Following the Kansas City Chiefs’ narrow victory over the Las Vegas Raiders after a Thanksgiving Day fumble, many anticipated a downturn for the Super Bowl champions. However, that dip has yet to materialize.
In a thrilling finish on Sunday night, the Chiefs secured their 15th consecutive one-possession victory, defeating the Los Angeles Chargers 19-17. Matthew Wright, filling in for two injured kickers, delivered the game-winning 31-yard field goal, striking the left upright before bouncing through. This marked the Chiefs’ sixth win this season decided on the final play.
Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt expressed his relief at the team’s ability to clinch close games. “I’m certainly glad that we’ve ended up on the winning side of those games,” he said, celebrating the team’s ninth consecutive AFC West championship, the second-longest division title streak in NFL history. Hunt reflected on last season, noting how many tight games slipped away, particularly in November and December. “It’s a credit to the level of competition in the National Football League. All these guys are professionals, they’re very talented, and our guys have hung in there and found ways to get the ‘W’ at the end of the game.”
The Chiefs (12-1) now hold a two-game lead over the Buffalo Bills, who lost to the Rams, solidifying their position as the top seed in the playoff picture. While some may argue luck has played a role, the Chiefs have consistently operated on razor-thin margins, whether through a close call against the Ravens or relying on three different kickers for game-winning field goals. Ultimately, their consistent performance suggests they are simply difficult to defeat.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes acknowledged the challenge posed by the Chargers, who have now lost seven straight to Kansas City. “Even though I feel like we could have played better, I mean that’s a good football team,” he said. “As long as we have a chance to go out there and have the football and make a play happen, I feel like we’re going to make it happen.”
What’s Working:
The Chiefs have demonstrated resilience in high-pressure situations, a trait that bodes well for the postseason when many games are decided in the fourth quarter. A crucial third-and-7 completion to Travis Kelce at the Chargers’ 20-yard line with less than two minutes remaining allowed Kansas City to run down the clock before the winning kick.
What Needs Improvement:
Despite their success, the Chiefs have struggled with offensive consistency throughout the season. After a strong first half, which included a touchdown pass to DeAndre Hopkins for a 13-0 lead, the offense faltered in the second half until the final moments.
Stock Up:
Rookie Xavier Worthy appears to have overcome early-season challenges, recording five catches for 41 yards against the Chargers. He has totaled 18 receptions for 202 yards and one touchdown over the past four games.
Stock Down:
The Chiefs’ pass defense continues to struggle, failing to consistently pressure Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, despite Tershawn Wharton’s two sacks. Coverage issues have persisted for several weeks.
Injury Updates:
Left tackle D.J. Humphries suffered a hamstring injury late in his debut, leaving the position uncertain once again. The Chiefs had signed Humphries due to the ineffectiveness of rookie Kingsley Suamataia and second-year player Wanya Morris.
Key Number:
Tight end Travis Kelce recorded his 80th reception of the season, marking his NFL-record ninth consecutive year with at least that many catches. This achievement moves him ahead of legends Torry Holt, Marvin Harrison, and Jerry Rice for the longest streak, tying him with Tim Brown for third-most in NFL history, behind Rice (12) and Larry Fitzgerald (10).
Next Steps:
The Chiefs will play three of their final four regular-season games on the road, starting Sunday in Cleveland.
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