Back in Week 8, the Kansas City Chiefs were 3-4. Hardly anyone gave them a chance to make the playoffs — much less win their sixth consecutive AFC West championship or contend for the AFC’s single postseason bye.
The defense was a mess. The offense — while still capable — couldn’t be counted upon to close out games without costly mistakes. Kansas City was in serious trouble — and at that moment, faced one of the league’s most difficult remaining schedules.
And yet... eight games later, the Chiefs found themselves in a position where they could still earn the AFC’s first seed.