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(AP) -- The NFL is supposed to be a 16-game exercise in attrition.
 
Teams typically start off the opening week at full strength, and through the brutal grind of practice and games, guys pick up the inevitable bumps and bruises, and often injuries more serious than that.

The teams that best cope with them are usually in the playoff hunt.
 
If the Kansas City Chiefs have any designs on returning to the postseason in fourth months' time, they'll have done so by taking a vastly different approach.
 
They'll have started without Pro Bowl linebacker Tamba Hali, who was suspended for a 40-24 loss to the Falcons on Sunday.

They'll have been without safety Kendrick Lewis, cornerback Brandon Flowers and defensive tackle Anthony Toribio, all due to injuries.

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