3 Keys to Chiefs Claiming No. 1 Seed in AFC Playoffs
By Joe Summers
2. Reducing Turnovers
The turnovers are getting out of hand and nearly everyone needs to improve.
Kansas City has 17 turnovers, tied for second-most in the NFL ahead of only the lowly Chicago Bears. Incredible defensive efforts from guys like Trent McDuffie have generated a lot of turnovers as well to protect the offense, but we can't keep giving the ball away and expect to win a Super Bowl.
Following Patrick Mahomes' fumble, the Chiefs have committed 17 turnovers this season, tied for most in the NFL with the Browns.
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) November 5, 2023
While not every interception was his fault, Patrick Mahomes is the biggest culprit here. He has eight interceptions, pacing for a career-high, and has made multiple questionable decisions seemingly out of frustration.
There's plenty of blame to go around. Mecole Hardman and Richie James both muffed points in critical moments, while Justin Watson, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Blake Bell have all been stripped to fumble the ball after making a catch.
Turnover differential is one of the best predictors of future success. Unless Kansas City starts protecting the football, we could be in for another shocking upset like we saw in Week 8.
The offense must improve in those two areas, though the Chiefs are 7-2 for a reason. Our final key to the No. 1 seed focuses on maintaining a pleasant surprise.