There were many big NFL games this week that had playoff implications. One of the biggest was the NFC West leading Arizona Cardinals (9-3) hosting the 7-5 Kansas City Chiefs. Kansas City began the day as one of six AFC teams at 7-5 and competing for a wild card playoff spot. Arizona entered the game without their starting quarterback and running back, both out with injuries. They have also suffered several key defensive injuries and Larry Fitzgerald has been in and out of the lineup. Both teams have struggled recently and needed to win to keep playoff hopes alive. Arizona has an excellent chance at a wild card berth if they lose the division to the surging Seattle Seahawks, the defending Super Bowl Champions.
With Andre Ellington out for the season, the Cardinals brought in Kerwynn Williams from the practice squad to replace him. Williams ran for 100 yards on 19 carries, out-gaining Chiefs star Jamaal Charles by nine yards. Charles also had one rushing and one receiving touchdown, accounting for both of Kansas City’s scores. Drew Stanton, who has struggled since replacing Carson Palmer, finished the day 15-30 for 239 yards and a touchdown. The touchdown was a 26 yard pass to Jaron Brown in the third quarter. The score gave the Cardinals the lead and they would hold on for the win.
For Kansas City, Charles ran the ball just ten times for 91 yards. He scored on a 63 yard run early in the first quarter and also caught two passes for 20 yards, including an 18 yard reception for a touchdown. Alex Smith was 26-39 for 293 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Kansas City still has not gotten a touchdown catch from any wide receiver on the roster this season. Kansas City now falls further behind in the wild card race and will have to win out to have a chance.