Despite a slow start to the season, the Kansas City Chiefs are right back atop the AFC West. They are riding a five-game winning streak following their win over the Denver Broncos. While the Chiefs aren't the favorite they once were in the AFC, they're making noise.
The scariest teams in the NFL Playoffs are often the ones that are hot going in. With the Chiefs' dominance over their past five games, they could be one of those teams. Patrick Mahomes may not be having a great season, but they have the talent to get it figured out. Their defense has also been steadily improving throughout the year, which will be integral for them in the postseason.
Here are three reasons why the Chiefs will make it back to the Super Bowl.
3. Patrick Mahomes is a proven winner
One thing that Mahomes has proven in his early career is that he is a winner. Ever since his first whole season as a starter, he has led the Chiefs to great success.
He took them to an AFC title game in his first year as QB1 and proceeded to take them to back-to-back Super Bowls. While this season hasn't been great for Mahomes, he has shown the ability to win when it matters most. During the Chiefs' title run in 2019, they trailed in every playoff game but always managed to come back.
That has been a similar story to this season as they started slow but are now rolling.
2. Defense is similar to the 2019 Super Bowl team
The Chiefs' defense is not an elite group like many other contenders, but they are finding their groove. This is very similar to what happened when they won the Super Bowl in 2019, as their defense wasn't great but stepped up when it mattered most.
They have held the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos to nine points each in successive games. This is quite a feat as both of those teams have been competitive this year. The Chiefs may not have the same talent that other squads possess, but they have Chris Jones and Tyrann Mathieu to lead the defense.
These two players will make a huge difference for the Chiefs, but they can't carry the whole defense. Fortunately for them, they have a great defensive coordinator. Steve Spagnuolo comes up with solid schemes week to week, taking the defense above where it should be. His defensive tactics will be vital as the Chiefs try to make it back to the Super Bowl.
1. Offense hasn't unlocked its full potential
While the Chiefs have struggled this season, they still sit at 8-4. The offense has been nowhere near where it has been in seasons prior. Coach Andy Reid is an offensive guru who is known for drawing up great plays. The Mahomes era has shown this with constant highlight-reel plays, many of which go to star receiver Tyreek Hill and star tight end Travis Kelce.
Defenses have adjusted to their quick-strike ability and are now making them march down the field to score. This has led to a drop in Mahomes' numbers and more turnovers. On the season, he has thrown for 3,384 yards with 25 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Reid and the Chiefs are starting to adjust to defenses and could unlock their full potential in the coming weeks. It will all start with getting Hill and Kelce more involved. Getting Mahomes in a rhythm heading into the postseason will be integral for their Super Bowl chances.
While it is a tight playoff race in the AFC, the Chiefs' recent experience could separate them from the bunch. It may require them to adapt and play a more physical style of football, but Reid and Mahomes should be able to figure it out.
With the Chiefs beginning to find their rhythm at the right time, the rest of the AFC needs to watch out.
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