Chiefs’ eighth straight AFC West title gives KC historical edge over division rivals
When the Chiefs kicked off the 2016 season, they had won eight AFC West championships in their history.
That was the fewest in the division, trailing the Broncos, Chargers and Raiders. All three were tied for the most with 15 AFC West championships.
The Chiefs fell behind the Chargers by three touchdowns in the 2016 opener at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, but stormed back and won 33-27 in overtime.
That kick-started a 12-4 season for the Chiefs, who won the AFC West. They have not relinquished the division crown since then. With their 25-17 victory over the Bengals on Sunday, the Chiefs won their eighth straight division title.
The Chiefs now have 16 AFC West championships, one more than the Raiders, Chargers and Broncos.
1. Chiefs, 16
2t. Broncos, Chargers, Raiders 15
The Chiefs’ eight straight division championships is the second-longest run for consecutive division titles in NFL history, behind only the New England Patriots.
There are at least two other historical notes to come out of Sunday’s Chiefs victory, via CBS Sports.
The Chiefs’ division title means they’ve qualified for the playoffs for a ninth consecutive season. That’s tied for the longest streak in NFL history behind the Patriots’ 11 (2009-19). The Chiefs’ nine-year run is tied with streaks by the Indianapolis Colts (2002-10) and Dallas Cowboys (1975-83).
Sunday’s victory improved the Chiefs’ record to 10-6, the ninth straight time they’ve won 10 or more games in a season. That’s tied for the third-longest such streak in NFL history.
New England (17, 2003-19) is first and the San Francisco 49ers are second (16, 1983-98). The Colts also had nine straight 10-win seasons.
This story was originally published December 31, 2023 at 7:39 PM.
