The Kansas City Chiefs have been on an incredible run this season, defying expectations at every turn. Heading into their Sunday night showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers, the two-time defending Super Bowl champions had already broken an NFL record by winning 14 consecutive one-score games. Despite their impressive streak, their point differential of +54 was the lowest ever for an 11-1 team in league history.
Sunday night’s game followed a familiar script. The Chiefs jumped out to a 13-0 lead, briefly giving the impression they might cruise to an easy victory. However, the Chargers fought back, leading to three lead changes in the fourth quarter—all decided by field goals. The game-winning kick, a 31-yard attempt by backup kicker Matthew Wright, was a microcosm of the Chiefs’ season. Wright’s kick initially veered left, looking as though it would miss, but it ricocheted off the left upright and through the goalposts, securing a 19-17 victory for Kansas City.
According to OPTAStats, Wright became the third Chiefs kicker this season to make a game-winning field goal as time expired, joining Harrison Butker and Spencer Shrader. No other NFL team has ever had more than one kicker achieve this feat in a single regular season. With their latest win, the 12-1 Chiefs now hold the worst point differential (+56) for any team with that record, extending their all-time streak of 15 straight one-score victories.
While the Chiefs’ success might seem inexplicable, a closer look reveals the underlying factors. Despite their struggles with injuries and personnel changes, the team’s offense remains a powerhouse, particularly on third down. This season, the Chiefs lead the NFL in third-down conversion rate (52.1%), a key factor in their ability to sustain drives and close out games. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce’s long-standing chemistry also continues to shine in critical moments, with Mahomes often finding Kelce for crucial completions.
On defense, the Chiefs have faced significant challenges, particularly after trading top cornerback L’Jarius Sneed and shifting Trent McDuffie to an outside role. Injuries and growing pains have contributed to a noticeable decline in defensive efficiency. However, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has leaned into aggressive press coverage, with cornerbacks pressing receivers on 88% of snaps—the highest rate in the NFL. This strategy, while risky, has paid off in key moments, as evidenced by their Super Bowl win last season.
The Chiefs’ ability to win close games has become a defining trait of their 2024 campaign. With 99 games this season decided by six or fewer points—the most through Week 14 in NFL history—the league’s emphasis on parity has never been clearer. Yet, the Chiefs have consistently found ways to emerge victorious, a testament to their resilience and preparation.
Looking ahead, the Chiefs face a challenging schedule, including a Christmas Day matchup against the 10-3 Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite their vulnerabilities, the Chiefs remain the team to beat, with the road to the Super Bowl likely passing through Arrowhead Stadium. Their combination of talent, experience, and sheer determination makes them a formidable force, leaving the rest of the NFL searching for answers.
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