The Kansas City Chiefs’ 2024 season has been a tightrope walk of close victories, a stark contrast to their previous Super Bowl-winning campaign. Ten of their twelve wins have been decided by a single score, with five games determined by three points or less. This trend has prompted discussions about luck, officiating bias, and even conspiracies, but a deeper look suggests a potential balancing act by the football gods, rectifying the close losses the Chiefs suffered in 2023.
While the Chiefs ultimately triumphed in Super Bowl LVII, their journey in 2023 was riddled with unlucky breaks. Several losses were attributed to fluky occurrences, from dropped passes and questionable penalties to missed calls by officials. A Week One loss to the Lions was marred by dropped passes, including a crucial one by Kadarius Toney resulting in a pick-six. A controversial offside call against Toney later in the season negated a potential game-winning touchdown against the Jets. A missed pass interference call in a close loss to the Packers further fueled the narrative of misfortune surrounding the Chiefs. These narrow defeats, often decided by seemingly uncontrollable events, underscore the fine line between victory and defeat in professional football.
The current season, however, seems to be repaying the Chiefs for their past misfortune. Close wins against the Ravens, Bengals, Falcons, and Buccaneers have all featured moments where the pendulum swung in Kansas City’s favor. These include a toe-out-of-bounds call against Baltimore, a contentious pass interference call against Cincinnati, crucial goal-line stands against Atlanta, and winning the overtime coin flip against Tampa Bay. Each game presented scenarios where a slight shift in circumstance could have resulted in a loss, but the Chiefs found themselves on the winning side.
The Chiefs’ most recent wins further highlight this trend. A blocked field goal against the Broncos, a game-winning field goal that bounced off the crossbar against the Chargers, and a Raiders fumble in field goal range have all contributed to Kansas City’s string of narrow victories. These seemingly improbable outcomes have amplified the perception of luck being a significant factor in their success. The Chargers game, in particular, encapsulated this season’s narrative: a nail-biting finish decided by a field goal that ricocheted off the upright and through the posts, securing the Chiefs’ ninth consecutive division title.
Beyond the element of luck, the Chiefs’ resilience and ability to persevere through adversity deserve recognition. The team has navigated significant injuries to key players, including their starting kicker, running back, wide receivers, and cornerback. Despite these setbacks, they have continued to find ways to win, demonstrating a mental fortitude and adaptability that have become hallmarks of Andy Reid’s coaching tenure. The revolving door at kicker exemplifies this resilience, with Matthew Wright stepping up in the absence of the injured Harrison Butker, the league’s highest-paid kicker.
Coach Reid attributes the team’s success in close games to their mental toughness, emphasizing their ability to “battle through some things.” This resilience, coupled with the close margins that have gone their way, has created a compelling narrative of a team seemingly destined to win, regardless of the circumstances. While luck undoubtedly plays a role in any football season, the Chiefs’ capacity to capitalize on opportunities and overcome challenges suggests that their success is not solely dependent on fortunate bounces. Their consistent performance in high-pressure situations points to a deeper strength within the team, a characteristic that transcends mere luck and speaks to a well-coached and mentally prepared squad.
The Chiefs’ season presents a fascinating case study in the dynamics of luck, resilience, and the unpredictable nature of professional football. While some may attribute their success to fortunate circumstances, a closer examination reveals a team capable of capitalizing on opportunities, overcoming adversity, and performing under pressure. Their ability to win close games is a testament to their mental fortitude and coaching, suggesting that while luck may play a part, it is not the sole determinant of their remarkable run. The ongoing debate surrounding their seemingly charmed season will continue, but one thing remains clear: the Kansas City Chiefs are masters of navigating the fine margins of victory.
