The upcoming NFL Conference Championship Games will see the Washington Commanders face the Philadelphia Eagles for the NFC title, while the Buffalo Bills clash with the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC. With dynamic offenses and formidable defenses on display, these matchups promise to be thrilling for football fans. Yet, for die-hard Arizona Cardinals supporters, who are not in the running for a Super Bowl, there are compelling reasons to cheer for these teams.

First, those with ties to the Cardinals, like former ASU quarterback Jayden Daniels on the Commanders, evoke a rooting interest. Daniels, having an exceptional rookie season, offers a narrative that resonates with Arizona loyalty. Similarly, former Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury, now the offensive coordinator for Washington, could prompt emotional support depending on fan sentiment towards his past tenure.

As for the Eagles, while they have connections through defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, the overall sentiment may lean towards skepticism due to their past performance and fan reactions. However, players like Josh Sweat could attract interest for potential acquisition.

In the AFC, the Bills might emerge as the preferred team due to their lack of rivalry history with Arizona, making their matchup against the Chiefs, known as the NFL's new 'evil empire', a less contentious choice for Cardinals fans.

Finally, the Chiefs, despite being divisive figures in the league, house former Cardinals like DeAndre Hopkins, allowing fans a reason to support them if they wish to see these players claim a championship. Ultimately, the ongoing championships present unique alliances for Cardinals fans to explore.

The Kansas City Chiefs face a challenging decision at left tackle as they prepare for their matchup against the Houston Texans in the divisional round. This season has seen a rotation of players, including Wanya Morris and 2024 second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia, but neither has proven effective. The Chiefs sought to stabilize the position by signing D.J. Humphries from the Arizona Cardinals, but his injury after just one game left the team scrambling again.

With Patrick Mahomes' safety in the balance, head coach Andy Reid has remained tight-lipped about who will start on the blind side. The choices are between reinstating Humphries or keeping Joe Thuney at tackle, while Mike Caliendo would step in at left guard if Thuney remains outside. Reid noted that Mahomes feels secure with either option, a silver lining as the star quarterback previously expressed discomfort with both Morris and Suamataia.

The Kansas City Chiefs concluded the 2024-25 regular season with a formidable 15-2 record, yet they faced an unexpected setback in their final game, suffering a crushing 38-0 defeat against the Denver Broncos. This marked the Chiefs' first shutout loss in years, highlighting defensive struggles against the Broncos' pressure on quarterback Carson Wentz.

Among the Chiefs' performances in Week 18, rookie safety Jaden Hicks stood out with four tackles, showcasing his potential as a reliable player for the upcoming playoffs. Conversely, cornerback Nazeeh Johnson struggled defensively, suffering multiple defeats against wide receiver Courtland Sutton, which leaves concerns about his future role in the playoff lineup.

The Kansas City Chiefs are facing ongoing uncertainty regarding their left tackle position as the playoffs approach, despite being the reigning Super Bowl champions. Throughout the current season, the team has cycled through two young players, Kingsley Suamataia and Wanya Morris, alongside veteran D.J. Humphries, who is currently sidelined due to a hamstring injury. This situation has necessitated a temporary move for left guard Joe Thuney to tackle, where he has performed commendably against formidable pass rushers such as Myles Garrett.

Head coach Andy Reid provided an update on Humphries' recovery, indicating that while he is making progress in rehab, it remains uncertain if he will return to practice soon. Reid expressed a desire to evaluate Humphries' readiness before making any decisions about the starting lineup. He acknowledged the satisfactory performances of both Thuney and Mike Caliendo, who have stepped up in the absence of Humphries. Reid's comments suggest a cautious approach as he weighs the possibility of reverting Thuney back to guard, which could enhance the offensive line's overall effectiveness.

Despite Thuney's successful transition to tackle, the inconsistency of Caliendo has raised concerns, as his learning curve impacts the team's performance. The Chiefs are hopeful that Humphries can return to form, but his previous injuries complicate matters. As the team navigates this crucial period, the outcome of this week's practices could significantly influence their strategy moving forward.