The Kansas City Chiefs, with their remarkable 11-1 record, have been through a series of heart-pounding close games this year. These contests have kept fans on the edge of their seats, as the team has been on the verge of losing several times. One such instance was their 16-14 victory over the Denver Broncos, where a last-second turnover secured the win. Another came on Black Friday against the Las Vegas Raiders, with a 19-17 win thanks to a turnover in the dying seconds.

Patrick Mahomes on the Significance of Close Games

Patrick Mahomes firmly believes that these uncomfortable-but-good weekly close games do not make it easy for the Chiefs to win comfortably. "It keeps you motivated, which I think can be a good thing in the end," he said. "Looking back at the year we lost the Super Bowl [in 2020], we were dominant during the regular season but started to coast as we won games easily. Last year, it didn't go as planned, but we continued to work hard every week. We knew we had to get better and didn't let the details slip. These close finishes are keeping us hungry and helping us continue to improve as the season goes on."The Chiefs have a 11-1 record, tied with the Detroit Lions for the best in the NFL. Most of their victories have been by one-score margins, with six coming down to the last play or two. In their recent 19-17 win over the Raiders, a fumble played a crucial role. "We've done better offensively," Mahomes added. "We've executed the offense better, getting guys to the right positions. I've given them more chances to make plays. It's the little plays here and there that can make a big difference. If we make those plays, the offense could score 30 points and we wouldn't be having these close discussions."

The Impact of Player Changes

Wanya Morris, who started at left tackle, was benched against the Raiders. In the past two games, rookie Kingsley Suamataia took his place. During this time, Mahomes faced five sacks. This shows the importance of having the right players in the right positions and the need for continuous adjustments.

Consistency and Future Goals

The Kansas City Chiefs have proven that they are more than just a lucky team. They have won three Super Bowl championships back to back, a feat never achieved by any NFL team before. With their 11-1 record and their ability to win close games, they have qualified for the playoffs. Next, they host the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday Night Football, aiming for their 12th win this season. Their consistent performance and determination to keep getting better make them a force to be reckoned with in the NFL.