Chiefs set NFL record Saturday. It could be the key to winning AFC Championship Game
This year’s NFL playoffs are unlike any in history.
All four winning teams in the divisional playoff round gained fewer yards than their opponents, yet advanced to the championship game.
CBS Sports noted the Chiefs, Bills, Commanders and Eagles have combined for zero turnovers in the postseason. It’s the first time the four conference championship teams have yet to turn the ball over in the playoffs.
No team has been better at protecting the ball than the Chiefs.
Since quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw two interceptions in KC’s 30-21 loss to the Bills on Nov. 17, the Chiefs haven’t turned the ball over once. Their 23-14 win over the Texans on Saturday was the eighth straight game without a fumble or interception, and it was historic.
That streak of eight straight turnover-free games is the longest in the Super Bowl era, CBS Sports said. The 2010 Patriots are second on the list (seven games).
The Buffalo Bills have done an outstanding job protecting the ball, too. They have just one turnover in their last eight games. In that time, the Bills have 14 takeaways.
During the regular season, the Bills led the NFL with a plus-24 turnover margin and their eight giveaways were the fewest in the league. The Football Database shows the last team with that few giveaways was the 2019 Saints.
The last team with a turnover margin as big as the Bills was the 2012 Patriots (plus-25). So, it’s also been a historic season for Buffalo in terms of turnovers.
Buffalo forced at least one turnover in all but one regular-season game, and that was a 44-42 loss to the Rams. One caveat: The Bills didn’t get a takeaway against the Broncos in their Wild Card game against the Broncos.
But Buffalo thumped Denver 31-7.
The Bills had two or more takeaways in 11 games this season and they were 10-1. Their only loss was a 23-20 defeat against the Texans.
Inside Edge NFL said teams that have forced two or more turnovers in a game this season have won 73% of the time. Turnovers could be the key to Sunday’s AFC Championship Game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
This story was originally published January 21, 2025 at 9:36 AM.
