Kansas City Chiefs could clinch another AFC West title Monday. But mum’s the word in KC
Chris Jones has never lost a division championship race.
He won his first AFC West title as a rookie in 2016 and looks to win his eighth Monday when the Chiefs meet the Las Vegas Raiders. A Chiefs victory — or a Denver Broncos loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday — would clinch it.
But playoff possibilities? That isn’t a popular topic with Jones or other Chiefs.
That’s experience talking — or not talking.
“It’s the same importance as any game we play,” Jones said. “We know the importance of these last few games of the season.”
The biggest prize for winning the division is clear: It ensures a playoff appearance, as well as at least one home game as a top-four seed. The Chiefs are bidding for their ninth straight playoff appearance — they made it as a wild card team in 2015.
With another playoff appearance, the Chiefs would join the Dallas Cowboys (1975-83) and Indianapolis Colts (2022-10) for the second-longest run of consecutive playoff appearances in NFL history. Only the New England Patriots, with 11 from 2009-19, would have more.
As for consecutive division titles, the Chiefs would stand alone in second place, with eight, trailing only the Patriots’ 11-year run.
The Chiefs will no doubt be more interested in the playoffs and seeding possibilities once they’ve clinched a berth.
“Everybody understands it,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said. “That’s something we talk about at the beginning of the year. Our first goal is to win the AFC West, and we understand that’s a great challenge.”
The Chiefs (9-5) have already matched their most losses in a season since 2017. But with a two-game lead on the Denver Broncos within the division, they have a chance to win the AFC West by multiple games for the fifth straight year.
If that happens, commemorative caps will be worn and the achievement will be celebrated. Until then, Chiefs coach Andy Reid might as well put a finger to his lips and whisper “shush” when asked about the postseason.
“You don’t have to really talk about all the other stuff,” Reid said.
