NFL playoffs 2016 live stream: How to watch Chiefs vs. Patriots online

The reigning champion New England Patriots return to action Saturday with many of their injured weapons expected back on the field. They take on the Kansas City Chiefs, the NFL's hottest team.

When the Chiefs started the season 1-5, nearly everyone wrote off their chances at a playoff push, and understandably so. The chances of recovering from such a poor start are dismal, let alone in a division with the then-undefeated Denver Broncos. However, the Chiefs upset the Pittsburgh Steelers on Oct. 25, signaling that Andy Reid and his team had not given up on the year. They haven't lost since, securing victories in their past 11 games, including a 30-0 shutout against the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round.

The turnaround for Kansas City centered around the improved play of quarterback Alex Smith and the offense. Early in the year, Smith took precious few shots downfield despite the presence of big-money free agent Jeremy Maclin and field-stretching tight end Travis Kelce.

However, after the team lost running back Jamaal Charles to an ACL injury, it was forced to recalibrate its offensive approach. That required Smith to play more aggressively, which in turn produced better results. Still, the running game remains an important part of the attack, with Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware sharing the load.

Meanwhile in New England, the Patriots hope that the time off will allow Julian Edelman to fully recover from a foot injury and reintegrate himself into the offense. At the time of Edelman's injury, he led the team in receptions (61) and receiving yards (692) while leading all New England wideouts with seven touchdowns. If he returns, Kansas City can't devote as many resources to covering Rob Gronkowski, the league's premier tight end and Tom Brady's favorite target.