Good Sunday morning! We've officially hit the halfway point of the season, and the Kansas City Chiefs are 5-2 a half game back behind the Broncos and Raiders. Today we face the Jacksonville Jaguars in KC, a "should win" matchup, and HERE you can check out my top 3 matchups of the game. Today, lets take a look at the top storylines going into the game today.

Nick Foles Is The Starter In KC

For the first time since Alex Smith joined the Chiefs he will miss a game due to injury. Nick Foles stepped in for an injured Smith during last week's game against the Colts, and performed admirably. Foles challanged the Saints downfield, and gave his playmakers a chance in 50/50 situations. In his time on the field last week he appeared to mirrior his electrifying 2013 season when he famously went 27-2. Throughout 2013 (minus 1 game where he had 1 attempt) Foles averaged 2.25TDs, 14.2 yards per completion, and 240.9 yards a game. On Sunday in limited action Foles went for 2TDs, 13.9 yards per completion, and 223 yards. With Spencer Ware injured and Charcandrick West set the start the game, expect the Chiefs to air it out and challenge the NFL's 13th ranked pass defense.

The Chiefs Backfield Is Ailing (And Bishop Sankey addition)

Spencer Ware suffered a concussion in the win against the Colts last week, Jamaal Charles is still dealing with knee issues, and starting running back Charcandrick West has also had his fair share of nicks and bruises. On Saturday morning the Chiefs resigned Knile Davis after being traded to the Packers just two and a half weeks ago. West will likely carry the load for the Chiefs ground game, Sankey and Davis will be expected to fill in when needed. Bishop Sankey is an interesting addition for the Chiefs, as he was a relatively well regarded running back coming out of Washington in 2014. However, in two seasons with the Titans Sankey ran for 762 yards, 3.8 yards per attempt, 3TDs, 272 receiving yards, and 1 receiving touchdown before being cut after the preseason this year. Sankey had been on the New England Patriots' practice squad until signed by the Chiefs. It's unclear what his future will be with the Chiefs as he only signed a one year deal, but is certainly someone worth taking a look at as our #3 RB with Jamaal Charles future also in question.

What Is Tyreek Hill's Potential?

As pointed out on Friday by Joel Thorman in THIS article, the Chiefs need to feed Hill the ball. So far this season Hill is 5th on the team in recieving with 19 receptions, 223 yards, and (leading the Chiefs) 4 touchdowns. Hill is on pace for 43 receptions, 509 yards, 9 touchdowns which would be the most touchdowns by a Kansas City Chiefs reciever since Dwayne Bowe went for 15 touchdowns in 2010. Hill is also on pace to break the rookie records for recieving TDs (8), punt return yardage (540), punt return average (11.9), and a shot at all time single season punt return average (16.3). So what is Tyreek Hill's potential? A player I like to compare him to is Emmanual Sanders, WR for the Broncos and formerly Steelers. Like Sanders, Hill has similar size, open field ability, and is seemingly open on every play. Although due to the Chief's current offensive system he may never produce the same stats, but on tape they look nearly identical.

Are The Chiefs True Contenders?

The Jaguars matchup may seem unassuming, but may also be one of the more important matchups of the season. Three of the Chiefs top offensive weapons are out or hurting (Alex Smith, Spencer Ware, and Jeremy Maclin). The Chiefs of the past have disappointed in the past by playing down to their opponents level, and have lost many games even whey they matchup well against an opponent. The game against the Jaguars is one such game, and should be a true test of grit (or depth) with key players missing. In the Chiefs last two trips to the postseason the Chiefs have been without or injured several key players like Jamaal Charles in 2013 or Jeremy Maclin and Justin Houston in 2015. The Chiefs need to show they can overcome injuries and dominate the opponents they should. According to statistics website FiveThirtyEight the Chiefs are currently tied 2nd in the NFL with the Broncos at 11% in chance of WINNING the Super Bowl. Chiefs are still a half game back behind the Raiders and Broncos of first place due to their early bye, but both will be on their byes over the next two weeks (week 10,11). Over those two weeks FiveThirtyEight also says they have a 53% chance of beating Caroline, and a 85% chance of beating Tampa Bay which would put them at 1st in the AFC West. This week on Sunday Night Football Denver and Oakland will face off, and if the Chiefs are able to take care of businesses in Jacksonville they will come away 2nd in the division. So are they true contenders? Lets find out.