The Chiefs finally suffered their first loss of the season and while several players need to improve going forward, this is still the No. 1 seed in the AFC and there are still plenty of wins to come.

Suddenly there are only seven games left until the playoffs. Kansas City is in control of its three-goal dreams, even with several difficult games remaining. Carolina’s Week 12 game against the Panthers won’t be difficult, but the Chiefs still have a ways to go in December with three games in 11 days.

Player health is of utmost importance, and the Chiefs expect key contributors like CB Jaylen Watson and WR Hollywood Brown to return soon as well. With that in mind, let’s make outcome predictions for each of the remaining competitions.

Kansas City almost never lets teams out of contention, although they should control this matchup with relative ease. Bryce Young has looked better during his two-game winning streak, but the Chiefs are coming off a loss and a win over the Giants and Saints isn’t an impressive feat.

Expect the defense to harass Young while Patrick Mahomes enjoys a good fight against a team that ranks 28th in opposing yards per game (5.8). When the Chiefs don’t look impressive, the media panics, but we all know Kansas City doesn’t take these matchups particularly seriously.

Once the offense gains some confidence against the Panthers, they will be ready to solidify Antonio Pierce’s status as a lame-duck coach. Pierce was terrible in almost every way in his first full season leading a 2-8 team.

Las Vegas has suffered six straight losses and has lost seven of the last eight games in this rivalry. Whether Gardnew Minshew is under center or not, the Raiders have no chance here.

Unless the Chiefs remain undefeated until the end, there will be one or two more surprising defeats. The Chargers are playing great football under Jim Harbaugh and this represents their best chance to get a decisive win and solidify their status as a darkhorse contender.

Justin Herbert looks to be a rising star thanks to his improved coaching and the defense is playing well. Both sides of the ball rank in the top 15 in yards per play, making this a difficult balanced opponent. It’s hard to beat division opponents twice in one year. The Chargers will be at their best after losing six straight games in this rivalry.

This loss will keep the race for the No. 1 seed interesting and keep the Chiefs focused in the final month of the season.

The Browns’ ferocious defensive front, led by Defensive Player of the Year candidate Myles Garrett, is dangerous enough to cause problems for the Chiefs’ struggling offensive line. Rejuvenated by Jameis Winston’s entry into the starting lineup, Cleveland emerged as a real threat with a surprise victory over the Steelers on Thursday Night Football.

With a brutal series of games coming up after this game, Andy Reid will take things fairly easy and be able to lean comfortably on Steve Spagnuolo’s defense. Unless Winston pulls a rabbit out of the hat, the Chiefs will respond to the Chargers’ loss and regain control of the conference.

If not, the Bills will be in a good position to steal the top seed and force the Chiefs to go on the road in a possible AFC Championship Game.

CJ Stroud and this talented young Texans squad are coming, but they’re not quite at the level of the Chiefs. Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik struggled to adjust to the talented defense, giving Spagnuolo the perfect opportunity to throw him into a blender.

This is probably the toughest game on paper for Kansas City. Reid, Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Chris Jones will prepare the team, especially given Houston’s status as a potential rising power.

Mahomes will come up big with a clutch drive when the roster finally gets healthy and he’s at full gear.

The Chiefs will have two factors driving their revenge. Not only did they lose in embarrassing fashion at Christmas last year, but Russell Wilson somehow led the Broncos to a victory over Kansas City last year. Now that he’s with the Steelers, Spagnuolo will come up with something special.

Assuming the Bills falter at some point, which is likely with games against the 49ers, Lions and Rams, a win here could end the race for the No. 1 seed.

Reid knows how important it is to get a starter’s rest in Week 18 and the first round of the playoffs. This is a concerning game for the Chiefs, but they won’t stumble.

When deciding whether the Broncos win in Week 18, the prediction is that the Chiefs have already been eliminated in the first round. With Carson Wentz starting and Denver needing a win to get into the playoffs, it’s hard to imagine Kansas City playing spoilsport.

Bo Nix has proven he is more than capable of starting a run for the Broncos, and they will be desperate to make up for their stunning field goal block loss to the Chiefs earlier in the year.

However, let’s be clear that Kansas City will win this matchup if there is actually anything on the line.

If these predictions prove true, the Chiefs will finish with a 14-3 record and be on track to host the AFC title game again as they move toward a hopeful historic result with a third straight Super Bowl. It won’t be easy, but Mahomes and the rest of this franchise deserve trust when it matters most.

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