Only the legendary 1972 Dolphins and the 2007 Patriots have completed a perfect NFL regular season, and this year, the Chiefs are aiming to join that elite group. With nine games left, their journey is fraught with challenges, including matchups against several teams with winning records. Critics question the fairness of officiating in favor of the Chiefs, drawing parallels to past controversies surrounding the Patriots. Despite their unbeaten status, the Chiefs’ defense has been key to their success, even as their offense struggles with turnovers. Historical data suggests that maintaining an undefeated record is difficult, with few teams managing to sustain their momentum. As they strive for a third consecutive Super Bowl title, predictions indicate the Chiefs may not finish the season without a loss.
In the annals of the NFL, only the legendary 1972 Dolphins and the iconic 2007 Patriots have ever navigated a regular season without suffering a single defeat. This year, the Chiefs stand as the sole undefeated team, stirring excitement at the prospect of them potentially becoming the first team to clinch three Super Bowl titles consecutively while maintaining a perfect record.
Challenges Ahead for the Chiefs
While it’s thrilling to imagine such a feat, we must temper our expectations, as there are still nine games remaining on their schedule. The path is anything but straightforward, and the mathematical odds are certainly not in their favor.
However, the relentless drive for victory seen in stars like Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Chris Jones is undeniable. Critics have emerged, suggesting that the officials favor the Chiefs, citing controversial calls that seemingly go in their direction. These skeptics compile evidence, claiming that the league harbors a bias towards the Chiefs, influenced by factors such as celebrity affiliations and media ratings.
This situation echoes the era of Tom Brady and the Patriots, where suspicions ran rampant. While it’s easy to get swept up in conspiracy theories, the truth remains: the Chiefs, much like the Patriots before them, have honed their skills and are guided by exceptional coaching.
Examining the Chiefs’ Schedule
Looking at the remaining fixtures for the Chiefs, they face a demanding slate, with six games against teams that currently hold winning records. Notable matchups include the Broncos (twice), Bills, Chargers, Texans, and Steelers, though the latter three have offenses that don’t strike fear into opponents. They also have three games against struggling teams (Raiders, Browns, and Panthers) which could present easier victories.
The upcoming clash with the Bills is poised to be the most significant test. Although the Chiefs have triumphed over the Bills in the playoffs during the Mahomes-Allen rivalry, it’s crucial to remember their regular-season record stands at 1-3 against them.
Despite Mahomes’ star power, it has been the Chiefs’ defense that has propelled them this season. The offense has only managed to exceed 30 points once, and turnovers remain a concern, with Mahomes already throwing nine interceptions this season. Six of their eight victories have come by seven points or less, casting doubt on their invincibility. In fact, among NFL teams that have boasted an 8-0 record, the Chiefs currently hold the lowest point differential at +56.
What the Chiefs are achieving is impressive, showcasing their tenacity as serious contenders year after year. Their undefeated status at mid-season, following two consecutive Super Bowl victories, speaks volumes about their hunger for success.
However, history shows that of the 19 teams since 2000 that began with an 8-0 record, only seven managed to carry that momentum beyond ten wins. In recent years, four of the five teams starting with eight wins lost their ninth game, with none claiming the Super Bowl title thereafter. Winning consistently in today’s NFL landscape is an immensely challenging task.
Moreover, luck isn’t always on the side of the last remaining undefeated team. The 2006 Colts were the last team to maintain an unblemished record for the season and subsequently win the Super Bowl. Since then, no team has accomplished this feat.
My prediction is that the Chiefs may not achieve a perfect regular season. Nevertheless, I stand by my earlier assessment that this team, known for finding a way to prevail, is on the quest for a third consecutive Vince Lombardi trophy.
Week 10 Predictions
THURSDAY
MY PICK
Cincinnati at Baltimore RAVENS
SUNDAY
MY PICKS
NY Giants at Carolina (in Munich) (9:30 AM) GIANTS
New England at Chicago (1:00 PM) BEARS
Buffalo at Indianapolis (1:00 PM) BILLS
Minnesota at Jacksonville (1:00 PM) VIKINGS
Denver at Kansas City (1:00 PM) CHIEFS
Atlanta at New Orleans (1:00 PM) FALCONS
San Francisco at Tampa Bay (1:00 PM) 49ERS
Pittsburgh at Washington (1:00 PM) STEELERS
Tennessee at LA Chargers (4:05 PM) CHARGERS
NY Jets at Arizona (4:25 PM) JETS
Philadelphia at Dallas (4:25 PM) EAGLES
Detroit at Houston (8:20 PM) LIONS
MONDAY
MY PICK
Miami at LA Rams (8:15 PM) RAMS
Teams on bye: Browns, Raiders, Packers, Seahawks
RESULTS FROM LAST WEEK: 11 out of 15 (73.3%)
TOTAL THIS SEASON: 89 out of 138 (64.5%)
THE PICKS OF THE JOURNAL
New York Giants (2-7) vs. Carolina Panthers (2-7)
BATTLE OF THE BOTTOM FEEDERS
Will the Giants avoid the fate of the Saints, who suffered an embarrassing loss to the struggling Panthers? It seems likely, but anything can happen in this critical matchup in Germany. The Panthers ended a five-game losing streak, but don’t be fooled into thinking they’ve become a competitive team. The Giants’ defensive front could pose significant problems for quarterback Bryce Young, unless Daniel Jones disrupts the team’s efforts.
–Giants by 4
New England Patriots (2-7) vs. Chicago Bears (4-4)
WHEN WILL THEY WAKE UP?
The Bears appear to be in a state of confusion after showing initial promise. Last week marked the third occasion they failed to score a touchdown while surrendering over 150 rushing yards. Even the defense is faltering, leading to questions about whether Matt Eberflus is still in control of the team. Their lack of inspiration doesn’t bode well, especially with the Patriots coming to town, whose offense is struggling