It sure doesn't look like the Chiefs will have All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones for Thursday's season-opener against the Lions. And they may not have All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce, though his brother Jason gave a more encouraging update on Travis' knee Wednesday morning.
Jones and Kelce aren't just two of the best players on the Chiefs. They would be the best player on several rosters around the NFL, including the one that's about to arrive in Kansas City.
Which makes you wonder: should the Lions, who opened as 6.5-point dogs to the defending Super Bowl champs, actually be expected to win if both Jones and Kelce can't play? The spread by Wednesday morning had already dropped by more than a point.
And this is a narrative gaining national steam.
Remember, this is a Lions team favored to win its division. Shouldn't any team that expects to A) host a playoff game and B) threaten the powers that be in its conference also expect to beat a team missing two of the top players in the NFL?
The reason neither Jones nor Kelce is even the best player on the Chiefs, of course, is because of a guy named Patrick Mahomes, who might just be the greatest quarterback ever. As long as Mahomes suits up Thursday night at Arrowhead, the Chiefs, backed by one of the best home-field advantages in the NFL, should and will be expected to win.
But without Jones and/or Kelce, the defending champs won't look the same. And the Lions will be licking their chops.