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The undefeated Chiefs haven't garnered the same level of national media attention as some other popular franchises this season. What more can be said about a 7-0 group that's won back-to-back championships and is favored (+375) to become the first team to three-peat in the Super Bowl era?
Despite Patrick Mahomes' undisputed status as the NFL's best quarterback, Kansas City's defense has been carrying it to wins for a second consecutive season. A top-five total defense, the unit is allowing the second-fewest rushing yards per game.
Mahomes, meanwhile, has merely been average. He doesn't rank in the top 15 in total passing yards, yards per attempt, or passing touchdowns. He's tied for the most interceptions thrown and ranks in the bottom third of the league in passer rating among starting quarterbacks.
So how are the Chiefs undefeated despite Mahomes' poor statistical output? Because he consistently comes through in the clutch when Kansas City needs it most. The three-time Super Bowl champ's passer rating is 84.9 this season but a whopping 119.5 in the fourth quarter. He hasn't thrown a single pick in the final frame.
The question is whether Mahomes' late-game genius and the Chiefs' defense are enough to carry them to a perfect 17-0 mark, which would make them the first undefeated regular-season team since the 2007 Patriots.
Oddsmakers project that's a long shot. Kansas City's odds to go undefeated are at +1200 on ESPN Bet and theScore Bet, implying there's a 7% probability the team makes history. The Chiefs' updated win total is 14.5. They're +400 to win 16 games, +225 to win 15 games, and +250 to win 14.
Travis Kelce's declining production and No. 1 receiver Rashee Rice's devastating injury don't exactly boost Kansas City's mediocre attack. Still, there's not much public skepticism about the Chiefs' offense because fans watched last season unfold similarly: The defense carried Kansas City throughout the regular season before Mahomes' postseason magic led to another title. It's almost as if Mahomes has become bored with his mastery and only shows up when the moment requires it.
The two-time MVP has the third-best odds (+500) to win the award again behind Josh Allen (+325) and Lamar Jackson (+375). Mahomes' status, team success, and fourth-quarter dominance give him leeway among oddsmakers and possibly voters. Plus, no quarterback has stood out in a down year for the position.
Although the Chiefs will be a top seed in the AFC, they haven't performed at an extraordinary level that would justify their unblemished record and create confidence they can finish the season without a loss.
However, many of their toughest games are in the rearview, including wins over the Ravens, Bengals, 49ers, and the division-rival Chargers. Their three toughest upcoming games are against the Bills, Chargers, and Texans. The Chiefs should be favored in every game that's left on the schedule except their away matchup in Buffalo, which could be an underdog spot for the reigning champs.
Another trend is working against Kansas City's chances to three-peat: The last remaining undefeated team hasn't won the Super Bowl since the 2006 Colts. The 2007 Patriots came up short in the big game.
Kansas City's journey continues on Monday Night Football next week as an 8.5-point home favorite against the Buccaneers. Instead of putting money on the Chiefs every week, maybe it's worth making a midseason bet that this dynasty can accomplish another historic feat.
Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X @soshtry for more betting coverage.
