Coming into the season, the Kansas City Chiefs were favored to win the Vince Lombardi Trophy and become the NFL’s first three-peat, but there’s no doubt they’ve exceeded expectations with their 6-0 start. This is the first time Patrick Mahomes has started a season like this, and only the third time in franchise history; in the other two seasons (2003 and 2013), the Chiefs were undefeated until the 10th game, and this season’s 10th game will be in Buffalo, so grab your popcorn.
What’s most impressive is that, just like last year, they’ve won thanks to Steve Spagnuolo’s defense without their two best offensive players, Mahomes and Travis Kelce, having strong seasons. Mahomes is coming off a game in which he threw two interceptions and posted a career-worst 44.4 passer rating against the San Francisco 49ers. Meanwhile, Kelce is having his worst year alongside Patrick with 28 receptions and 245 yards without a touchdown. The addition of DeAndre Hopkins could relieve some of the defensive attention currently focused on Kelce, and I’ll explain why.
Kelce, Mahomes, and Now Hopkins: A Trio Built to Dominate
With key offensive players (Pacheco, Rice, Brown) injured, Hopkins’ arrival is the best news for the Chiefs. Hopkins has the longest active streak with a catch, as he has done it in 168 consecutive games dating back to 2013-and guess who’s second? Travis Kelce, with 164. So Mahomes now has the most consistent hands in the game in over a decade. The Chiefs stats team shared these and other insights in this video explaining why Hopkins in the Chiefs is a most fear for the NFL.
What’s impressive about these stats is that most of Hopkins’ catches have come from quarterbacks who are average or below average in the NFL. My favorite stat? 70% of his career receptions have gone for either touchdowns or first downs. So tell me this: aren’t Hopkins and Mahomes the ultimate dream tandem and a real threat to opposing defenses? Plus, Kelce will certainly be relieved and rookie Xavier Worthy will get to learn from one of the best in history and have more room to showcase his unstoppable speed. The Chiefs look scary!
Chiefs look for franchise-best start as Raiders game adds extra excitement
With their bye week behind them, the Chiefs face a grueling 12-game stretch to end the season. First, the Chiefs close out the month on the road against the Las Vegas Raiders. The game will have a special flavor because of what happened in the offseason when a Raiders player mocked Mahomes for having a voice similar to Kermit the Frog. Then they start November at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and then at the Denver Broncos, so the Chiefs could tie the franchise’s best start to a season (9-0). The big test for the 10-0 would be in Buffalo.
