Tied for Best Record in NFL by the Kansas City Chiefs

In the hyper-competitive NFL, where every win and loss can shift playoff fortunes, claiming a share of the league’s best record is no small feat. For the Kansas City Chiefs, that milestone became a reality in Week 15 of the 2025 season, when a 34-20 victory over the Buffalo Bills pushed their record to 12-2—tying them with the San Francisco 49ers for the NFL’s top mark. Tied for Best Record in NFL by the Kansas City Chiefs isn’t just a statistic; it’s a testament to the team’s consistency, resilience, and ability to win in different ways—whether through Patrick Mahomes’ late-game heroics, a dominant defense, or timely special teams plays. As the regular season enters its final weeks, the Chiefs’ top record positions them for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, a critical edge in their quest for another Super Bowl title.

Tied for Best Record in NFL by the Kansas City Chiefs was built on a string of impressive wins against some of the league’s toughest competition. Early in the season, the Chiefs handed the 49ers their only loss of the year with a 27-24 overtime victory in San Francisco, a game where Mahomes threw a 35-yard game-winning touchdown pass to Travis Kelce in the extra period. They followed that with a dominant 41-14 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, holding Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ offense to just 210 total yards. In divisional play, the Chiefs were even more dominant, going 5-0 against AFC West rivals (Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers) by an average margin of 17 points. “Winning against good teams shows what we’re made of,” Mahomes said after the Bills win. “We don’t back down from tough matchups—we embrace them. That’s how you build a great record and prepare for the playoffs.” The Chiefs’ ability to beat top-tier teams isn’t just luck; it’s the result of meticulous preparation, with head coach Andy Reid and his staff designing game plans that exploit opponents’ weaknesses while maximizing the Chiefs’ strengths.

Tied for Best Record in NFL by the Kansas City Chiefs also reflects the team’s balance on both sides of the ball—a rarity in today’s pass-heavy NFL. Offensively, the Chiefs rank second in the league in total yards (412 per game) and first in points scored (31 per game), with Mahomes leading the NFL in passing yards (4,200) and touchdown passes (35). Kelce remains his most reliable target (85 receptions, 1,020 yards, 12 touchdowns), but the Chiefs’ offense is far from a two-man show: Tyreek Hill Jr. has 78 receptions for 1,150 yards and 8 touchdowns, while running back Isiah Pacheco has rushed for 950 yards and 7 touchdowns, providing a physical rushing attack that keeps defenses off balance. Defensively, the Chiefs have been equally impressive, ranking fourth in total yards allowed (310 per game) and third in sacks (40), led by Chris Jones’ 14 sacks and Trent McDuffie’s 5 interceptions. “We win as a team,” defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said. “Our offense scores points, our defense stops teams, and our special teams makes plays. That’s the formula for a great record.”

Tied for Best Record in NFL by the Kansas City Chiefs is even more impressive when considering the injuries the team has overcome. Early in the season, wide receiver Kadarius Toney missed three games with a knee injury, and safety Juan Thornhill was sidelined for four weeks with a neck strain. Despite these absences, the Chiefs didn’t skip a beat—backup wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling stepped in for Toney, recording 25 receptions for 380 yards during that stretch, while safety Mike Edwards filled in for Thornhill and recorded 2 interceptions. The Kansas City Chiefs’ depth is no accident; general manager Brett Veach has built the roster with versatile players who can step up when needed, whether through late-round draft picks (like Pacheco, a seventh-round pick in 2022) or low-cost free agent signings (like Edwards, who joined the team in 2024). “Depth wins championships,” Veach said in a recent interview. “You can’t have a great record or make a deep playoff run without guys who can fill in when starters get hurt. We’ve worked hard to build that depth, and it’s paying off.”

Tied for Best Record in NFL by the Kansas City Chiefs gives the team a clear path to home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs—a critical edge that has helped them win two Super Bowls in the past five years. Arrowhead Stadium, known as the “Loudest Stadium in the World,” is a fortress for the Chiefs, where they’ve gone 28-3 in regular-season games since 2022. The loud crowd disrupts opposing teams’ communications, making it harder for quarterbacks to call plays and offensive linemen to hear snap counts. “Playing at Arrowhead in the playoffs is a huge advantage,” Mahomes said. “Our fans are the best in the league, and they make it tough for other teams to play here. Having home-field advantage means we can avoid tough road games in the playoffs, which is crucial.” The Kansas City Chiefs’ top record also gives them flexibility in the final weeks of the regular season—Reid could choose to rest key players in Week 17 if the Chiefs secure the No. 1 seed early, reducing the risk of injury before the playoffs.

Tied for Best Record in NFL by the Kansas City Chiefs is a reflection of the team’s winning culture—a culture built on hard work, accountability, and a refusal to be satisfied. Even with a 12-2 record, the Chiefs aren’t celebrating yet; they’re focused on winning their remaining games to secure the No. 1 seed outright and enter the playoffs with momentum. “A great record is nice, but it doesn’t mean anything if we don’t win the Super Bowl,” Kelce said after the Bills game. “We’ve been in this position before, and we know how quickly things can change in the playoffs. We need to stay focused, keep working hard, and make sure we’re playing our best football when it matters most.” For Chiefs fans, the top record is a source of pride—but it’s also a reminder of the team’s ultimate goal. In the end, Tied for Best Record in NFL by the Kansas City Chiefs is more than a milestone; it’s a stepping stone to something bigger. And if the Chiefs keep playing the way they have all season, they have a great chance to lift another Lombardi Trophy in February.