Written with: Shawn Sorter

The Kansas City Chiefs have continued their impressive run in the 2024 season, securing victories against both the Houston Texans and the Pittsburgh Steelers in their last two games. These wins have solidified their position as the top team in the AFC, clinching home-field advantage for the playoffs.

Recent Game Updates

Chiefs vs. Texans (December 21, 2024)

The Chiefs defeated the Houston Texans 27-19 in a hard-fought battle. Patrick Mahomes showcased his toughness and skill, throwing for 260 yards and a touchdown while also scoring on a 15-yard scramble. Despite leading the league in being hit 102 times, Mahomes continues to perform at an elite level. The offensive line provided better protection, and Trent McDuffie played exceptionally well, securing his second interception in as many weeks.

Chiefs vs. Steelers (December 25, 2024)

On Christmas Day, the Chiefs dominated the Pittsburgh Steelers with a 29-10 victory. Mahomes was in top form, passing for 320 yards and three touchdowns. This win not only secured the AFC's top seed but also marked another strong performance from the defense, which limited the Steelers' scoring opportunities.

The Good

• Winning Coin Toss: Starting with a win in the coin toss has proven beneficial for the Chiefs.
• Trent McDuffie: He may have played the best game of his career against the Texans, recording two tackles for loss and another interception.
• Offensive Line Performance: The offensive line had back-to-back solid games protecting Mahomes. The decision to keep Joe Thuney at left tackle while D.J. Humphries recovers from injury has paid off.
• Mahomes' Toughness: His ability to make key runs, including a "beast mode" touchdown against Houston, continues to impress.
• Kareem Hunt's Impact: Hunt's involvement in the run game is increasing, as he had 11 carries compared to Isiah Pacheco's 9 against Houston.

The Bad

• Injuries: Isiah Pacheco suffered a rib injury during the game against the Steelers and was ruled questionable to return. Chris Jones also missed the game due to a calf injury sustained against Houston.
• Kelce's Struggles: Travis Kelce has been off his game lately, with early drops affecting his performance despite making critical plays later on.
• Pass Rush Issues: The Chiefs' pass rush has been inconsistent this season, failing to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks effectively.

The Ugly

• Missed Calls: There were significant missed holding calls during both games that affected momentum and crowd energy.
• Special Teams Mistakes: Starting the second half on their own 10-yard line due to touchback decisions continues to be a point of contention.
• Third Down Failures: In critical moments, such as third-and-short situations, play-calling has raised eyebrows. Relying on Pacheco instead of Hunt for these plays has been questioned.

Future Outlook

With their current record standing at an impressive 15-1, the Chiefs are well-positioned for a playoff run. They need only one more win or a loss by the Buffalo Bills to secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. As they prepare for their final regular-season matchup against Denver, maintaining player health will be crucial for their postseason aspirations.

The Chiefs have demonstrated resilience this season despite numerous injuries and challenges. Their ability to adapt and perform under pressure will be key as they aim for a third consecutive Super Bowl appearance.