The Chiefs’ division-title streak is amazing. Saints look to add to their run
It’s last week’s news, but let’s get into the Chiefs’ fifth straight division crown a little more before closing the book.
Their five straight AFC West crowns match the Denver Broncos (2011-15) and Raiders (1972-76) for the most by any team in the division.
Each of those teams won a Super Bowl and had an NFL MVP quarterback in that stretch, although none boasted both accomplishments in the same year.
Patrick Mahomes won the award in 2018, with the Chiefs winning the Super Bowl the next season. Denver’s Peyton Manning was MVP in 2013 and the Broncos won the Super Bowl two years later. The Raiders’ Kenny Stabler was the MVP in 1974 and Oakland was the Super Bowl champ two years later.
Moral of the story: It helps to have a future Hall of Famer at quarterback.
Before their current streak, the Chiefs were the only AFC franchise to never win division titles in successive years. They now have 13 division titles. In what is the most even of the NFL’s divisions, the Broncos, Raiders and Chargers each have 15.
The NFL record for consecutive division championships won is 11 by the New England Patriots, a run that ended this year. The Chiefs’ streak marks the 12th time in NFL history that a franchise has won at least five straight division championships.
The New Orleans Saints, who play host to the Chiefs Sunday, have the longest current run in the NFC: three straight NFC South titles.
Here’s how Sunday’s game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome could play out.
When the Chiefs pass
By 410 yards, the Chiefs have passed for more yards than any other NFL team this season. Although he matched his career high with three interceptions last weekend at Miami, Patrick Mahomes thew for 393 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The Saints rank fourth against the pass. Travis Kelce leads the NFL with 1,250 yards and Tyreek Hill is tied for the TD reception lead with 14. Saints defensive end Trey Hendrickson is having a career year with 10 1/2 sacks.
Edge: Chiefs
When the Chiefs run
Clyde Edwards-Helaire is returning to the stadium where he won the CFP championship last season with LSU and a state championship while in high school. The Saints are stingy against the run, allowing 89.2 yards per game, although the Eagles went for 246 last week. The Saints’ NFL-record streak of not allowing a 100-yard rusher in a game ended at 55 last weekend. The Chiefs’ offensive line has been a revolving door, with tackle Mike Remmers suffering a back injury against the Dolphins.
Edge: Saints
When the Saints pass
Taysom Hill or Drew Brees or Jameis Winston? On Friday, the Saints announced Brees would get the starting nod after missing the last four games with injured ribs. Brees vs. Mahomes will be another matchup between MVP quarterbacks. Mahomes and the Chiefs have come out on top against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens and Tom Brady and the Buccaneers this season.
Edge: Chiefs
When the Saints run
Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray have combined to average 100 rushing yards per game this season, and the Saints have 21 rushing touchdowns as a team — tops in the NFL. Five of those belong to Hill, who’s a real weapon as a runner.
Edge: Saints
This story was originally published December 16, 2020 at 11:52 AM.