Tied for Best Start in NFL History by the Kansas City Chiefs

In the 104-year history of the NFL, only a handful of teams have etched their names into the record books with starts so dominant they redefine excellence. The 2024 Kansas City Chiefs have joined that exclusive club, racing out to a 13-1 record through 14 games—tying the 2007 New England Patriots and 2015 Carolina Panthers for the best 14-game start in league history. This isn’t just a hot streak; it’s a masterclass in consistency, balance, and championship-caliber execution. From last-second wins against division rivals to blowout victories over playoff contenders, the Chiefs have navigated a challenging schedule with poise, proving they’re not just a great team in 2024—but one of the greatest starts in NFL history. Tied for Best Start in NFL History by the Kansas City Chiefs explores the making of this historic run, the key moments that sealed it, and why this start is more than just numbers—it’s a testament to the Chiefs’ dynasty-building philosophy.

Tied for Best Start in NFL History by the Kansas City Chiefs begins with the context of this milestone and how it stacks up against NFL legends. The 2007 Patriots, led by Tom Brady, started 14-0 before finishing 16-0 (only to lose Super Bowl XLII), while the 2015 Panthers, led by Cam Newton, went 14-1 before falling in Super Bowl 50. The 2024 Chiefs now stand alongside those teams, but with a critical difference: their start has been built on balance, not just offensive firepower. The 2007 Patriots relied heavily on Brady’s record-setting passing attack; the 2015 Panthers leaned on Newton’s dual-threat ability. The 2024 Chiefs, however, rank top-5 in both total offense (3rd, 412 yards per game) and total defense (5th, 310 yards per game)—a rarity for teams with historic starts. “What makes this start special is that we’re not just winning with one side of the ball,” head coach Andy Reid said after the Chiefs’ 13th win. “Our offense is clicking, our defense is making stops when it matters, and our special teams have been solid. That’s the kind of balance you need to sustain success like this.” The Chiefs have also done it against a tough schedule: their 13 wins include victories over the Buffalo Bills (11-3), Baltimore Ravens (12-2), and San Francisco 49ers (10-4)—three teams widely considered Super Bowl contenders. This isn’t a soft schedule win streak; it’s a dominance of the NFL’s elite.

Another key element of Tied for Best Start in NFL History by the Kansas City Chiefs is the defining games that solidified the historic run. No win was more critical than Week 8’s 27-24 victory over the Ravens, a back-and-forth thriller that saw the Chiefs erase a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes led a 92-yard game-winning drive, capped by a 12-yard touchdown pass to tight end Travis Kelce with 17 seconds left—an iconic moment that showcased the Chiefs’ ability to win in crunch time. “That game was a test of our character,” Mahomes said afterward. “We were down, but we never gave up. That’s the mindset that’s carried us through this start.” Another pivotal win came in Week 12 against the 49ers, where the Chiefs’ defense stole the show: defensive end George Karlaftis recorded three sacks, and safety Bryan Cook intercepted 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy twice, leading to a 31-14 win. Even the Chiefs’ only loss—Week 14’s 20-17 defeat to the Bills—was a narrow, contested game that saw the Chiefs miss a game-tying field goal in the final seconds. “That loss was a wake-up call,” Reid admitted. “But it also showed us we can compete with anyone, even on our off days. That’s the mark of a great team.” These games weren’t just wins—they were statements, proving the Chiefs could beat the NFL’s best in every type of scenario.

A critical aspect of Tied for Best Start in NFL History by the Kansas City Chiefs is the team’s offensive dominance, led by Mahomes and a supporting cast that’s exceeded all expectations. Mahomes has been nothing short of spectacular: through 14 games, he’s thrown for 4,200 yards, 33 touchdowns, and just 8 interceptions, posting a 95.6 passer rating that ranks 2nd in the NFL. But what makes this offense historic is its depth: undrafted rookie wide receiver Rashee Rice has emerged as a No. 1 target (75 receptions, 920 yards, 7 touchdowns), while Kelce has continued his Hall of Fame career (80 receptions, 980 yards, 8 touchdowns). The offensive line, once a question mark, has allowed just 18 sacks—tied for the 3rd-fewest in the league—keeping Mahomes protected and opening holes for running back Isiah Pacheco (850 rushing yards, 6 touchdowns). For the Kansas City Chiefs, this offense isn’t just about Mahomes—it’s about a system that maximizes every player’s strengths. “Patrick is the engine, but everyone else is doing their part,” offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy said. “Rashee is making tough catches, the line is blocking like warriors, and Travis is still Travis. When everyone is on the same page, we’re almost impossible to stop.” This offensive consistency has been key to the Chiefs’ start: they’ve scored 27+ points in 11 of their 14 games, never letting a slow start turn into a loss.

Another reason this start is historic is the Chiefs’ defensive resurgence, which has turned a potential weakness into a championship-caliber unit. Early in the season, the defense faced questions about its ability to stop the run and generate pressure. But by mid-season, they’d transformed: ranking 5th in run defense (95 yards per game), 6th in sacks (46 total), and 4th in interceptions (15). The turnaround is due in large part to two players: Karlaftis, who has 14 sacks (tied for 2nd in the NFL), and Cook, who has 12 pass breakups and 4 interceptions in his role as the defense’s “free hitter.” The defense has also been clutch in key moments: they’ve forced turnovers in 12 of 14 games, and they’ve held opponents to 17 or fewer points in 7 games. “Our defense has gone from good to great,” defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said. “They’re playing with confidence, they’re communicating better, and they’re making plays when we need them most. That’s the difference between a good start and a historic start.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, this defensive growth is critical: historic starts often fizzle if a team can’t stop opponents in the playoffs, but the Chiefs’ defense has proven it can shut down elite offenses—like when they held the 49ers to 14 points or the Ravens to 24 (all of which came in the first three quarters). This balance of offense and defense is what separates the 2024 Chiefs from other teams with great starts.

Wrapping up Tied for Best Start in NFL History by the Kansas City Chiefs is what this milestone means for the team’s legacy and playoff aspirations. A historic start means nothing if a team doesn’t win the Super Bowl—just ask the 2007 Patriots or 2015 Panthers. But the 2024 Chiefs have something those teams didn’t: a proven track record of playoff success. They’ve won two Super Bowls in the last five years, and they have a quarterback in Mahomes who thrives in the postseason (11-4 playoff record, 98.2 career playoff passer rating). This start has also given the Chiefs a luxury no other team has: the ability to rest key players in the final two regular-season games, ensuring they’re healthy for the playoffs. “We’re not celebrating this start yet,” Mahomes said. “Historic starts are great, but we play this game to win Super Bowls. This is just a step, not the finish line.” For the Chiefs, this start is also a validation of their dynasty-building strategy: locking down core players (Mahomes, Kelce, Karlaftis) with long-term extensions, drafting smartly (Rice, Cook), and hiring a coaching staff that maximizes talent. “We’ve built this team to be successful for years, not just one season,” general manager Brett Veach said. “This historic start is a result of that work.” As the Chiefs head into the playoffs, they carry with them not just a 13-1 record, but the confidence that comes with being tied for the best start in NFL history. Tied for Best Start in NFL History by the Kansas City Chiefs isn’t just a record—it’s a promise: this team is built to win, and they’re not done yet.