The Rest of the Story for the Chiefs, What to Expect from KC This Postseason
- Kansas City is just 2-5 ATS (28.6%) following a bye since 2020.
- The Chiefs are 5-7 ATS with Mahomes under center following a bye week.
- Kansas City holds the second-best odds to win Super Bowl LIX.
The Kansas City Chiefs have wrapped up the regular season with a dominant 15-2 record, securing the AFC’s top seed and a first-round playoff bye. While NFL news swirls around Wild Card Weekend matchups, the Chiefs are sitting back, relaxing, and probably watching a lot of game film. They’ll need the extra rest as they gear up for their quest to three-peat as Super Bowl champions. Let’s break down what’s happening in Chiefs Kingdom.
“Omg, the Chiefs are scared of the Bengals! That’s why they lost on purpose!”
Travis Kelce: pic.twitter.com/uzcVjfVJsV
— Keaton (@kjonesy1587) January 8, 2025
4 Things to Consider When Betting on the Chiefs This Postseason
1. Roster Shuffles: Montrell Washington Returns
While NFL betting lines are adjusting for playoff action, Kansas City made some strategic roster moves. WR Montrell Washington, a 2022 fifth-round pick originally drafted by Denver, was re-signed to the Chiefs’ practice squad. Though Washington hasn’t caught a pass for KC, his familiarity with the system and special teams prowess make him a handy insurance policy.
In a corresponding move, LB Blake Lynch was released, signaling the Chiefs’ intent to fine-tune the roster for their playoff run. Let’s hope Washington’s re-signing is a precautionary move rather than a harbinger of injuries to the already stacked WR depth chart, which features Hollywood Brown, Justin Watson, and rookie standout Xavier Worthy.
2. Nagy’s Double Duty: Chiefs’ OC Juggles Playoff Prep and HC Interviews
Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy isn’t just scheming up plays for Mahomes—he’s also fielding head coaching interviews. NFL news outlets have linked Nagy to multiple vacancies, including the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints. While some might worry about distractions, Nagy insists his focus remains on Kansas City’s postseason success.
Jets fans going into the 2025 season with Rex Ryan or Matt Nagy at HC pic.twitter.com/3gtZWk3LGL
— R0M30DUNZ3 (@r0me0dunze) January 6, 2025
As the Chiefs enter the Divisional Round, the offense is finding its stride, with Mahomes looking sharp, Travis Kelce breaking records, and the team peaking at the right time. For anyone making a bet online, this is a scary thought for the rest of the AFC.
3. Bye Week Blues? The Chiefs and ATS Woes After a Bye
If you’re into NFL betting, here’s a nugget that might give you pause: the Chiefs are just 2-5 against the spread (ATS) following a bye since 2020. For all of Patrick Mahomes’ magic, Kansas City has struggled to cover spreads after a week off, posting a lackluster 5-7 ATS record in such situations during Mahomes’ reign. NFL odds makers at BetUS Sportsbook will likely factor in those stats when setting the line for the Divisional Round.
Still, with home-field advantage at Arrowhead and Andy Reid’s legendary bye-week prep (cue Reid with his Cheeseburger of Victory), there’s no better team to bet on for postseason success.
It’s hard to fade the Chiefs with our NFL predictions today, ATS trends or not, when the stakes are this high.
4. Why the Bye Week Matters
NFL lines currently peg Kansas City with the second-best chance to win Super Bowl 59, trailing only the Detroit Lions. Mahomes called the bye week “super important,” emphasizing the chance to rest banged-up contributors like Chris Jones and Mecole Hardman. The Chiefs will have had nearly three weeks of rest by the time the Divisional Round kicks off, giving them ample time to prep for whichever team emerges from Wild Card Weekend.
For NFL expert picks, the Chiefs’ bye week history may create some doubt, but their postseason track record is undeniable. With Arrowhead Stadium as the backdrop, the odds are stacked in Kansas City’s favor to keep their Super Bowl dreams alive.
Chiefs haters in August vs now: pic.twitter.com/tiTYWOLonS
— Matt C (@MattfromKC) December 31, 2024
So, as the Wild Card Weekend drama unfolds, the Chiefs will be watching, scheming, and probably laughing at whatever team dares to step into Arrowhead. Will the rest translate to rust? Or will Reid and Mahomes do what they do best—win?
Stay tuned for more NFL news, NFL picks, and NFL playoff predictions as the postseason heats up. And remember: the road to the Lombardi Trophy still runs through Kansas City.
Question of the Day
Has any NFL team won three Super Bowls in a row?
No team in history has won three Super Bowls on the trot. The Chiefs could become ths first.