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

Ravens clinch third straight playoff berth, stop Steelers from sewing up division

The Baltimore Ravens earned a long overdue rivalry win against the Pittsburgh Steelers and clinched a postseason spot in the process on Saturday.

news

Texans' Tank Dell suffered 'significant' knee injury in loss to Chiefs; WR to remain in hospital overnight

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell suffered a "significant" knee injury in Saturday's 27-19 loss to the Chiefs, and it will require him to remain in a Kansas City-area hospital overnight for further evaluation, head coach DeMeco Ryans announced.

news

Texans-Chiefs, Steelers-Ravens in Saturday doubleheader: What We Learned from wins by Kansas City, Baltimore

The Kansas City Chiefs toppled the Houston Texans, 27-19, followed by the Baltimore Ravens clinching a playoff berth by defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 34-17 on Saturday.

news

NFL news roundup: Chiefs DL Chris Jones to have MRI on strained calf; Ravens RB Justice Hill (concussion) ruled out vs. Steelers

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

Week 16 Saturday inactives: Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs; Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens

The official inactives for Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs, and Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens.

news

Rams TE Tyler Higbee ready for return from torn ACL: 'These guys may have to throw some water on me'

Eleven months ago, Rams tight end Tyler Higbee tore his ACL in a losing effort against the Lions on Super Wild Card Weekend. On Sunday, he will take on the New York Jets, fully recovered from his injury with Los Angeles pushing for another postseason trip.

news

Tank Dell still trying to become 'big factor' for Texans during down year: 'I know what I'm capable of'

Texans wide receiver Tank Dell hasn't had the second season he hoped for, but he's intent to keep developing his role and become a factor as Houston heads for the playoffs.

news

Myles Garrett wants to end career with Browns but isn't 'trying to rebuild'

While defensive end Myles Garrett wants to be a part of the Browns, he has no desire to partake in a rebuild, and he hopes Cleveland can illustrate a plan to him during the offseason that will put the team on the right track sooner rather than later.

news

Marquise Brown (shoulder) activated off injured reserve, to make Chiefs debut vs. Texans

The Chiefs have activated WR Marquise Brown (shoulder) off injured reserve ahead of Saturday's Week 16 game. Brown, who's missed the first 14 games of the season with a shoulder injury, will make his Chiefs debut against Houston.

news

Ravens waive WR Diontae Johnson less than two months after trade from Panthers

Diontae Johnson's peculiar stint with the Ravens proved to be short-lived. Baltimore waived the veteran receiver Friday. The Ravens activated WR Anthony Miller and DB Desmond King in corresponding moves.

news

Eagles WR A.J. Brown says he's 'playing' vs. Commanders despite knee injury

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown popped up on the injury report this week but he won't miss Sunday's showdown with the Washington Commanders.

news

Tua Tagovailoa (hip) off injury report, but Jaylen Waddle (knee) doubtful for Dolphins' game vs. 49ers

A hip injury landed Tua Tagovailoa on the Miami Dolphins injury report this week. It won't keep him from starting in Week 16, though. Jaylen Waddle, on the other hand, is unlikely to go.