Well, it was far from a perfect season, or a dominant one at that, but the Kansas City Chiefs are your AFC West champions for the eighth time in as many seasons. It was a sweet final Sunday in 2023, knocking off the dreaded Cincinnati Bengals in Arrowhead Stadium with an effort more dominant than the 25-17 score says.
Kansas City's continued divisional dominance has not been seen since the New England Patriots' empirical peak. The Chiefs are in the playoffs for a ninth consecutive season. That is tied with streaks by the Indianapolis Colts (2002–10) and Dallas Cowboys (1975–83) for the second-longest in NFL history. Kansas City was their own worst enemy this season, but clinching the division brings the AFC's third seed and an opportunity to defend the Lombardi Trophy.
Both the defense and offense were hitting on all cylinders in the same game, a rare occurrence this season. Kansas City outgained Cincinnati 373-263, while the defense did not allow a score after the 10:46 mark in the second quarter. The pass rush was electric, the passion was evident, and it was all in Arrowhead Stadium. What a way to close out the year!
Let's take a look at the best plays on both sides of the ball Sunday, and how they tell the bigger story for Kansas City's 10th win this season.