National Football League

How the Chiefs could benefit from Tom Brady's four-game suspension

Published May. 12, 2015 10:42 p.m. ET

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Tom Brady is slated to miss four games this season for a well-publicized issue. He won't square off against the Chiefs when he returns (unless it's a playoff game).

But his absence still helps K.C.'s chances in 2015, according to Chiefs blog Arrowhead Addict.

This season's schedule rotation pits the AFC North against the AFC West. Brady's departure gives Kansas City a four-game buffer over the perennial AFC East champions.

More importantly, should the Chiefs fall behind a team like the Broncos in the division, they'll still have an advantage in a wild card scenario. The Brady-less Patriots will square off against Pittsburgh in the opening game. Andy Reid's team will get to play the Steelers at full strength in Week 7.

Lastly, with four truly tough games to open the season, the Chiefs could struggle. But their playoff chances wouldn't be dashed if they're up against a struggling Patriots team with Jimmy Garoppolo at quarterback.

(h/t Arrowhead Addict)