Patrick Mahomes-led KC Chiefs keep mowing down NFL records set during Patriots’ dynasty
It wasn’t long ago that the Chiefs were finding bizarre and heartbreaking ways to lose playoff games.
Now they find themselves within reach of several NFL records as their postseason begins anew: The Chiefs play host to the Houston Texans in an AFC Divisional Round game at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Let’s start with current streaks.
The Chiefs are appearing in the playoffs for the 10th straight year, the second-longest run of all-time (New England made it to 11 straight postseasons). KC also has the longest streak of postseasons with at least one playoff win — six. The Patriots hold this league record, too, with eight.
Winning a third straight Super Bowl would be a first for the NFL. And if that happens, the Chiefs would also match the Patriots’ record of 10 straight playoff victories.
They could own some all-time records if this season ends with a Super Bowl. No team has won three Vince Lombardi trophies in a row. The Chiefs’ current win streak in playoff games — which stands at seven — is tied for the NFL’s third-longest of all-time.
Those victories have led to the Chiefs playing in the AFC Championship Game for six straight years, which trails only the Patriots, with eight, in NFL history.
What the Patriots accomplished during the Tom Brady and Bill Belichick years — six Super Bowl titles in nine seasons and 17 trips to the playoffs in 19 years — once looked untouchable.
But the Chiefs’ current stretch of success started before the Patriots’ run had concluded, and there is no foreseeable end date for the Chiefs’ quarterback/head coach duo of Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid. The Chiefs have established the greatest period of success in Kansas City’s sports history.
Perhaps some day it can rival the NFL’s best.
“When I look back at all the different Super Bowls that we’ve won, I look back at special moments that we’ve had and special games that we’ve had, we’ll try to do that the same this year,” Mahomes said.
“It’s been a fun run up to this point, but we want to get to that ultimate goal. But we know it’s going to be challenging, so we have to just really focus in on the day and how we can get better and try to win the game and win the practice so that we’re prepared for the game.”
With a 15-3 record as a starting quarterback in the playoffs, Mahomes needs just one more victory to match Joe Montana for second on the NFL’s all-time list. Brady is tops with an incredible 35-13 record.
Here’s what else to watch when the Chiefs play host to the Texans in Kansas City on Saturday:
Chiefs player to watch: Running back Kareem Hunt
The wide receivers are primed and ready. Running back Isiah Pacheco has dealt with injuries this year but participated fully in practices this week. And everyone knows ”Playoff” Travis Kelce is something to behold.
But it’s quite possible that no one on the Chiefs’ roster is more motivated for Saturday’s game than Hunt, the former rising star who got booted off the Chiefs just as their Super Bowl run began. Hunt was effective against the Texans in the teams’ Week 16 encounter, as well, rushing for 55 yards on 11 carries.
When the Chiefs have needed tough yardage this season, they’ve often turned to Hunt. The team’s top rusher is poised for a big postseason.
Texans player to watch: Wide receiver Nico Collins
With WR Tank Dell out after suffering a season-ending knee injury against the Chiefs several weeks ago, Collins gets even more attention.
He’s Houston’s top receiver, averaging 14.8 yards per reception with seven touchdowns. He came up big in last weekend’s AFC Wild Card round victory over the L.A. Chargers with 112 yards and the Texans’ first TD.
Is this an assignment for cornerback Trent McDuffie, or should the Chiefs put a bigger body — perhaps Joshua Williams — on Collins?
“I love going against players like this,” McDuffie said. “I call him a complete receiver. He’s big, he’s physical, he’s fast, good hands. His connection with C.J. (Stroud), you can tell, is at an all-time high. They’re kind of clicking on all cylinders, and he’s their No. 1 receiver.
“That’s really why you want to play this game, to go against the best competition in a game that means a lot in the playoffs.”
Special teams: Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker
It hasn’t been the smoothest reentry for Butker since the KC placekicker returned from minor knee surgery: He has missed two field goals and an extra point in four games since then.
But he’s been one of the most productive and clutch kickers in NFL postseason history, and KC special teams coordinator Dave Toub said Butker has had a solid week of practice. He also said Butker benefited from the bye week that the Chiefs earned by claiming the AFC’s No. 1 seed.
“He had surgery on that knee,” Toub said. “It was minor surgery, but still. It lingered a little bit.”