The bye week has arrived at the most opportune moment for the Kansas City Chiefs (5-4), offering a necessary pause after a dispiriting loss to the Bills and Josh Allen. The defeat saw quarterback Patrick Mahomes record the worst completion percentage of his career (15-of-34 for 44.1%). The Chiefs surely wish every season mirrored their record-breaking 15-2 campaign of last year, a season defined by their dominance in one-possession games. This year, the script has flipped: they currently hold a troubling 1-4 record in such tight contests.
Despite this, the offense has shown flashes of its old brilliance, scoring 20 or more points in eight of nine games, with three performances exceeding 30 points. The defense remains a pillar of dominance, answering the call when needed. Yet, at 5-4, the Chiefs are sitting on their worst mid-season record of the Mahomes era, matching the start of the 2021 season-the last time they failed to reach the Super Bowl, losing the AFC Championship to the Bengals. Remember they are now aiming to tie the Bills’ record with a fourth straight Super Bowl appearance (1990-1993).
Battling the Best: Losses That Forged a Dynasty
The first half of the Chiefs’ schedule has been brutal, including five games against teams that would be in the playoffs if the season ended today: the Chargers, Eagles, Jaguars, Lions, and Bills-all boasting winning records. But as the saying goes, to be the best-a mantle the Chiefs have held since Mahomes took the reins-you must consistently beat the best. These early-season losses will undoubtedly make the team stronger and more resilient as they enter the stretch run.
Looking at the individual bright spots, Mahomes has largely played at an elite level, Buffalo hiccup notwithstanding. He ranks third in the league in passing yards (2,349) and is tied for third in passing touchdowns (17), a feat made possible by a drastically improved offensive line compared to last year.
Tight end Travis Kelce remains reliable, and the receiving trio of Rashee Rice, Marquise Brown, and Xavier Worthy provides excellent complementary talent in the aerial attack. The one glaring offensive flaw, however, is the running game, which has lacked a true workhorse; it has been over a year since a Chiefs running back surpassed 100 rushing yards, a mark last reached by Kareem Hunt last season.
Second-Half Surge: A Clear Path to the Playoffs
On paper, the rest of the season appears favorable for the Chiefs, featuring an even split of four road and four home games at Arrowhead. Coming off the bye, they travel to Denver for the first of their two remaining crucial divisional matchups against the Broncos. These contests, along with their Week 15 home game against the Chargers, are key to the AFC West race-a division crown the Chiefs have secured for the past nine consecutive seasons.
They will also welcome the surprising Colts and the Texans to Arrowhead. Their remaining road games are highly favorable, including trips to Dallas, Las Vegas, and Tennessee-three of the league’s struggling teams this season.
This is why the timing of the bye week is so excellent: the Chiefs have a clear opportunity to finish the season strong with a 6-2 record over their final eight games, solidifying their spot and continuing their dynasty in the playoffs. As history shows, no team ever looks forward to facing Andy Reid and the Chiefs once the postseason begins.
