Kingsley Suamataia, an offensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs, faced a financial setback over the weekend after being fined by the NFL for his actions on the field during Week 17 against the Denver Broncos. The Office of Gameday Accountability found Suamataia guilty of unnecessary roughness for “striking, kicking, tripping or kneeing” a member of the Broncos’ team in the second quarter. As a result, the league imposed a fine of $8,108 on the left guard.

Suamataia, a second-round pick from Brigham Young University in the 2024 draft (63rd overall), has been one of the standout offensive linemen for the Chiefs during his second season. According to Pro Football Focus, he ranks as the 33rd-best guard out of 80 players who have played enough snaps at the position to qualify heading into Week 18.

Chiefs’ Offensive Line Struggled Through Injuries and Poor Play This Season

With the season coming to an end, the Kansas City Chiefs are set to face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 18, marking the final game of the campaign. The team’s performance this year has been marred by injuries, leading to what many consider the worst season for the franchise in over a decade. This follows a period of seven consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances and three Super Bowl trips.

The offensive line has not been spared from these challenges. Tackles Josh Simmons and Jawaan Taylor are currently on the injured reserve list, while Trey Smith is also out for Week 18, which will be his fifth missed game of the season. As a result, the Chiefs’ offensive line enters the final game of the season ranked No. 24 in the league, according to PFF.

Despite the challenges, the offensive line put in a strong performance against the Broncos in Week 17. “The Chiefs’ offensive front turned in a clean outing in Week 17, albeit in a loss to the Broncos. The group was tested on 24 pass plays and yielded four pressures, with no sacks and one quarterback hit,” wrote Zoltán Buday on December 31. “The team’s guard tandem was excellent in pass protection in Week 17. Kingsley Suamataia and Trey Smith combined to allow no pressure against the Broncos.”

Suamataia has played in 15 games during his rookie season, starting only two before stepping into a full-time starting role in 2025. He will be starting his 17th game of the year on Sunday in Las Vegas.

Travis Kelce May Play Final Game for Chiefs Against Raiders in Week 18

The Chiefs, with a record of 6-10, hold the No. 9 pick in the upcoming draft but are favored by 5.5 points against the Raiders as of Saturday afternoon. A win in Las Vegas could potentially drop the Chiefs out of the top 10, where many draft analysts predict they will select Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, a Heisman Trophy finalist.

However, the Chiefs are likely to approach the game with serious intent, as it could mark the final contest of tight end Travis Kelce’s Hall of Fame career. Kelce has not yet decided whether he will retire or return for his age-37 season in 2026, though he is not under contract with the team beyond this year.

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