Chiefs WR outlines major inconvenience before trip to Germany

Someone should help Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling find a pet-friendly hotel.

On Sunday, the Chiefs face the Miami Dolphins in Frankfurt, Germany, as a part of the NFL's International Series. The trip across the pond creates several inconveniences for players.

"I know we've got a lot of fans in Germany, so I'm grateful that we get to give them that opportunity," Valdes-Scantling told Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports. "But it does suck for players to have to be away from their families, or [I've] got to find a babysitter for my dogs for the next couple of days."

Kansas City plans to leave on a nine-hour flight for Germany on Thursday. Per American Airlines, pets can travel on most flights up to 12 hours. However, its policy only addresses travel within the United States and select locations.

Regardless, the NFL won't stop playing international games anytime soon.
The league has been playing games overseas since 2007 to grow the game's global popularity. The matchup between the Chiefs (6-2) and Dolphins (6-2) is among the most highly anticipated in the series' history. When tickets became available in June, the game sold out in 15 minutes, via Sports Illustrated.

If the Chiefs beat the Dolphins, the New York Times simulator notes the chance they secure the No. 1 seed in the playoffs increases from 29 percent to 37 percent. They're locked in and have no time for sightseeing.

"I think it's going to be mostly business," Valdes-Scantling said. "We're leaving Thursday after practice. We'll probably get there on Friday, and then we'll probably practice when we land. The only free time will probably be Friday after we get done with work."

Although the Chiefs will be dog-tired, they're expected to beat the Dolphins in a tight contest. As of Thursday, OddsChecker lists Kansas City as a 1.5-point favorite.