Chiefs' playoff chances hinging on help from top divisional rival

The Kansas City Chiefs' postseason hopes are hanging by a thread right now.

Head coach Andy Reid chose the worst time to go for it on fourth down, and quarterback Patrick Mahomes' worst statistical game of his career dropped the team's record to 6-7. Even so, Reid made it loud and clear that they won't stop pushing and fighting.

And while it won't be easy or even depend entirely on them, Chiefs insider Jesse Newell of The Athletic revealed they still have a chance to make the playoffs. 

For that to happen, however, they'll need a helping hand from their biggest foe in the division: the Denver Broncos. 

Chiefs need Broncos' help to make the playoffs

"If Chiefs win out (they have) 70% to make playoffs if Den beats LAC in finale and 7% to make it if LAC wins, per The Athletic's playoff simulator. Not close to there yet, but Denver could face crazy scenario if playing for the 1 seed then, while knowing a win would give KC the 7 seed," Newell wrote on X.

The Chiefs will close out the season with dates with the Los Angeles Chargers, Tennessee Titans, Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders. They don't have any more margin for error, and another loss will all but kill their playoff hopes.

It won't be easy, and it definitely won't be pretty. But as tough as things have been for Reid's club this season, they'd still be the last team anybody would want to meet in a win-or-go-home scenario.