3 Key X-Factors for the Kansas City Chiefs to Three-Peat

The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing to carve out a little piece of history in the NFL.

With an aim to become the first team ever to lift the Lombardi Trophy three times in a row in the Super Bowl era, all eyes will be on the big guns like Mahomes, Kelce, Chris Jones, etc.

However, football is a team sport and each roster in the NFL has 53 men taking the field to do their job to the best of their abilities. In team sports, while individual brilliance can account for triumphs every now and then, winning a championship over the course of the season requires a collective effort.

That brings us to the topic at hand of three key X-Factors for the Kansas City Chiefs to three-peat in 2024.

Isiah Pacheco and Running Game

The Chiefs 2022 seventh-round pick of Isiah Pacheco has been a rewarding one for sure. He has helped the offense grind out first downs and he has a way of making big plays every now and then.

Averaging nearly 4.7 yards per carry in his two seasons in the NFL, Pacheco is not the most explosive back nor is he the team’s most effective option as the Chiefs rely more on their passing game. However, Pacheco’s contributions have been immense for Kansas City especially last year when the passing game wasn’t on song.

The backfield may once again need to step up and make those contributions that can add variety to the Chiefs offense. Moreover, if Pacheco can increase his production as a receiver that would be a bonus for Kansas City.

Special Teams Play

Generally, special teams is the area that is most overlooked in gridiron football. But, Harrison Butker had the best season of his career in 2023 going perfect from the point after touchdown conversion and making 33 of 35 field goals.

He carried his excellent form in the postseason as well as he made all extra points and field goals. Butker even set the Super Bowl record for longest field goal from 57 yards out. His performance in 2023 was as clutch as ever and he will have to continue the same in 2024 as all these points contribute towards a win.

On the other hand, the Chiefs have gotten better at least on paper in the punting position as they have brought in the talented Matt Araiza who is expected to pin back the opposition as much as possible.

Secondary Play

One of the most crucial aspects of last season’s run to the Super Bowl for Kansas City was their secondary unit, especially the cornerback duo of L’Jarius Sneed and Trent McDuffie. With Sneed now gone to the Titans, that has left a huge hole to fill.

McDuffie should be able to hold his own once again as he continues to get better. However, the key will be the performances of the other corners in the team such as Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams.

Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has created a well-rounded secondary unit, but this will definitely be an area to keep an eye out for.

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