“Do or Die in Denver: Chiefs Return from Bye Week with Their Season on the Line”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The bye week couldn’t have come at a better time. After falling to the Buffalo Bills in Week 9, the Kansas City Chiefs needed more than rest — they needed a reset.

Now, as they prepare for a high-stakes AFC West showdown against the Denver Broncos this Sunday, Kansas City stands at a crossroads. Win, and the playoff dream stays alive. Lose, and the path to redemption might close for good.

Head coach Andy Reid addressed the media on Monday, his tone steady but laced with urgency.

“We’re expecting everybody back — Josh (Simmons) included,” Reid said.

Simmons, who’s missed the last four games while dealing with a family matter, could be back in uniform. Yet Reid stopped short of confirming he would reclaim his starting role over Jaylon Moore, who’s performed admirably in Simmons’ absence.

“We’ll just see where we’re at,” Reid added. “We know we’ve got a good player in there now, and we know what Josh is capable of.”

There was some relief regarding RT Jawaan Taylor, who injured his ankle in the Bills game but reportedly feels better since returning to Kansas City.

The biggest question mark remains Isiah Pacheco. The fiery running back missed Week 9 after suffering an MCL sprain against Washington, and Reid’s update didn’t reveal much.

“I’ll have to see on Pacheco,” he said simply.

That uncertainty hangs over Arrowhead like a storm cloud. The Chiefs enter Week 11 with a 5–4 record, sitting just outside the final AFC playoff spot and trailing the Broncos by 2.5 games in the division. Every snap, every drive, every tackle — it all matters now.

This isn’t just a football game. It’s a gut check, a test of pride, and perhaps the defining moment of the season.

If the Chiefs rise, the Kingdom will roar again. If they fall, the echo could haunt the rest of the year.