Andy Reid has long been synonymous with NFL playoff success, but the 2024 season has thrown the Kansas City Chiefs into an unexpected state of uncertainty. After a dominant run that included multiple Super Bowl appearances and a 2022 championship, the Chiefs are now fighting tooth and nail to keep their playoff hopes alive. Fans are bombarding social media and sports outlets with burning questions: Are the Chiefs out of the playoffs? Can the Chiefs still make the playoffs? And if the Chiefs lose today, what happens to their already precarious position in the AFC standings? Let’s dive into the factors shaping the NFL Kansas City Chiefs’ playoff fate—from their current record to Andy Reid’s proven ability to turn things around in the final stretch of the season.
Chiefs’ Current Standing & Record
As we enter the final six weeks of the regular season, the Chiefs hold a 7-5 record, a mark that’s left them trailing in the AFC West race. The division is currently led by the Denver Broncos (9-3), with the Los Angeles Chargers close behind at 8-4. In the broader AFC standings, the Chiefs are on the bubble for a wild card spot, sitting just outside the top seven—competing with teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5), Buffalo Bills (8-4), and Miami Dolphins (7-5) for one of the three available wild card slots. Their chiefs standings reflect a season of inconsistency: while they’ve had dominant wins over teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars (a 41-20 blowout in Week 6), they’ve suffered surprising losses to lower-tier opponents like the Tennessee Titans (a 27-24 overtime defeat in Week 10), leaving fans and analysts questioning whether this is the same team that dominated the league just a year ago.
Andy Reid’s Playoff Pedigree
When it comes to playoff pushes, few coaches have a track record like Andy Reid. Over his 24-year career, Reid has led his teams to the playoffs 17 times—10 with the Philadelphia Eagles and 7 with the Chiefs. His ability to adjust his game plan late in the season is legendary: think back to the 2020 season, when the Chiefs started 6-4 but rallied to win six straight games, secure the AFC West, and eventually lift the Super Bowl trophy. Reid’s offensive mind, paired with his experience navigating high-stakes games, is a key asset for the Chiefs right now. Even when the team is struggling, Reid has a knack for identifying weaknesses in opponents and putting his players in positions to succeed—whether it’s designing creative plays for Patrick Mahomes or leaning on the run game to control the clock. This pedigree gives fans reason to hope, even as the Chiefs face an uphill battle.
What If the Chiefs Lose Today?
The question on every Chiefs fan’s mind this weekend is: If the Chiefs lose today, are they out of the playoffs? The short answer is no—but their chances will take a significant hit. Let’s break it down: a loss would drop their record to 7-6, putting them further behind the Chargers and Broncos in the AFC West. For the wild card, they’d fall behind teams like the Steelers (who could move to 8-5 with a win) and the Dolphins (if they beat the New York Jets in their Sunday matchup). A loss today would not only hurt their wild card chances but also deal a blow to their AFC West aspirations—The Broncos and Chargers are both playing well, and a Chiefs loss would allow those teams to extend their leads, making it harder for Kansas City to catch up in the division. However, elimination isn’t immediate: there are still five games left, and the Chiefs could still rally if they win out and get help from other teams. But a loss today would make their path much narrower, requiring almost perfect results in the remaining weeks and a string of losses from their rivals. It’s a scenario no Chiefs fan wants to see, but it’s not the end of the road—yet.
Comparing Playoff Chances: Chiefs vs. Cowboys vs. Lions
To put the Chiefs’ playoff chances in perspective, let’s compare them to two other teams in the hunt: the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions. The Cowboys, with an 8-4 record, are leading the NFC East, though they face stiff competition from the Philadelphia Eagles (8-4). Their playoff chances are more secure than the Chiefs’ because they have a better grip on their division—if they win their remaining division games (vs Eagles, Giants), they’re likely to lock up a spot. The Lions, meanwhile, are having a breakout season, holding a 9-3 record and leading the NFC North by two games over the Green Bay Packers. Their playoff spot is almost a lock, barring a complete collapse in the final weeks. In contrast, the Chiefs’ path is far less certain. Unlike the Cowboys and Lions, who have a clear division path, the Chiefs are relying on wild card spots, which are always more competitive. This makes their playoff chances more fragile, but not impossible—especially with Reid at the helm.
Can the Chiefs Still Make the Playoffs?
Yes—though it won’t be easy. For the Chiefs to secure a playoff spot, they need to do two things: win as many of their remaining games as possible, and get help from other teams. Let’s outline the key scenarios:
First, the AFC West path: If the Chiefs win their remaining division games (vs Chargers, Raiders, Broncos) and the Broncos drop three of their last five, Kansas City could overtake Denver for the division lead. It’s a long shot, but Reid’s teams have pulled off similar comebacks before—like in 2019, when the Chiefs started 6-4 and won six straight to claim the AFC West.
The wild card path is more realistic: To grab a wild card spot, the Chiefs need to finish with at least a 10-6 record. That means winning three of their last five games. They also need teams like the Steelers, Bills, or Dolphins to slip up—for example, if the Steelers lose two of their remaining games (vs Bengals, Ravens) and the Dolphins drop a game to the Patriots, the Chiefs could jump ahead. Reid’s history of late-season surges gives credence to this scenario. He knows how to motivate his team when it matters most, and with stars like Patrick Mahomes leading the offense and Travis Kelce as his top target, the Chiefs have the talent to turn things around.
The Road Ahead
The Chiefs’ remaining schedule is a mix of tough and winnable games. They face the Chargers next week (a crucial AFC West matchup), followed by the Oakland Raiders, Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, and Jacksonville Jaguars. Each game is a must-win, especially against division rivals. Reid will need to lean on Mahomes’ arm and the team’s defense— which has struggled with pass rush and coverage at times this season—to shut down opponents. The Chiefs’ success will also depend on their ability to avoid turnovers and capitalize on scoring opportunities—areas where they’ve fallen short in recent weeks (they’ve had 12 turnovers in their last five games).
Conclusion
Andy Reid’s Chiefs are not out of the playoffs yet, but the clock is ticking. Their current record and standing in the AFC standings present a challenge, but Reid’s playoff pedigree and the team’s talent give them a fighting chance. The question of if the Chiefs lose today are they out of the playoffs is a reminder of how precarious their position is, but it’s also a call to action for the team. As the final stretch of the season unfolds, fans will be watching closely to see if Reid can work his magic once again and lead the Chiefs back to the NFL playoffs. Whether they take the AFC West or a wild card spot, one thing is certain: the Chiefs will leave it all on the field, and Andy Reid will be right there, guiding them every step of the way. For now, the answer to “can the Chiefs make the playoffs?” is a resounding yes—if they play like the team we know they can be.