As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for another thrilling AFC Championship matchup against the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday, it’s time to reflect on the rich history of this franchise. The Chiefs have always been a benchmark of excellence in the NFL, especially in its early days and of late.
From their days in the AFL to their current place among the NFL’s best, the Chiefs have consistently fielded teams that dominated the gridiron and made history. These teams haven’t just won games — they’ve thrilled fans with entertaining rosters and Hall of Fame legends.
In this list honoring the 10 best Kansas City Chiefs teams throughout history, we delve into archival records to celebrate these squads that have elevated this franchise to legendary status.
From the 1969 squad that secured their inaugural Super Bowl win to the energetic 2019 team that defied expectations and emerged victorious in Super Bowl LIV, each team embodies a distinct era of Chiefs football. These remarkable teams have not only shaped the Chiefs’ enduring legacy but also had a profound effect on the NFL and professional football.
10. 1971 Kansas City Chiefs
- Record: 10-3-1
- Key Points: Just the team’s second season in the NFL, Â the Chiefs won the AFC West division championship, their first division title since 1966 and last until 1993.
In 1971, the Chiefs were anchored by a robust defense, led by Chiefs great Willie Lanier, and a versatile offense, compiled a 10-3-1 record, showcasing their prowess in the competitive AFL. Their season culminated in a dramatic double-overtime loss to the Miami Dolphins in the longest game in NFL history, a defining moment of the era.
9. 1995 Kansas City Chiefs
- Record: 13-3
- Key Points: A team with a great regular season but a disappointing pattern of playoff failures.
The 1995 Chiefs, known for their defensive prowess led by Derrick Thomas, faced challenges offensively, leading to an early playoff exit. This team’s journey emphasized the importance of balance, as their dominant defense was often let down by an offense that had trouble scoring points.
Related: NFL power rankings
8. 2018 Kansas City Chiefs
- Record: 12-4
- Key Points: Patrick Mahomes’ MVP season with a high-scoring offense, but defensive issues led to an AFC Championship Game loss.
The 2018 Chiefs, marked by Patrick Mahomes’ MVP season, dazzled fans with a high-scoring offense but fell short in the AFC Championship game 37-31 in overtime to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. The Patriots went on to win the Super Bowl.
7. 2003 Kansas City Chiefs
- Record: 13-3
- Key Points: Elite offense led by Trent Green and Priest Holmes but struggled defensively in the playoffs.
The Chiefs had a banner season in 2003, finishing with a record of 13-3. They started strong with a nine-game winning streak, their best start in their 40-year history. The Chiefs won the AFC West and secured the second seed in the playoffs after not making it the previous five campaigns. Unfortunately, they lost a high-scoring game at home in the AFC Divisional Playoffs against the Indianapolis Colts, with neither team’s kicking squad attempting any punts.
Related: NFL QB rankings
6. 1993 Kansas City Chiefs
- Record: 11-5
- Key Points: A star-powered team with Joe Montana and Marcus Allen that reached the AFC Championship game.
Led by newly acquired quarterback Joe Montana and running back Marcus Allen, the 1993 Kansas City Chiefs breathed new life into their offensive game, resulting in an impressive 11-5 record. The season was particularly notable for their return to the AFC Championship game, where they lost to the Buffalo Bills 30-13.
5. 1968 Kansas City Chiefs
- Record: 12-2
- Key Points: Featured one of the greatest defenses in league history but faltered in the playoffs.
During the 1968 season, the Chiefs, under the guidance of head coach Hank Stram, finished in second place in the AFL Western Division with a stellar 12-2 record. However, their dreams of winning it all were shattered when they lost to the Oakland Raiders in the AFL Championship game.
4. 1966 Kansas City Chiefs
- Record: 11-2-1
- Super Bowl Appearance: Super Bowl I
- Key Points: Led the AFL in scoring and defense, reaching the first-ever Super Bowl.
Under legendary coach Hank Stram, the 1966 Kansas City Chiefs emerged as champions of the AFL by defeating the Buffalo Bills, 31-7. They punched their ticket to the first AFL-NFL World Championship Game, which eventually became known as Super Bowl I. Kansas City lost to Green Bay and Vince Lombardi 35-10.
Related: NFL playoff predictions
3. 2020 Kansas City Chiefs
- Record: 14-2
- Super Bowl Appearance: Super Bowl LV
- Key Points: Strong season with Mahomes at the helm, although they fell short in the Super Bowl against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Led by their standout quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, the team continued to build on their previous strong year and ended the season with an impressive 14-2 record, which marked the best performance in the franchise’s history. As a result, they secured the top seed in the AFC playoffs. Their extraordinary journey reached its pinnacle with an appearance in Super Bowl LV, where they faced off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa Bay won the game 31-9.
Related: Highest-paid NFL coaches
2. 1969 Kansas City Chiefs
- Record: 11-3
- Super Bowl Victory: Super Bowl IV
- Key Points: Dominant in both offense and defense, winning the franchise’s first Super Bowl.
During the 1969 season, the Chiefs faced numerous injuries to key players. Still, Despite these setbacks, they managed to secure a second-place finish in the AFL Western Division with an impressive 11-3 record. Their journey continued in the playoffs, where they showcased their resilience, which culminated in a win over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV. This historic victory marked their first Super Bowl championship and solidified their place as one of the greatest and most courageous teams in football history.
Related: Highest-paid NFL players 2024
1. 2019 Kansas City Chiefs
- Record: 12-4
- Super Bowl Victory: Super Bowl LIV
- Key Points: Overcame deficits in all their playoff games, with Patrick Mahomes leading the team to its second Super Bowl win.
Mahomes led the Chiefs to a 12-4 record, again winning the AFC West. Their playoff run was highlighted by impressive comebacks, culminating in a 31-20 Super Bowl LIV victory over the San Francisco 49ers, securing the franchise’s first Super Bowl win in 50 years.
