3 Keys to Chiefs Claiming No. 1 Seed in AFC Playoffs
By Joe Summers
The Chiefs are in the driver's seat for the No. 1 seed in the AFC for the playoffs, though there are several threatening teams not far behind.
We know about the improvements Kansas City needs to make collectively, especially on offense, but we've yet to discuss the three keys to the Chiefs securing the top seed in the conference.
These three factors are crucial for Kansas City to host the AFC Championship game for the sixth consecutive year:
3 Keys to Chiefs Claiming No. 1 Seed in AFC Playoffs
1. Improving Red Zone TD Efficiency
The main problem plaguing the Chiefs' offense is red zone scoring.
Kansas City ranks 15th in red zone TD efficiency, finding the end zone just 54.55% of the time. That's a gigantic decrease from last year's 71.08% figure (2nd in NFL) and has been an issue the entire year.
I thought the acquisition of Mecole Hardman would help alleviate the issue, though the Chiefs' offense is still shaky and failed to score a single TD in the loss to the Broncos.
Chiefs with some great opponent scouting on that Rashee Rice TD.
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) November 5, 2023
Empty formation just like the Eagles a few weeks before. Dolphins bring Cover 0 (just like they did against the Eagles) and the Chiefs counter it with a WR screen. pic.twitter.com/KOEu64B4nd https://t.co/9WgC24O9S2
Through nine weeks, Patrick Mahomes is completing just 56.4% of his red zone passes while averaging 3.8 yards per attempt.
Getting Rashee Rice more involved seems like the most logical solution. He easily leads Chiefs receivers with eight catches on 11 red zone targets with four TDs while displaying a savvy understanding of zone coverage and impressive burst on screens.
Harrison Butker is automatic, but the Chiefs need to start finishing drives to win the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
That's not the only key for Kansas City moving forward, as you'll see on the next page.
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