The Kansas City Chiefs enter Week 17 as the No. 1 seed in the AFC and need only to beat the Oakland Raiders to secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
This is a team that’s wowed the masses with plays like this pretty much on a weekly basis due to the offensive prowess of Patrick Mahomes and Co.
However, it’s been noted time and time again that the Chiefs have a fatal flaw. Their defense is about as formidable as a piece of cardboard that’s been exposed to the elements all winter long.
Now comes a truly staggering stat that highlights this team’s inability to stop opposing offenses.
The Chiefs are just seven first downs allowed from setting a new low bar for NFL futility on the defensive side of the ball. If they allow seven first downs to Oakland, they’ll have allowed the most first downs in a 16-game season in NFL history.
Astute reader Bob points this out: Chiefs closing in on what appears to be the NFL's all-time record for most first downs surrendered. pic.twitter.com/6atLDi4nog
— Sam Mellinger (@mellinger) December 28, 2018
There are, of course, other stats that highlight Kansas City’s fatal flaw. Through 15 games, this defense ranks 31st in total yards allowed. The Chiefs also give up nearly 28 points per game, ranking 29th in scoring defense.
Basically, it’s Patrick Mahomes or bust.
The Baltimore Ravens can attest to the fact that Mahomes can get the job done even in the most dire of circumstances (like this). But there’s no doubt he’s going to face even bigger tests in the playoffs, much like we saw in Seattle last weekend.
As amazing as Kansas City’s offense is, don’t be surprised if the Chiefs go one-and-done in the playoffs this year.