If You Eliminate the Last Two Minutes of Every Game, the Chiefs Are the Worst Team in the NFL

As the Kansas City Chiefs sit near the top of the NFL standings, a closer look at their games reveals a startling and paradoxical statistic: if you eliminate the final two minutes of every game this season, the Chiefs would be one of the worst teams in the league. This concept, while hypothetical, sheds light on a troubling trend that could signal underlying issues within the team. Let’s break down what this means and how it affects the Chiefs’ standing as legitimate Super Bowl contenders.

The Chiefs’ Final Two-Minute Magic

Over the years, the Chiefs have become known for their ability to perform under pressure, especially in the closing moments of games. With a quarterback like Patrick Mahomes—who is often described as the most electrifying player in the league—the Chiefs have developed a knack for turning games around in the final moments.

Mahomes’ ability to engineer game-winning drives, often in the last two minutes, has been one of his defining traits. Whether it’s a quick touchdown or a strategic field-goal drive, Mahomes’ calm and calculated approach in high-pressure situations has helped the Chiefs win several games they had no business winning.

However, a closer examination reveals that outside of those final two minutes, the Chiefs have struggled to put away teams consistently.

What Happens When You Take Away the Last Two Minutes?

If you were to hypothetically remove the last two minutes of each game this season, the Chiefs’ performance in the remaining 58 minutes of play paints a starkly different picture. The Chiefs would be near the bottom of the league in both offense and defense during that time.

Despite the electric playmaking ability of Mahomes, the team has struggled to maintain offensive consistency throughout games. They’ve faced difficulties executing in the middle quarters, leading to frequent deficits or uncomfortably close games. Their defense, while solid at times, has shown vulnerabilities, often allowing big plays or failing to make key stops in critical moments.

When you remove the final two minutes—where Mahomes and the offense tend to shine—Kansas City’s overall efficiency drops significantly. In terms of yards per play, third-down conversion rate, and scoring consistency, the Chiefs’ performance would put them among the bottom 10 in the league.

Key Stats: Chiefs Without the Final Two Minutes

To put this into perspective, let’s take a look at a few key statistics the Chiefs struggle with when not factoring in their late-game heroics:

Points Per Game: Without the late-game magic, the Chiefs average just 20-22 points per game, ranking in the lower half of the NFL.
Yards Per Game: Kansas City’s total yards would drop substantially, as Mahomes is often forced into scrambling or making uncharacteristic mistakes earlier in games.
Turnovers: The Chiefs’ turnover rate rises without Mahomes’ late-game composure, as the offense often fails to execute properly in the middle of games.
Defensive Efficiency: Kansas City’s defense allows more yards and points, struggling to get key stops in critical moments when the game is still in balance.

These stats show that the Chiefs’ performance, outside of those two-minute drives, is inconsistent at best and lackluster at worst.

A Look at the Chiefs’ Offensive and Defensive Struggles

The primary issue for the Chiefs lies in their inconsistency throughout games. While Mahomes’ ability to lead dramatic comebacks and orchestrate game-winning drives is well-known, the team often finds itself in situations where it should not have to rely on those moments.

Offensive Struggles:

Playcalling and Execution: The Chiefs have been inconsistent in executing their offensive game plans, particularly when trying to establish a consistent rhythm early in games. Mahomes can be prone to risky throws when the offense is out of sync, leading to turnovers or missed opportunities.
Supporting Cast: The lack of a consistent second option at receiver, beyond Travis Kelce, has hurt the Chiefs. With Tyreek Hill now in Miami, Mahomes lacks a true deep threat that can stretch the field and open up space for other playmakers.

Defensive Struggles:

Inconsistent Pressure: The Chiefs’ pass rush has been erratic, leading to opposing quarterbacks having too much time in the pocket. While Chris Jones is a force, the defense has not consistently applied pressure throughout the game.
Secondary Issues: Kansas City’s secondary has shown vulnerability, with breakdowns in coverage leading to explosive plays and scores. This has kept games closer than they should have been, forcing Mahomes to play catch-up.

The Case for the Chiefs as Contenders Despite the Concerns

Despite the alarming statistics when removing the final two minutes, the Chiefs are still considered one of the top teams in the NFL for several reasons:

Mahomes’ Clutch Ability: Patrick Mahomes’ ability to perform under pressure remains unmatched. His leadership and composure in crunch-time situations give the Chiefs a significant edge when the game is on the line.
Coaching: Head coach Andy Reid is one of the most experienced and respected coaches in the league, known for his ability to adapt and strategize effectively. His game plans in late-game situations often set Mahomes up for success.
Playoff Experience: The Chiefs’ playoff pedigree and success in high-pressure games make them a dangerous team come January. Their ability to win in the postseason despite regular-season struggles is a testament to their resilience.

Conclusion: A Warning Sign or Just a Quirk of the Chiefs?

The Chiefs’ performance outside of the final two minutes is a curious anomaly that raises questions about the team’s consistency and their ability to dominate from start to finish. While Mahomes’ clutch heroics and Andy Reid’s strategic brilliance have saved the day on multiple occasions, the team’s struggles earlier in games could become a significant issue as the season progresses, especially in the postseason against elite competition.

If Kansas City hopes to make another deep playoff run, they will need to find a way to play more consistently across the entire game, not just when the clock is ticking down. Otherwise, the Chiefs could find themselves on the wrong side of the scoreline more often, especially in high-stakes matchups.