As for history not being on Kansas City’s side, Fortenbaugh pointed to the players being tired after the team’s fourth Super Bowl appearance in five seasons, saying, “You can’t keep that up. It takes a toll on your body.”
Fortenbaugh finished with this statement about the close calls the Chiefs have had recently.
“12-0 in one-score games last year, 17 straight one-score wins. That is not sustainable, offensive line still a problem. Top-six schedule in terms of difficulty … I think history is against them, I think the Chargers are the team that can get them as well.”
Fortenbaugh certainly makes some valid points, especially considering the Chiefs ranked 18th in the league in sacks allowed per game (2.6) last season, per TeamRankings, leaving room for improvement when protecting their three-time Super Bowl-champion QB.
While the Chiefs do have the sixth-toughest schedule in the league, per Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports, they at least face the Philadelphia Eagles (Week 2), Baltimore Ravens (Week 4), Detroit Lions (Week 6) and Washington Commanders (Week 8) at home.
Harbaugh’s Chargers have added depth on offense to pair with a defense that allowed the second-fewest points per game last season (18.5). Don’t count the Denver Broncos out, either, after a productive rookie season from quarterback Bo Nix and a bolstered defense in recent months.
Still, Patrick Mahomes is back under center and Travis Kelce returns at tight end after a career-low, full-time season with 823 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
Question marks aside, the AFC West will still likely run through the Chiefs until another franchise steps up and proves they can take it away. After all, Kansas City has won the division the last nine seasons.
You can never count the Chiefs out as they have proven time and again. Following the sloppy conclusion to the 2024 season, how they come out of the gates could be a good indicator of where this team is for the 2025 season.
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