Appearance in Playoffs Since 2015 for the Kansas City Chiefs

Since 2015, the Kansas City Chiefs have established themselves as one of the NFL’s most consistent playoff contenders, turning a franchise with a history of postseason struggles into a perennial threat for the Super Bowl. Appearance in Playoffs Since 2015 for the Kansas City Chiefs isn’t just a list of wins and losses; it’s a narrative of transformation—from a team that fought to reach the playoffs to one that expects to compete for championships every year. Over these nearly decade-long stretch, the Chiefs have navigated coaching changes, roster overhauls, and high-stakes matchups, building a legacy of success that has cemented their place among the league’s elite. For fans, this era has been a revelation, replacing years of disappointment with moments of triumph that will be remembered for generations.

Appearance in Playoffs Since 2015 for the Kansas City Chiefs begins with the 2015 and 2016 seasons, which marked the start of the team’s playoff resurgence. After missing the playoffs in 2014, the Chiefs returned in 2015 with a 11-5 record, winning the AFC West under head coach Andy Reid. Led by quarterback Alex Smith, who had a career year throwing for 3,486 yards and 20 touchdowns, the Chiefs hosted the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round. They won that game 30-0, securing their first playoff victory since 1993—a drought that had spanned over two decades. However, their run ended in the Divisional Round with a 27-20 loss to the New England Patriots, a team that would become a frequent playoff foe in the years to come. In 2016, the Chiefs again won the AFC West with a 12-4 record but suffered a heartbreaking 18-16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card Round, highlighting the team’s need for more offensive firepower in crunch time. These early playoff appearances were crucial, though, as they laid the groundwork for the Chiefs’ future success, teaching the team how to handle the pressure of postseason football.

Appearance in Playoffs Since 2015 for the Kansas City Chiefs next explores the 2017 to 2018 seasons, a period of transition that would ultimately lead to the team’s championship era. In 2017, the Chiefs won their third consecutive AFC West title with a 10-6 record, but once again fell to the Patriots in the Divisional Round, this time by a score of 27-20. It was during this season that rookie quarterback Patrick Mahomes made his NFL debut, appearing in one game and giving fans a glimpse of the talent that would redefine the franchise. The 2018 season was a turning point: Mahomes took over as the full-time starter, throwing for 5,097 yards and 50 touchdowns en route to being named NFL MVP, and the Chiefs won the AFC West with a 12-4 record. In the playoffs, they defeated the Indianapolis Colts 31-13 in the Divisional Round but lost to the Patriots once more in the AFC Championship Game, 37-31 in overtime. While the loss was devastating, it proved that the Chiefs had the talent to compete with the league’s best—and that Mahomes was ready to lead them to the next level.

Appearance in Playoffs Since 2015 for the Kansas City Chiefs highlights the 2019 to 2020 seasons, which saw the Kansas City Chiefs reach the pinnacle of the NFL. In 2019, the Chiefs won their fifth straight AFC West title with a 12-4 record and finally broke through the Patriots barrier, defeating them 37-20 in the Divisional Round. They then went on to win the AFC Championship Game 35-24 over the Tennessee Titans, earning their first Super Bowl appearance since 1970. In Super Bowl LIV, the Chiefs faced the San Francisco 49ers, trailing 20-10 in the fourth quarter before mounting a historic comeback to win 31-20, with Mahomes earning Super Bowl MVP honors. The 2020 season saw the Chiefs repeat as AFC West champions with a 14-2 record, making them the first team since the 2003-2004 Patriots to win 14+ games in consecutive seasons. They returned to the Super Bowl, defeating the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns in the playoffs, but lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-9 in Super Bowl LV. Despite the loss, these two seasons solidified the Chiefs’ status as a dynasty in the making, with Mahomes establishing himself as the face of the NFL.

Appearance in Playoffs Since 2015 for the Kansas City Chiefs delves into the 2021 to 2022 seasons, a period where the Chiefs continued their playoff streak while facing new challenges. In 2021, the Chiefs won their sixth straight AFC West title with an 12-5 record, but their playoff run was cut short in the Divisional Round with a 42-36 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in overtime—a game that featured a controversial penalty call that cost the Chiefs a chance to win. The 2022 season saw the Chiefs win their seventh consecutive AFC West title with a 14-3 record, bouncing back from the previous year’s disappointment. They defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-20 in the Divisional Round and the Bengals 23-20 in the AFC Championship Game, avenging their earlier loss, before falling to the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 in Super Bowl LVII. These seasons showed that the Chiefs could adapt to adversity, with Mahomes playing through injuries in 2022 and the team relying on a stronger defense to complement their high-powered offense. The Kansas City Chiefs’ ability to remain competitive year after year, even as other teams loaded up to challenge them, was a testament to their front office’s ability to build a deep, talented roster.

Appearance in Playoffs Since 2021 for the Kansas City Chiefs wraps up with the 2023 season and the team’s ongoing legacy of playoff success. In 2023, the Chiefs won their eighth straight AFC West title with a 11-6 record, extending their NFL record for consecutive division titles. They defeated the Miami Dolphins 26-7 in the Wild Card Round and the Buffalo Bills 27-24 in the Divisional Round, with Mahomes throwing a game-winning touchdown pass in the final minute against the Bills. They then defeated the Baltimore Ravens 17-10 in the AFC Championship Game to return to the Super Bowl, where they faced the San Francisco 49ers once again. In a back-and-forth game, the Chiefs won 25-22 in overtime, with Mahomes earning his second Super Bowl MVP award. This victory made the Chiefs the first team since the 2003-2004 Patriots to win two Super Bowls in four years, solidifying their status as a modern-day dynasty. Appearance in Playoffs Since 2015 for the Kansas City Chiefs is, at its core, a story of perseverance, talent, and leadership—from Andy Reid’s steady guidance to Patrick Mahomes’ historic performances to the team’s ability to learn from failure and come back stronger. For Chiefs fans, this era has been a dream come true, and with the core of the team still intact, there’s no sign that their playoff success will end anytime soon.