Chiefs Stick with Joe Thuney at Left Tackle in Divisional Round vs. Texans

The Kansas City Chiefs have made their decision regarding the left tackle position as they prepare for Saturday’s Divisional Round matchup against the Houston Texans. With former Pro Bowler D.J. Humphries benched, the Chiefs are rolling with Joe Thuney at left tackle and Mike Caliendo at left guard—a lineup that has already proven its effectiveness late in the season.

A Season of Adjustments

The left tackle position has been a point of contention for Kansas City throughout the year. Rookie Kingsley Suamataia and second-year tackle Wanya Morris struggled to solidify the spot, prompting the Chiefs to trade for Humphries midseason. However, an injury in his first game derailed Humphries’ tenure, forcing Kansas City to shuffle its offensive line.

Joe Thuney, an All-Pro guard known for his consistency and adaptability, moved to left tackle, while Caliendo stepped in at left guard. The duo has since provided stability, giving the Chiefs confidence in their decision to stick with this arrangement for the postseason.

Why Thuney and Caliendo Make Sense

Thuney’s versatility has been a game-changer for the Chiefs. While he’s built his reputation as one of the league’s best interior linemen, his performance at left tackle has been nothing short of stellar. His chemistry with Patrick Mahomes and understanding of the offensive system make him an invaluable asset on the edge.

Caliendo, meanwhile, has taken full advantage of his opportunity. The undrafted free agent has proven to be a reliable presence on the interior, showcasing his ability to hold his ground in crucial moments. With his contract set to expire in the offseason, a strong playoff performance could significantly boost his value in free agency.

The Humphries Dilemma

D.J. Humphries, acquired with hopes of stabilizing the left tackle position, never had a chance to gel with the Chiefs’ offensive line. His Week 18 start alongside Carson Wentz highlighted the challenge of integrating a new piece into an established unit late in the season. Andy Reid’s staff decided that sticking with continuity outweighed the risk of reintroducing Humphries at this stage.

The Week 16 matchup against Houston supports their choice. With Thuney at tackle and Caliendo at guard, the Chiefs allowed just one sack and cruised to a convincing win.

Looking Ahead

Kansas City enters the Divisional Round as 8.5-point favorites at FanDuel Sportsbook, with -490 odds on the moneyline. While their offensive line shuffle has been a storyline all season, it’s clear the Chiefs are confident in their current setup.

By trusting in Thuney’s versatility and Caliendo’s potential, the Chiefs have set themselves up for success. If this combination can protect Mahomes and continue to open lanes for the running game, Kansas City could be poised for another deep postseason run.

Consistency is key in the playoffs, and the Chiefs have made the right call by prioritizing it.