"Matt Cassel's upcoming week, and the short-term outlook of the Chiefs, could rely on something as unpredictable as a sneeze.

Cassel, the Chiefs' starting quarterback, has an injured rib, and twisting or straining could send a shot of pain through him that could keep him out of this week's regular-season opener against Buffalo — or perhaps render him ineffective.

A strong laugh could aggravate the injury, received last Friday when Cassel was sacked by Green Bay nose tackle Howard Green. So could a cough or turning over the wrong way in his sleep.

Still, on Monday, Cassel declared that he'd be fine; ready to go in six days to start for the Chiefs.

"I'm ready to roll," he said.

"