Imagine explaining the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2024 season to someone unfamiliar with football—or, say, an alien visiting Earth. You’d start by pointing out the most mind-bending statistic: 12-1 record with a mere +56 point differential. That’s not dominance in the traditional sense—it’s borderline wizardry.

The Chiefs have become the kings of one-score games, claiming victory in 10 close contests this season, often in ways that defy logic. Last Sunday’s divisional-clinching win over the Chargers, dubbed the “Doink for the Division,” was the perfect encapsulation of this team’s magic. A third-string kicker somehow banked a chip shot off one upright, only for it to carom perfectly through the posts. A 19-17 win, a playoff berth secured, and yet another moment where Kansas City emerged unscathed by chaos.

This team’s season reads like a highlight reel of bizarre breaks. From controversial officiating to lucky bounces, the Chiefs have capitalized on moments where other teams crumble. Yet, to reduce their success to “luck” would be disingenuous. At the heart of it all is Patrick Mahomes, a quarterback who refuses to lose. He’s doing more with less—injuries have plagued the roster, leaving Mahomes working with an aging skill group. And yet, time and again, he pulls off the impossible, much like a certain Tom Brady in New England’s heyday.

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Just like those Patriots dynasty years, the Chiefs are battle-tested. They’re the defending champs, and every opponent gives them their best shot. Injuries, close calls, and inefficiency in some games haven’t derailed them because Mahomes, Andy Reid, and their defense find ways to win.

As unsustainable as a +56 differential might seem, this isn’t your average team. The Chiefs have the defense, quarterback, and playoff experience to thrive when the stakes rise. Call it luck, inevitability, or pure brilliance—Kansas City isn’t a team you want to bet against.

NFC West: The Most Unpredictable Division in Football

While the NFC North might be the league’s best division, the NFC West is easily the most captivating. The standings are a mess, the games are chaotic, and no one seems to know how it will shake out.

• The Rams (7-6): Los Angeles pulled off the season’s most thrilling victory on Sunday, a 44-42 shootout over the Bills. Scoring six touchdowns with zero turnovers would usually guarantee a win, but the Bills still managed to lose, thanks to a vintage performance from Matthew Stafford. With Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, and a resurgent run game, the Rams can beat anyone on their best day. But their playoff hopes are precarious—they’ll likely need to win the division, given the NFC North’s strong wild-card contenders.
• The Seahawks (8-5): Seattle has been red-hot since the bye week, reeling off four straight wins. Their defense, led by Mike MacDonald, has stifled opponents, and backup RB Zach Charbonnet has stepped up in a big way with Kenneth Walker III sidelined. With a balanced offense and improving defense, Seattle is a real threat down the stretch.
• The 49ers (6-7): Injuries have derailed San Francisco’s season, but a dominant win over Chicago keeps their slim playoff hopes alive. Christian McCaffrey’s absence looms large, but the Niners have the pedigree and talent to make a late push.
• The Cardinals (6-7): Once atop the division, Arizona has faltered in recent weeks. Kyler Murray still has the weapons in Trey McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr., but their margin for error is razor-thin.

This division is a coin flip. While Seattle is in the driver’s seat, don’t count out the Rams’ ceiling or the 49ers’ resilience. If forced to pick, the Rams’ upside makes them the most intriguing bet.

Kirk Cousins and Atlanta: A Quarterback Quandary

Things have gone south quickly for the Falcons after signing Kirk Cousins in the offseason. The veteran quarterback looked like a savvy addition early on but has completely unraveled over the past month. With zero touchdowns and eight interceptions in his last four games, Cousins’ poor play has dragged Atlanta to a 1-4 record since Halloween.

Sunday was especially ugly. Facing his former team, the Minnesota Vikings, Cousins was outplayed by Sam Darnold, who threw five touchdown passes in a blowout win. Meanwhile, Atlanta’s once-promising playoff hopes now hinge on a favorable schedule (Raiders, Giants, Commanders, Panthers) and the slim chance that Cousins finds his form.

The bigger issue is Atlanta’s decision-making. They have rookie Michael Penix Jr. waiting in the wings, but the team has resisted benching Cousins despite his struggles. With the Buccaneers surging, Atlanta’s margin for error is slim. If they miss the playoffs, the Cousins signing could go down as a misstep that cost them a promising season.

Tampa Bay: Quietly in Control

While Atlanta flounders, the Buccaneers have taken control of the NFC South. Winners of three straight, Tampa Bay has relied on a mix of steady offense and opportunistic defense to stay ahead of the division. With a soft schedule ahead (Chargers, Panthers, Cowboys, Saints), the Bucs are well-positioned to secure the South and head into the playoffs with momentum.

Final Thoughts

From the Chiefs’ dynasty vibes to the unpredictable NFC West and the NFC South’s QB drama, the 2024 NFL season has been a wild ride. Kansas City’s blend of grit, luck, and Mahome magic makes them the league’s most fascinating story, but other teams—like the Rams, Seahawks, and Buccaneers—are writing compelling chapters of their own.

If an alien landed tomorrow, you’d tell them this: Patrick Mahomes is inevitable, the NFC West is chaos, and Kirk Cousins is, well, Kirk Cousins.