Kansas City Chiefs 2018: Can KC Reach The Super Bowl? A Look At Betting Odds, Schedule And Stats

It's been a tiresome journey for the Kansas City Chiefs since 1970. Despite 24 winning seasons since capturing Super Bowl IV, the Chiefs have gone 38 years without an appearance in the title game. Yet there is current optimism around Arrowhead Stadium that this might finally be the year the Chiefs get over the hump.

The Chiefs (4-0) are the only undefeated AFC team, which is due in large part to an offense that has had little trouble putting up points. Kansas City leads the NFL in scoring (36.3 points) behind the success of burgeoning quarterback Patrick Mahomes, running back Kareem Hunt, receiver and return specialist Tyreek Hill, veteran tight end Travis Kelce and an underrated offensive line.

According to betting site Vegas Insider, Kansas City has the third-best odds to win the Super Bowl at 8/1, trailing only the Los Angeles Rams (7/2) and the New England Patriots (15/2). And the Chiefs have the same odds as the Patriots to advance out of the AFC at 7/2.

Yet questions still linger as to whether Andy Reid's squad will exceed expectations and find their way to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta in February.

Is Winning The AFC West A Given?

Signs seem to point to the Chiefs winning the division but it's certainly not guaranteed. The biggest competition appears to be the Los Angeles Chargers, as the Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders have provided uninspiring play through the first four weeks.

The Chargers, despite their inconsistent defense, are just as hungry as the Chiefs to make a deep postseason run. Veteran quarterback Philip Rivers hasn't come close to winning a title and there is talent on both sides of the ball. But the Chiefs offense might be too versatile, while the Chargers offense often appears a bit predictable.

Oddsmakers give the Chiefs 1/2 odds of winning the division, while the Chargers lag behind at 3/1. The Broncos are longshots at 6/1 and the Raiders have a tough road ahead of them at 20/1.

What Hurts The Chiefs' Chances The Most?

One word: defense.

Kansas City has basically been winning shootouts as the defense has allowed 28.8 points per game and is worst in the league in average yards allowed (451.6). The secondary has been hit hard with cornerback Marcus Peters moving on to the Rams and with safety Eric Berry still unavailable due to injury.

The Kansas City Star went so far as to publish a headline that read, "Chiefs Defense Stinks..."

However, Berry (heel) could return at full strength in Week 6 and outside linebacker and pass-rush specialist Dee Ford (groin) may also be back in action soon. There are also expectations that under-fire defensive coordinator Bob Sutton will make necessary adjustments to the young unit as the season progresses.

Do The Chiefs Have A Favorable Schedule?

Not in the next coming weeks.

Kansas City will face the Jacksonville Jaguars at home on Sunday and then travel to New England to face the Patriots. The Chiefs also have the Rams at home in Week 11.

But things get considerably less stressful after their bye in Week 12. The Chiefs close out the last five games of the season with three homes games and their two road games are against lackluster competition: the Raiders in Week 13 and the Seattle Seahawks in Week 16.

It wouldn't be surprising if the Chiefs finished with at least 11 wins.

How Good Is The Offense?

There might be some worries that opposing defenses will make the right adjustments against the Chiefs and that the 23-year-old Mahomes is due for some poor performances.

But the Chiefs have a deep offense, and while their success appears to rely on the efforts of five playmakers, there is ample room for others to thrive. Twelve different receivers have at least one reception this season and running back Spencer Ware is just two seasons removed from his 2016 season in which he rushed for 921 yards over 14 games.

The Chiefs' offense gets their biggest test Sunday against the Jaguars, a team with the third-best odds (11/2) to win the AFC title.

Many experts believe the Jaguars have the best defense in the AFC, citing their league-best 14.0 points per game. Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy can silence many skeptics by finding creative ways to score against a secondary that includes superstar cornerback Jalen Ramsey.

Conclusion

While there are plenty of reasons for encouragement, it seems premature to pencil in the Chiefs for an appearance in the AFC title game let alone to reach or win the Super Bowl. Kansas City will need to improve their pass defense, continue to execute their ground game and prove that they have the resolve to compete against the likes of the Patriots, Jaguars, and Pittsburgh Steelers.

It's a tough task, but certainly not improbable. This is indeed the Chiefs' best shot of going to the Super Bowl in quite some time.