The cardiac Kansas City Chiefs have somehow managed to preserve their perfect record at 9-0, but not without repeatedly flirting with disaster. Head coach Andy Reid’s squad has specialized in pulling out victories in the most unlikely and dramatic of circumstances, yet questions remain about whether this heart-stopping style is sustainable as they prepare for a showdown with the formidable 8-2 Buffalo Bills.
Living on the Edge
Amazingly, the Chiefs have trailed at some point in eight of their nine triumphs. They’ve faced second-half deficits in a whopping six contests. Kansas City’s point differential of +58 is the lowest among the 13 teams that have started 9-0 since 2000. All this paints a picture of a dominant juggernaut living a charmed life.
We’ve been given opportunities and we’ve taken advantage of them, and then we’ve made a few opportunities ourselves with some good plays.
Andy Reid, Chiefs Head Coach
Reid credits his team’s mental toughness and ability to stick with it in explaining their Houdini act. The Chiefs have won a staggering seven games by seven points or fewer, with four nail-biters determined on the final play! But even Reid has acknowledged that the Chiefs have been outplayed at times by their opponents, only to be saved by key plays in critical moments.
Offense Finds a Way
The Chiefs’ attack hasn’t been as explosive as in prior seasons, currently ranking 10th in yards and 11th in points. Injuries to receivers and pass catchers have forced Patrick Mahomes and company to feature the ground game more prominently. Kansas City now sits 11th in the NFL in rushing attempts after languishing in the bottom third under Mahomes previously.
The last several weeks we’ve been running the ball a lot. I feel like there’s a little bit of an identity that’s being created here.
Matt Nagy, Chiefs Offensive Coordinator
Yet the Chiefs continue to deliver in the clutch. Whether it’s Mahomes firing a key completion, the battered line opening a crease for a crucial first down, or one of the running backs authoring a punishing run, Kansas City keeps moving the chains when it matters most. This opportunistic and adaptable approach has spelled the difference between victory and defeat.
Defensive Heroics
While the Chiefs’ defense won’t be confused with the ’85 Bears, they’ve made momentum-shifting plays when called upon. Kansas City’s stop unit ranks in the top five in points and yards allowed, repeatedly getting the ball back for Mahomes and the offense. The most recent example was rookie linebacker Leo Chenal’s field goal block to seal the win over Denver in Week 10.
Of course we have a lot of talented players and a lot of talented guys to come in but I think it speaks to the system, the culture we get throughout the week.
Josh Williams, Chiefs cornerback
The Chiefs’ brain trust and veteran leaders have cultivated a next man up mentality that has allowed them to withstand attrition and plug in replacements without missing a beat. Rather than wilt under the bright lights, these subs have displayed a knack for shining in pressurized spots.
Looming Bills Test
Now the Chiefs venture into their most challenging assignment to date, a road tilt against the powerhouse Buffalo Bills. While Kansas City handed Buffalo a crushing defeat in last year’s playoffs, Josh Allen and his mates have been on a mission in 2024. Mahomes is keenly aware of the greater discipline and execution required to topple their AFC rivals.
We know it’s going to be a great challenge this next week. […]We know they’ll be fiery and they’re going to be trying to beat us so we’re going to have to execute at a higher level in order to win.
Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs Quarterback
Oddsmakers have pegged Buffalo as slight home favorites, a rarity for the Chiefs who usually wear the bullseye. It’s a golden opportunity for Mahomes, Reid and the Chiefs to demonstrate that their 9-0 mark is no fluke and they possess the pedigree to stare down the league’s elite. Whether their late-game magic travels to Orchard Park remains to be seen.
The NFL world will be watching intently to see if the Chiefs can keep defying the odds and authoring incredible escapes. But even if their unbeaten record goes by the wayside, this Kansas City group has already shown a rare combination of resilience, resourcefulness and, yes, good fortune that may carry them a long way in the postseason.
