NFL3 hours ago2 minute read

Chiefs Avoid QB Sneak as Short Yardage Struggles Continue

Kansas City is struggling on short-yardage plays while avoiding quarterback sneaks entirely this season.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

No sneaks in sight for Kansas City

Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid has shown no plans to call a quarterback sneak, even as his offense struggles on short yardage. Before their upcoming matchup against the New York Jets, the Chiefs have converted 20 of 34 opportunities when needing two yards or less on third and fourth down.

No skill player or quarterback has tried a sneak for the team this season. The last sneak by Kansas City happened in Week 6 of the 2023 season, when tight end Noah Gray ran one on a fake field goal against the Denver Broncos. Gray gained just one yard on that fourth and two play.

A long history without running the play

Patrick Mahomes has not run a sneak since Week 7 of the 2019 season. He suffered a dislocated right kneecap on that play, which forced him to miss two games. Kansas City remains the only NFL team that has not run a quarterback sneak since that time.

The issue was clear last Sunday against Denver. Facing third and goal at the 1 yard line with nine seconds left, Mahomes handed off to Kenneth Walker III, who was tackled for no gain as Kansas City lost 28-24. Mahomes said he did not think about changing the play to a sneak. He joked that if he calls his own number, it better work.

Goal line issues and backup options

The team has struggled close to the end zone. Inside the 5 yard line, Kansas City has scored just two touchdowns on 13 rushing tries. That 14% success rate is the worst in the NFL. This comes despite Walker ranking third in the league with 770 rushing yards.

Mahomes noted that the team needs to execute better and be more physical. The Chiefs could also consider backup quarterback Justin Fields, who converted seven of eight sneak tries with the Jets last season. Still, Mahomes made it clear he is ready to run the play if Reid calls it, stating he will do whatever it takes to win.

What it means for the next game

New York Jets at Kansas City Chiefs (NFL, Sun, 08 Nov): Kansas City Chiefs win 80%, New York Jets win 20%; projected score Kansas City Chiefs 28, New York Jets 18. Our safest pick: Under 54.5 points.