The Kansas City Chiefs are off to a historic start in the 2024 NFL season, sitting at a perfect 9-0. Led by superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes and mastermind head coach Andy Reid, the Chiefs have navigated a treacherous schedule to remain the league’s lone unbeaten squad. However, a closer look reveals that their path to perfection has been fraught with close calls and late-game heroics. As the season enters its second half, the burning question on every football fan’s mind is: Can the Chiefs achieve the impossible and finish 17-0?
Living on the Edge: The Chiefs’ Nail-Biting Victories
While the Chiefs’ 9-0 record is undeniably impressive, the manner in which they’ve amassed those wins is equally remarkable. Kansas City has won a staggering seven games by seven points or fewer, repeatedly pulling victory from the jaws of defeat in the waning moments.
Just last week against the Denver Broncos, it took a blocked field goal as time expired to preserve a 16-14 win. Two weeks prior, a goal-line stand in the final minute secured a 27-24 triumph over the Los Angeles Chargers. Even in their season opener against the Detroit Lions, the Chiefs needed a fourth-quarter rally to escape with a 38-35 victory.
“We just find ways to win,” Mahomes told reporters after the Broncos game. “It’s not always pretty, but we have guys who step up and make big plays when we need them most.”
– Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback
Mahomes Magic and Timely Defense
The Chiefs’ success in close games can be largely attributed to the brilliance of Mahomes and the uncanny ability of their defense to make timely stops. Mahomes, the 2023 NFL MVP, has been nothing short of sensational, leading the league in passing yards (3,685) and touchdowns (33) through nine games. His improvisational skills and knack for making off-platform throws under duress have been the driving force behind Kansas City’s late-game comebacks.
On the other side of the ball, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s unit has been opportunistic, generating a league-high 22 turnovers. Rookie cornerback Jaylen Watson has been a revelation, recording five interceptions, while veteran pass rusher Frank Clark has tallied eight sacks. In crunch time, the Chiefs’ defense has consistently risen to the occasion, sealing victories with clutch stops.
Historic Perspective: How the Chiefs Compare to Previous 9-0 Teams
While the Chiefs’ start is undoubtedly impressive, it’s worth noting that their plus-58 point differential is the worst of any team that began 9-0 in the Super Bowl era. For context, the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins were plus-193 through nine games, while the 16-0 2007 New England Patriots were an astounding plus-230.
| Team | Season | Point Differential Through 9 Games | Final Record |
| Miami Dolphins | 1972 | +193 | 14-0* |
| New England Patriots | 2007 | +230 | 16-0** |
| Kansas City Chiefs | 2024 | +58 | ??? |
*Regular season shortened to 14 games
**Lost in Super Bowl
However, it’s important to consider the strength of the Chiefs’ opposition. According to renowned football analyst Warren Sharp, Kansas City has faced the league’s 8th-toughest schedule to date. The ’72 Dolphins, by comparison, played one of the easiest regular-season slates in NFL history.
The Road Ahead: Can the Chiefs Run the Table?
Looking ahead, the Chiefs’ remaining schedule softens considerably. ESPN’s Football Power Index gives them a 59% chance to win each of their final eight games, with only a Week 11 showdown against the Buffalo Bills currently projected as a potential loss.
If Mahomes continues his otherworldly play and the defense maintains its propensity for game-changing turnovers, a 17-0 season is within the realm of possibility. However, as history has shown, the weight of perfection can be crushing. The 2007 Patriots, for example, narrowly escaped with multiple close victories in their undefeated regular season before ultimately falling to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII.
“We’re not thinking about 17-0,” said Andy Reid when asked about the potential for a perfect season. “Our focus is solely on going 1-0 each week and continually improving. If we take care of the process, the results will handle themselves.”
– Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach
Whether the Chiefs can navigate the gauntlet and etch their names in the history books remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: with Mahomes at the helm and Reid pulling the strings, anything is possible. As the season barrels towards its climax, all eyes will be on Kansas City as they chase immortality, one heart-stopping victory at a time.
Just last week against the Denver Broncos, it took a blocked field goal as time expired to preserve a 16-14 win. Two weeks prior, a goal-line stand in the final minute secured a 27-24 triumph over the Los Angeles Chargers. Even in their season opener against the Detroit Lions, the Chiefs needed a fourth-quarter rally to escape with a 38-35 victory.
“We just find ways to win,” Mahomes told reporters after the Broncos game. “It’s not always pretty, but we have guys who step up and make big plays when we need them most.”
– Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback
Mahomes Magic and Timely Defense
The Chiefs’ success in close games can be largely attributed to the brilliance of Mahomes and the uncanny ability of their defense to make timely stops. Mahomes, the 2023 NFL MVP, has been nothing short of sensational, leading the league in passing yards (3,685) and touchdowns (33) through nine games. His improvisational skills and knack for making off-platform throws under duress have been the driving force behind Kansas City’s late-game comebacks.
On the other side of the ball, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s unit has been opportunistic, generating a league-high 22 turnovers. Rookie cornerback Jaylen Watson has been a revelation, recording five interceptions, while veteran pass rusher Frank Clark has tallied eight sacks. In crunch time, the Chiefs’ defense has consistently risen to the occasion, sealing victories with clutch stops.
Historic Perspective: How the Chiefs Compare to Previous 9-0 Teams
While the Chiefs’ start is undoubtedly impressive, it’s worth noting that their plus-58 point differential is the worst of any team that began 9-0 in the Super Bowl era. For context, the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins were plus-193 through nine games, while the 16-0 2007 New England Patriots were an astounding plus-230.
| Team | Season | Point Differential Through 9 Games | Final Record |
| Miami Dolphins | 1972 | +193 | 14-0* |
| New England Patriots | 2007 | +230 | 16-0** |
| Kansas City Chiefs | 2024 | +58 | ??? |
*Regular season shortened to 14 games
**Lost in Super Bowl
However, it’s important to consider the strength of the Chiefs’ opposition. According to renowned football analyst Warren Sharp, Kansas City has faced the league’s 8th-toughest schedule to date. The ’72 Dolphins, by comparison, played one of the easiest regular-season slates in NFL history.
The Road Ahead: Can the Chiefs Run the Table?
Looking ahead, the Chiefs’ remaining schedule softens considerably. ESPN’s Football Power Index gives them a 59% chance to win each of their final eight games, with only a Week 11 showdown against the Buffalo Bills currently projected as a potential loss.
If Mahomes continues his otherworldly play and the defense maintains its propensity for game-changing turnovers, a 17-0 season is within the realm of possibility. However, as history has shown, the weight of perfection can be crushing. The 2007 Patriots, for example, narrowly escaped with multiple close victories in their undefeated regular season before ultimately falling to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII.
“We’re not thinking about 17-0,” said Andy Reid when asked about the potential for a perfect season. “Our focus is solely on going 1-0 each week and continually improving. If we take care of the process, the results will handle themselves.”
– Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach
Whether the Chiefs can navigate the gauntlet and etch their names in the history books remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: with Mahomes at the helm and Reid pulling the strings, anything is possible. As the season barrels towards its climax, all eyes will be on Kansas City as they chase immortality, one heart-stopping victory at a time.
