The Kansas City Chiefs will look to bounce back from last week's loss on Sunday with a matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
Here's what to know about the game.
1. Here's a look at the final injury report for both teams.
The Chiefs will have every player on the active roster available for Sunday's game, but that doesn't include tailback Isiah Pacheco (ankle) or defensive end Charles Omenihu (knee), who each remain on Injured Reserve. Both players are continuing to make progress in their respective returns to the field, but neither will play against the Panthers.
As for Carolina, the Panthers listed several players as "Questionable" ahead of Sunday's game, including wide receiver Jalen Coker (quad), edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney (knee), edge rusher DJ Wonnum (quad) and kicker Eddie Pineiro (knee).
It's worth noting that Coker, Wonnum and Pineiro were each added to the injury report mid-week.
Wonnum, in particular, is one to watch considering that he made his season-debut two weeks ago after spending the first half of the campaign recovering from a quad injury suffered last year. He recorded eight sacks last season and didn't waste any time filling up the box score in his debut, recording five pressures, two tackles-for-loss and a sack. His availability will be something to monitor.
In some good news for the Panthers, Carolina is likely to get veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) back on offense for the first time since Week 3, although Thielen is officially listed as "Questionable." Additionally, rookie running back Jonathon Brooks, a second-round pick out of Texas, will likely make his NFL debut after missing the first half of the season with a knee injury.
2. Panthers' running back Chuba Hubbard is fourth in the league in rushing.
Carolina owns the No. 30 scoring offense in the NFL at 16.7 points-per-game, but a real bright spot has been Hubbard, whose 818 rushing yards trail only Derrick Henry (1,185), Saquon Barkley (1,137) and Josh Jacobs (838) among all players. Hubbard has recorded 580 of those yards after first contact, and his average of 3.6 yards after contact ranks third among all running backs with at least 150 carries.
He's coming off his top performance of the season, too, after rushing for 153 yards (and breaking six tackles) against the New York Giants in Week 10.
Fortunately for Kansas City, the Chiefs have consistently contained opposing running backs this season. The Chiefs are yielding just 3.1 yards-per-carry to running backs this year, and they've yet to allow a tailback to top 60 rushing yards against them. In fact, only the 49ers' Jordan Mason (58 yards) and the Broncos' Audric Estime (53 yards) broke the 50-yard mark against Kansas City.
It's not due to a lack of carries, either, as eight running backs have recorded double-digit attempts against Kansas City this season. Despite those opportunities, none of those eight recorded 60 rushing yards. Hubbard, meanwhile, has rushed for at least 60 yards in seven of his nine games this season, so something has to give on Sunday.
The presence of rookie running back Jonathon Brooks will also be something to watch. Brooks, the No. 46 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has yet to play this season as he recovered from a torn ACL, but he appears to be in line to make his professional debut on Sunday.
3. The Chiefs' defense will aim to clean up some of the struggles that took place on third down last week.
Kansas City yielded more than 27 points for the first time since Super Bowl LVII last week, snapping a 30-game stretch that marked the longest streak for any team since 2001, and the primary reason why was the Chiefs' performance on third down.
Buffalo converted six times when facing a 3rd-and-6 or longer last week, doing so four times via a play and twice courtesy of a penalty. The Bills converted two of those plays on their opening touchdown drive (a 3rd-and-6 and a 3rd-and-8), another on their second touchdown series (a 3rd-and-9), another on their third touchdown drive (a 3rd-and-9) and once again on their final possession that iced the game (a 3rd-and-9).
If just one or two of those plays failed, it's likely the Chiefs would have won the game. The Bills deserve credit for converting, but it just goes to show the margin at which these games are decided.
So, while Carolina doesn't have the offensive numbers Buffalo does, Sunday's game represents a great opportunity to clean things up in that area. Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo mentioned as much earlier this week.
"We were able to get them in 11 3rd-and-6 [or longer situations]. We have to win more of those, and we didn't," Spagnuolo said. "We made some errors as a unit that were uncharacteristic of our group. Had we cut [those errors] in half, I think we find a way to give [quarterback] Patrick [Mahomes] a chance to win the game."
With that mandate in mind on Sunday, the Chiefs will need to slow down a duo of talented Panthers' receivers in Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker. Legette leads the Panthers in receiving touchdowns (4) while Coker, who is listed as "Questionable" for the game, is tied with Legette with 17 targets over Carolina's last three games.
4. Carolina has held each of its last two opponents under 23 total points.
The Panthers' scoring defense ranks last in the NFL at 31.0 points allowed-per-game, but they deserve credit for playing significantly better lately. The Panthers have yielded fewer than 23 points in each of their last two games, and it's no coincidence that Carolina won both contests.
Digging into the numbers a bit, Carolina has been the league's worst defense on third down (48%) and allowed the second-most red zone drives (42) of any team, but it's worth pointing out that the Panthers have forced opponents to earn it. Carolina has allowed just 33 plays of 20+ yards, the seventh-fewest of any team in the league, and the average scoring drive against the Panthers has required more than eight plays.
One area Carolina has really struggled, however, is against the run. The Panthers are allowing a league-most 160.1 rushing yards-per-game, and in all but one of their 10 games this season, the opposition has rushed for at least 100 yards. That weakness may play directly into one of the Chiefs' strengths, which is their power-running game with tailback Kareem Hunt, who trails only Derrick Henry (141) in terms of carries since Week 4 (139).
5. Kansas City has an opportunity to lock up a 10th consecutive season with 10+ wins.
A win on Sunday would mark a significant milestone for the Chiefs, who are seeking a 10th season in a row with double-digit victories. Kansas City is already in the midst of the third-longest streak of consecutive 10-win seasons since 1970, trailing only the New England Patriots (17 straight from 2003-19) and San Francisco 49ers (16 straight from 1983-98).
The Chiefs also still control their own destiny in the race for the top seed in the conference, and a win on Sunday would maintain their one-game lead – regardless of what happens elsewhere – with six games left to play.
That's all waiting for the Chiefs on the other side of Sunday's matchup, but despite the disparity in records, Kansas City will need to take care of business against a Carolina team that's playing with confidence right now.
Kansas City Chiefs players and coaches arrive in Charlotte for the week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) travels to Charlotte for the Week 12 NFL match up against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Cam Jones (44) and cornerback Joshua Williams (2) travels to Charlotte for the Week 12 NFL match up against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Samaje Perine (34) travels to Charlotte for the Week 12 NFL match up against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (17) travels to Charlotte for the Week 12 NFL match up against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith (65) travels to Charlotte for the Week 12 NFL match up against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) travels to Charlotte for the Week 12 NFL match up against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs safety Nazeeh Johnson (13) travels to Charlotte for the Week 12 NFL match up against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) travels to Charlotte for the Week 12 NFL match up against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton (32) travels to Charlotte for the Week 12 NFL match up against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) travels to Charlotte for the Week 12 NFL match up against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill (23) travels to Charlotte for the Week 12 NFL match up against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday November 23, 2024.
Tammy and Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid arrive in Charlotte for the NFL Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) arrives in Charlotte for the Week 12 NFL match up against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) arrives in Charlotte for the NFL Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) arrives in Charlotte for the NFL Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Carson Wentz (11) arrives in Charlotte for the NFL Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith (65) arrives in Charlotte for the Week 12 NFL match up against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs tackle Jawaan Taylor (74) arrives in Charlotte for the Week 12 NFL match up against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor (74) arrives in Charlotte for the NFL Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton (98) arrives in Charlotte for the Week 12 NFL match up against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) arrives in Charlotte for the NFL Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) arrives in Charlotte for the Week 12 NFL match up against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (29) arrives in Charlotte for the Week 12 NFL match up against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Noah Gray (83) arrives in Charlotte for the Week 12 NFL match up against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Peyton Hendershot (88) arrives in Charlotte for the Week 12 NFL match up against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) arrives in Charlotte for the NFL Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) arrives in Charlotte for the NFL Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) arrives in Charlotte for the NFL Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (8) arrives in Charlotte for the Week 12 NFL match up against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) arrives in Charlotte for the NFL Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (8) arrives in Charlotte for the Week 12 NFL match up against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs nose tackle Mike Pennel (69) arrives in Charlotte for the NFL Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey (52) arrives in Charlotte for the NFL Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Wanya Morris (64) arrives in Charlotte for the Week 12 NFL match up against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (17) arrives in Charlotte for the NFL Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (17) arrives in Charlotte for the Week 12 NFL match up against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Chris Oladokun (19) arrives in Charlotte for the NFL Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Spencer Shrader (40) arrives in Charlotte for the NFL Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Chris Oladokun (19) arrives in Charlotte for the Week 12 NFL match up against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) arrives in Charlotte for the NFL Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Cole Christiansen (48) arrives in Charlotte for the Week 12 NFL match up against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs tackle Kingsley Suamataia (76) arrives in Charlotte for the Week 12 NFL match up against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) arrives in Charlotte for the NFL Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) arrives in Charlotte for the NFL Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis (56) arrives in Charlotte for the NFL Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs nose tackle Derrick Nnadi (91) arrives in Charlotte for the NFL Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid (20) arrives in Charlotte for the NFL Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah (97) arrives in Charlotte for the Week 12 NFL match up against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Joshua Uche (55) arrives in Charlotte for the NFL Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton (32) arrives in Charlotte for the NFL Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton (32) arrives in Charlotte for the NFL Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) arrives in Charlotte for the NFL Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) arrives in Charlotte for the NFL Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) arrives in Charlotte for the NFL Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs tackle Ethan Driskell (75) arrives in Charlotte for the NFL Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) arrives in Charlotte for the Week 12 NFL match up against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday November 23, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Cam Jones (44) arrives in Charlotte for the NFL Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
