NFL Week Update: Chiefs Sink to 0-2, What’s Next?
In Sunday’s slate of NFL games, several teams fell to 0-2, and the Houston Texans added to the list with a loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Fans in all those cities might be feeling the heat, but the sense of urgency is perhaps more pronounced in Kansas City.
Notably, the Chiefs dropped to 0-2 for the first time since 2014 after their loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in a big Super Bowl rematch. Their defense managed to restrict Saquon Barkley to 88 rushing yards and limited Jalane to only 101. The Eagles’ quarterback aptly pointed out that their win was sealed even before the final whistle blew.
This marks the Chiefs’ slowest start since Alex Smith was under center. That year, they finished with a 9-7 record and failed to make the playoffs, coming in second in the AFC West behind the Denver Broncos.
Is this a sign that the current dynasty could face a similar fate? Statistically, the figures don’t look great for teams starting 0-2: only about 11% manage to make the playoffs since the 2020 season, where 42 teams have begun this way, yet only five managed to turn things around. True, the playoffs were expanded to seven teams per conference in 2020, potentially improving odds.
Looking back further, since 1933, teams that started 0-2 have had an 8.6% chance of reaching the playoffs.
Yet, recent trends seem more favorable for the Chiefs. Last season, teams like the Broncos, Ravens, and Rams all went on to make the playoffs after starting 0-2.
So, should Chiefs fans hit the panic button?
“Stay calm, everything is going well!” might be what they’d prefer to hear.
Kevin Bacon’s line from *Animal House* might echo in their minds this Monday morning. But why do Chiefs fans still have faith in their team? Well, it goes beyond just a few recent teams managing to bounce back from a rough start.
To give some context, the Chiefs kicked off their season against playoff teams. First, they faced the Chargers, followed by a Super Bowl rematch with the Eagles. It’s tough to start against two playoff-caliber squads. Plus, the atmosphere during the Super Bowl rematch was anything but ordinary.
Adding to that, the Chiefs are currently missing two key wide receivers. Rashee Rice is out due to a suspension, and Xavier Worthy is sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Even with these struggles, the Chiefs were looking to change their luck on Sunday.
If Travis Kelce had caught a certain pass for a touchdown, the Chiefs could have been ahead 17-13 early in the fourth quarter. Instead, an interception by Andrew Mukuba not only thwarted the touchdown but also set up an Eagles score, pushing them to a 20-10 lead.
This was a huge turning point, and it wasn’t the only chance Kansas City let slip away. Harrison Butker also had a missed field goal, and Patrick Mahomes overlooked a wide-open Taycan Thornton later in the game.
“I need to get better at hitting those deep shots early,” Mahomes remarked, acknowledging the importance of taking those opportunities when they arise.
On defense, the Chiefs did a better job of containing the Eagles compared to allowing 318 yards to Justin Herbert in their first game. This performance gives some hope for the unit moving forward.
If you notice Chiefs fans being a bit uneasy this morning, it’s understandable.
The Week 1 loss to the Chargers snapped a 17-game winning streak in close encounters, going back to the previous season. The Chiefs had managed to win five regular-season nail-biters in 2023 and another eleven the following year, plus the thrilling AFC Championship against the Bills, which ended 32-29.
Now, with back-to-back losses in close games, they find themselves in a precarious position.
This pattern could heavily influence their path as the season progresses.
There were many moments during this stretch where Kansas City caught fortunate breaks; a potential touchdown that slipped away in Week 1 last season is just one example, along with other opportunities they let pass by.
They’ve returned to Earth in terms of close games this season. While they may have lost twice already, each game plays a critical role as they eye the playoffs.
At the end of the day, there’s no need for panic in Kansas City just yet. It’s still early, and plenty of football remains to be played. The Chiefs’ two losses are impacted by the context around those games and injuries on the offensive end.
This squad has experienced coaches who have seen nearly everything the NFL has to offer.
But what if they stumble against the New York Giants and drop to 0-3 next week?
Then, maybe, it would be time to talk about concerns.
