The Kansas City Chiefs continue to face alarming trends as they struggle in the second half of games, raising concerns about their playoff viability. Despite their talent and past success, recent performances suggest that failing to maintain leads could jeopardize their chances in the competitive NFL landscape.
As the NFL season approaches Week 15, Kansas City is making headlines with their remarkable performance, boasting a solid record that positions them as contenders for a third consecutive Super Bowl title. With a two-game lead for the top seed in the AFC, the Chiefs have established themselves as a formidable force in the league. However, questions linger regarding the true strength of their performance, especially given their tendency to win games by narrow margins.
Kansas City has impressively secured 15 consecutive victories in one-score games, a feat that speaks to their resilience and clutch play. These close finishes have included a mix of fortunate breaks and strategic decisions that have allowed them to pull ahead in critical moments. Despite the thrilling wins, their +56 point differential raises eyebrows, as it is notably the lowest for any team with a record of 12-1 or better in NFL history.
Critics point to Kansas City’s somewhat soft schedule, suggesting that their dominance may not be as absolute as it appears. While they have excelled in tight situations, their eighth ranking in DVOA further complicates their narrative as the league’s best team. This raises the question about their ability to win close games and it also emphasizes the need for improvement in certain areas.
Despite these critiques, a Super Bowl victory could redefine the narrative around this team. If they secure another championship, discussions about their season’s challenges might fade, overshadowed by their success. Kansas City has the talent and experience to make a deep playoff run, and their resilience in close games could be a significant asset in high-stakes matchups.
NFL Analysis Highlights Concerning Issue About Kansas City Chiefs
Even though Kansas City has punched its ticket to the playoffs, there’s an issue they have to resolve right away. This is detailed more in Adam Teicher’s analysis for ESPN.
Second-half struggle. The Chiefs for the third straight week allowed their opponent to rally from a double-digit second-half deficit. The Chiefs shut out the Chargers in the first half, but Herbert took Los Angeles on scoring drives on each of its first three possessions in the second half.
In Week 14, Kansas City faced a challenging second half against the Los Angeles Chargers, allowing them to rally from a double-digit deficit. Despite a strong first half, the team struggled to maintain pressure on quarterback Justin Herbert, leading to three consecutive weeks of allowing opponents to score in the third quarter.
Mahomes showcased his quick-release passing under pressure, but the team’s inability to close out games raises concerns as they head into the final stretch of the season. Continued defensive lapses could jeopardize their playoff aspirations down the line if the team doesn’t address this issue right away.
