The luckiest team in the NFL does have a legitimate weakness.
Kansas City’s record stands at 12-1 and the Chiefs have set a league record with 15 consecutive wins in one-score games.
GettyPassing and scoring normally aren’t a problem for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs[/caption]
But while attention often hovers around Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the state of Andy Reid‘s offense, the other side of the ball could end up bringing down Kansas City.
The Chiefs are attempting to become the first team in NFL history to win three straight Super Bowls, building upon a dynasty that started in 2019.
Steve Wyche, chief national reporter for NFL Network, exclusively told talkSPORT’s Run Down show that he still believes Kansas City will represent the AFC in Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.
“I do think they’re back in the Super Bowl,” Wyche said.
But while he praised Mahomes’ ability to finish off game-winning drives and the Chiefs’ remarkable weekly resilience in 2024, Wyche expressed concern about an overlooked weak spot that has developed this season.
“One thing that concerns me a little is not the offense but their defense, which was so great early on,” Wyche said.
“It’s a little leaky in the secondary. I mean, they’re having some
issues.”
Numbers back up Wyche’s concern.
Kansas City’s defense ranks sixth in the NFL in average yards allowed (310.1) and is seventh in points (19.4).
In back-to-back last-minute wins against Las Vegas and the Los Angeles Chargers, the Chiefs held their opponents to 17 points.
GettyMahomes has won week after week despite missing offensive weapons[/caption]
GettyThe Chiefs’ biggest problem in 2024 could be their passing defense[/caption]
GettyRussell Wilson has turned the Steelers into a Super Bowl contender[/caption]
But when it comes to the secondary, Kansas City has issues that could be exploited by quarterbacks in the playoffs.
If Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson take advantage of a defense that ranks 20th in the NFL in passing yards allowed (221.8), Mahomes might not be able to bail out his team in a win-or-go-home postseason contest.
Wyche also believes there’s a surprise team with a veteran quarterback and experienced head coach who could take down the Chiefs in 2024.
“Pittsburgh to me is the one team that matches up with them really really well,” Wyche said.
“I think that’s because they’re so complimentary in every aspect.”
Overall, though, the NFL Network reporter believes that Kansas City getting “lucky” week after week is for a reason.
The Chiefs are good enough to win every game.
And as long as their defensive secondary holds up, they could make history in New Orleans.
“I think winning these close games consistently gives them a mentality that, regardless of where we play or who we play, we are going to pull it out in the end,” Wyche said.
“I do think that they can make it through the AFC.”
The Chiefs should improve to 13-2 and almost wrap up the No. 1 seed when they face the Browns in Cleveland on Sunday.
Tickets are available for $34 to see the reigning world champs in person.
talkSPORT is your home of the NFL on UK radio, and you can stay up to date with all the latest from around the league via our dedicated ‘EndZone’ YouTube channel.