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Patrick Mahomes injury could impact Packers, rest of NFC North

By Freddie Boston

KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 13: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws a six-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter against the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 13: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws a six-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter against the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /
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Reigning MVP Patrick Mahomes suffered a serious knee injury in the Kansas City Chiefs’ win on Thursday night, and it could have an impact on the NFC North this season.

Patrick Mahomes is a superstar quarterback and arguably the best player in the league. The length of his injury will not only impact the Chiefs’ season, but also a number of other teams.

The teams playing against the Chiefs.

First of all, let’s hope for a speedy recovery for Mahomes. And it’s a real shame that we almost certainly won’t get to see Aaron Rodgers take on Mahomes for the first (and potentially last) time.

The Chiefs host the Packers next week on Sunday Night Football, and the Vikings the following week. Mahomes likely won’t play in either. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that Mahomes is expected to return this season, but will likely miss at least three weeks.

And that could have an impact in the NFC North.

So far, this division has been one of the strongest in the league. The Lions are in fourth place after last week’s loss, but they’d be in first had they held onto the lead. The Packers’ 5-1 record puts them just ahead of the 4-2 Vikings, the 3-2 Bears and the 2-2-1 Lions. Chicago and Detroit have both had its bye weeks.

Mahomes led the Chiefs to a late victory over the Lions a few weeks ago, but he likely won’t play against either the Packers or Vikings, making the NFC North teams favorites to win those games. But he could be back when the Chiefs visit Soldier Field to play the Bears just before Christmas.

Before the season, I’m sure both Packers and Vikings fans weren’t overly optimistic about a trip to Arrowhead Stadium. Even without Mahomes, it won’t be an easy game. But both the Packers and Vikings will now go into those games expected to win.

In a competitive division, every win counts. Not playing against Mahomes will increase the Packers and Vikings’ chances of winning in the next couple of weeks. And that could eventually make a difference when it comes to a playoff berth.

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