Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs can become first NFL team to achieve this historic record — and no one’s talking about it

The Kansas City Chiefs aiming for the first Super Bowl three-peat in NFL history is a well known fact.

But the Chiefs could set another huge record in 2024 — and it’s not receiving enough attention midway through a perfect season.

Mahomes is a three-time Super Bowl champ but the Chiefs are trying to win three successive games
Mahomes is a three-time Super Bowl champ but the Chiefs are trying to win three successive gamesCredit: Getty
Since Kansas City held off Tampa Bay 30-24 in overtime on Monday Night Football, there has been increased chatter surrounding the question of whether Andy Reid’s team can go a perfect 17-0.

“I don’t think it’s realistic they can stay undefeated,” former NFL coach Phoebe Schecter exclusively told talkSPORT on the Run Down.

“Truthfully, does it matter? Do they need to stay undefeated?

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“Because what they’ve proven is, all we need to do is win in the postseason.”

There’s previously only been one undefeated, Super Bowl-winning team in NFL history.

The Miami Dolphins won all of their games during the 1972 season.

Yet as impressive as the Dolphins’ perfect mark is, Miami only played 14 regular-season games and achieved that record during a very different era for pro football.

As the Kansas City Chiefs look to make history with a Super Bowl three-peat in 2024, they’re already halfway through another incredible feat: the potential for a perfect season. Under the leadership of quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid, the Chiefs currently stand undefeated, sparking discussions about whether they could achieve an unbeaten 17-0 record—a feat only matched by the 1972 Miami Dolphins, who went 14-0 in a different era.

The Challenge of Going Undefeated in the Modern NFL

NFL insiders and former coaches, including Phoebe Schecter, have expressed skepticism about the Chiefs’ ability to maintain an undefeated record, emphasizing that in today’s NFL, this achievement is daunting due to the league’s competitive parity and grueling 17-game season. Schecter points out that, while impressive, an undefeated record isn’t necessarily crucial for a successful season. “Truthfully, does it matter? Do they need to stay undefeated?” she remarked, noting that the Chiefs have already proven they excel under postseason pressure​
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Historical Context: The 1972 Miami Dolphins

The 1972 Miami Dolphins remain the only team to finish a season and win the Super Bowl with a perfect record. However, they accomplished this in a time when the regular season had only 14 games, compared to the current 17-game schedule. Additionally, the Dolphins’ era had different rules, less emphasis on the passing game, and fewer playoff rounds, making their accomplishment unique but not directly comparable to today’s conditions​
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Chiefs’ Path to Perfection and Postseason Success

With a deep roster and Mahomes in peak form, the Chiefs have shown resilience in challenging games, such as their recent overtime win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Chiefs’ success hinges on maintaining health, as injuries to key players could derail their momentum. Coach Reid has kept the team focused on incremental growth and postseason readiness, a strategy he views as more crucial than a perfect season. Chiefs fans and analysts believe the team’s ultimate goal is Super Bowl dominance, with an undefeated season as a bonus​
The Express Tribune

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The Role of Mahomes and Team Dynamics

Mahomes, already a three-time Super Bowl champion, has been instrumental in leading the Chiefs to their current undefeated status. His versatility, leadership, and quick decision-making continue to set him apart, while the offensive line and wide receivers provide the support he needs. Kansas City’s defense has also stepped up this season, making them a well-rounded team capable of sustaining an unbeaten streak if they maintain their performance​
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Potential Obstacles in the Path to 17-0

The Chiefs face tough competition in upcoming games, and teams often rise to the occasion against unbeaten squads. Kansas City’s schedule includes challenging opponents, which could test their depth and resilience. Staying injury-free and avoiding complacency will be crucial if they aim for an undefeated record​
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Why the Chiefs’ Focus Remains on the Super Bowl

Ultimately, the Chiefs are prioritizing another Super Bowl victory, as emphasized by Schecter. The team’s playoff experience and proven ability to win in high-stakes games are seen as their key strengths, making a perfect record an afterthought. “All we need to do is win in the postseason,” Schecter noted, reflecting the sentiment that, while a perfect season would be historic, the primary goal is another championship ring​
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Chiefs Fans’ Reactions to Potential NFL History

As speculation about an undefeated season grows, Chiefs fans have been vocal about their excitement. Many would love to see Kansas City join the Dolphins in NFL history as an undefeated team. Others are more concerned with postseason success, understanding the challenges that come with staying undefeated​
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How an Undefeated Season Could Influence NFL Legacy

If the Chiefs were to achieve both an undefeated regular season and a Super Bowl win, it would not only cement Mahomes’ legacy but also place Reid among the greatest NFL coaches in history. It would set a new standard in modern football and further establish the Chiefs as a dynasty​
The Express Tribune
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Balancing Ambition with Realism

While the Chiefs are certainly in a position to chase an unbeaten record, Reid and Mahomes have made it clear that the focus is on improving each week and peaking during the postseason. This focus on the bigger picture reflects the experience of a team that knows a championship isn’t won in the regular season alone​
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Conclusion: Eyes on the Prize

Whether the Chiefs go 17-0 or not, they’ve already established themselves as frontrunners for another Super Bowl title. Fans and players alike understand that while a perfect season would be historic, the ultimate goal is victory in the Super Bowl—a legacy-defining achievement that could establish the Chiefs as one of the greatest teams of all time.