six seasons Daniel has only one career start but played well in it.  Week 17 last season against these same Chargers, Daniel passed 200 yards and a touchdown, as well as throwing 21 for 30 and a QBR (Quarterback rating) of 82.9.  Even though Chiefs will be without their starting QB, passing is not really their offensive focus. Smith only ranks 16 in passing yards with 3265 and 17th in passing touchdowns with 18.

The Chargers always seem to have to squeeze in the playoffs every year and this year is no different, their chances are looking fairly well as they play against a backup Quarterback with the number 6th ranked passing defense.