Chiefs rally for improbable 20-17 win

Nov 13, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) is hit by Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Eric Berry (29) as he makes a catch in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) is hit by Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Eric Berry (29) as he makes a catch in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs somehow beat the Carolina Panthers 20-17 on Sunday afternoon. How they did it? Nobody has any clue.

Your Kansas City Chiefs are now 7-2 and leading the AFC West. Yes, the same Chiefs who were down 17-0 with two minutes remaining in the first half. The same Chiefs that watched Alex Smith miss multiple wide open touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

Kansas City had no business winning that game, and yet they absolutely deserved it. The Chiefs were tremendous defensively when it counted most. In the fourth quarter, trailing 17-6, Eric Berry had one of the most beautiful pick-6 plays you will ever see. Berry intercepted Cam Newton and then set sail on a 42-yard spectacular.

After tying the game on a field goal set up by a nice Tyreek Hill punt return, the Chiefs proceeded to make the play of the year. With less than 30 seconds remaining, Kelvin Benjamin caught a pass and headed upfield. Marcus Peters, who struggled all day, ripped the ball from Benjamin and gave Kansas City great field position. From there, Cairo Santos hit a 37-yard field goal with time expiring, giving the Chiefs a 7-2 record.

Highlights

The stats are hideous. Alex Smith was 25-of-28 for 178 yards and an interception. The defense allowed 350 yards and Carolina had the ball for more than 35 minutes. Still, the Chiefs found a way to win, something that has become their hallmark.

At the end of all this, Kansas City is 7-2. The Chiefs lead the AFC West and regardless of the rest of the week’s results, are the No. 2 seed in the AFC.

Schedule