BREAKING: Every Path for the Kansas City Chiefs to Secure the No. 1 Seed in the AFC
As the NFL season approaches its conclusion, the Kansas City Chiefs find themselves in contention for the coveted No. 1 seed in the AFC. Securing this spot guarantees home-field advantage throughout the playoffs and a first-round bye. Here’s how the Chiefs can clinch the top position:
Current Standings Snapshot
- Kansas City Chiefs Record: 12-4
- Other Contenders:
- Miami Dolphins: 12-4
- Baltimore Ravens: 12-4
- Buffalo Bills: 11-5
Key Scenarios for the Chiefs
- Win in Week 18
The Chiefs must win their final game of the regular season against the Los Angeles Chargers. A victory would improve their record to 13-4, keeping them firmly in the race for the top spot. - Miami Dolphins Loss
If the Dolphins lose to the New York Jets, Kansas City would leap ahead of Miami in the standings, provided the Chiefs win. - Baltimore Ravens Loss
A Ravens loss to the Cincinnati Bengals would also help Kansas City, as it would eliminate Baltimore from contention for the No. 1 seed. - Buffalo Bills Irrelevant Unless Tiebreaker Applies
Buffalo’s 11-5 record means they can’t overtake Kansas City outright, but if multiple teams tie, conference records and head-to-head results may come into play. - Tiebreaker Advantage
Kansas City holds key tiebreakers over some opponents, including Miami (better AFC record) and Baltimore (head-to-head victory). These advantages could prove decisive if records are tied at 13-4.
Other Complications
- Strength of Victory: If multiple teams end with the same record, the NFL will use strength of victory as a tiebreaker. This metric could shift depending on the results of other games involving past opponents.
- Conference Records: AFC record is crucial for tiebreaker scenarios. The Chiefs’ 9-2 conference record gives them a slight edge over rivals.
Most Likely Path
- Chiefs defeat the Chargers.
- Dolphins or Ravens lose their final game.
If both scenarios occur, Kansas City would lock in the No. 1 seed regardless of other outcomes.
Upcoming Schedule for Contenders
- Chiefs: vs. Chargers
- Dolphins: vs. Jets
- Ravens: vs. Bengals
- Bills: vs. Patriots
The race for the top seed is heating up, and Chiefs fans will be glued to their screens for Week 18 action.
