Around the NFL

How Alex Smith's injury affects AFC playoff picture

Published: Dec 26, 2014 at 05:21 AM

The AFC playoff picture just got a whole lot more interesting.

With news that Alex Smith suffered a lacerated spleen, which will prevent him from playing on Sunday against the San Diego Chargers and hand the reigns to Chase Daniel, the entire landscape of the conference shifts.

Kansas City needed to win and have the Ravens lose and the Texans lose or tie, already an unlikely proposition. The Chargers, however, just need to beat the Chiefs to secrue a berth and that now seems much more likely with Daniel under center instead of Smith.

The injury also impacts the Ravens, who need a victory or a tie combined with a Chargers loss or tie to sneak into the next round, and the Texans. Houston needs losses from both Baltimore and San Diego as well as a win over Jacksonville to make the playoffs.

From almost anywhere, the Chargers look to be the biggest benefactor from what sounds like a painful and unfortunate injury sustained by Smith. The former No. 1 overall pick took a shot against Pittsburgh on Sunday but did not realize how significant the issue was until later on in the week.

Now, it's up to his replacement to guide the hard-luck Chiefs into the playoffs. It's also up to the Chargers not to let themselves get beat by Daniel, who has one career start (he completed 25 of 38 passes for 248 yards and one touchdown back in 2013, also in Week 17 against San Diego).

The latest Around The NFL Podcast previews the biggest matchups in Week 17 and makes its picks for the last week of the season. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.

This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be missing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an issue.

Related Content

news

Niners QB Brock Purdy (shoulder) limited in practice; TE George Kittle (hamstring) says he'll be playing vs. Packers

In their first practice of the week, 49ers QB Brock Purdy (shoulder soreness) will be limited, while TE George Kittle (hamstring) said he'll be playing vs. the Packers after missing Week 11.

news

Buccaneers WR Mike Evans (hamstring) trending to return Sunday vs. Giants

Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) is trending toward returning for Tampa Bay's Week 12 date with the Giants, coach Todd Bowles told reporters Wednesday.

news

Week 12 injury report for 2024 NFL season

NFL.com tracks all injuries for each Week 12 game of the 2024 NFL season.

news

Jets WR Davante Adams not surprised by Joe Douglas' firing, doesn't regret trade to New York

Jets wide receiver Davante Adams discussed New York's decision this week to fire GM Joe Douglas. The move did not surprise Adams, who said "when things aren't working, typically things get moved around."

news

2024 NFL Season, Week 12: Four things to watch for in Steelers-Browns on Prime Video, NFL+

NFL.com's Eric Edholm breaks down four things to watch for when the Pittsburgh Steelers kick off Week 12 at the division rival Cleveland Browns on Thursday night.

news

Broncos QB Bo Nix, Saints TE Taysom Hill highlight Players of the Week

New Orleans do-it-all talent Taysom Hill and Denver quarterback Bo Nix were tabbed as the top offensive Players of the Week.

news

NFL news roundup: Latest league updates from Wednesday, Nov. 20

NFL.com keeps you up to date with all of the latest league news from around the NFL. Visit NFL.com's transaction hub for a daily breakdown.

news

Browns' Nick Chubb sees first matchup against Steelers since knee injury as 'normal game'

Four hundred thirty days after ripping his knee to shreds in a prime-time game against Pittsburgh, Browns running back Nick Chubb will once again face the AFC North rival on Thursday night.

news

Bengals' Zac Taylor has no problem with Ja'Marr Chase's 'emotional' postgame comments

Zac Taylor heard Ja'Marr Chase's postgame comments following Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers but didn't take issue with his star player essentially calling out the play calls.

news

Nik Bonitto credits Vance Joseph for stifling Broncos D: 'He's just a great coach to be around'

The Denver Broncos defense enters Week 12 as the only group in the top five in points per game allowed and yards per game allowed.

news

Browns' Myles Garrett: Steelers' T.J. Watt should 'apologize' for DPOY snub

T.J. Watt made a social media comment on Myles Garrett's Defensive Player of the Year award last year. The star pass rushers commented on the situation ahead of Thursday night's Browns-Steelers game.

news

Giants' Dexter Lawrence not a fan of 'best friend' Daniel Jones' demotion: He's 'the best quarterback on the team'

The New York Giants benched Daniel Jones this week. Star defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence discussed the move on Tuesday, saying it was a tough situation for his best friend.