After going 12-4 in the regular season of the NFL, the Kansas City Chiefs are qualified for the playoffs. They will play their first playoff game on January 12th, against the Indianapolis Colts. If they defeat the Colts, they will either play against the New England Patriots or the Los Angeles Chargers in the semifinals for the American Football Conference Championship as well as a ticket to the Superbowl.

Finally, if they emerge victorious in the semifinals, they will face off against the National Football Conference Champions for the Superbowl trophy. The odds may seem slim, but I believe the Chiefs have what it takes to take the victory.

1. Patrick Mahomes
Although this is his first year of starting quarterback, Patrick Mahomes has performed incredibly. Here are some records that he broke in the 2018 season alone:
△ The first player to throw for over 3,000 yards in his first ten games (3,185)
△ Most touchdown passes (10) thrown through first three career games
△ Most touchdown passes (10) thrown through first two games of a season
△ Most touchdown passes (13) thrown through first three games of a season
△ Most touchdown passes (22) thrown through first eight career games
△ Most touchdown passes (31) thrown through first ten games of a season
△ Youngest quarterback to throw for six touchdowns in a game (22 years old)
△ Most consecutive 300-plus passing yard games (tied at 8)
△ Fastest player to 4,000 passing yards and 40+ touchdown passes (13 games)

Not only has he broke 9 NFL records in his first year, but he was also ranked as the best quarterback in the 2018 season by ProFootballReference.com, and ESPN, and 2nd best by TeamRankings.com. Knowing how important the quarterback is for the success of the team, having a strong quarterback like Mahomes is going to help the Chiefs immensely.
Centered around Mahomes, the Chiefs have the ability to beat any opposition they face.

2. Powerful Offense
The Kansas City Chief‘s offense is regarded as one of the best in the league. In fact, they’ve had the highest average yards per game in the entire league during the regular season.

Additionally, they are predicted to win the playoffs and the Superbowl according to a simulation ran by a supercomputer. It gave the Chiefs a 40.1% chance to win the Conference Championships, and a 22.9% chance to win the Superbowl. The computer credited these high chances to the offense, praising Mahomes, Hill, and Travis Kelce for their stellar performances. All in all, with the best quarterback and offense in the league, the Kansas City Chiefs are heavy favorites to win it all.

Interview: Question: Do you think the Kansas City Chiefs can win the Superbowl? If not, who do you think will win it?

Answer 1: Yes. If the Chiefs don‘t win it, the Patriots or Saints or Chargers or Rams might.

Answer 2: Definitely. Their offense is very strong. Their defense is not so great, but with the return of Eric Berry, they have enough firepower to win.

<Sungjoon Chang / Northwood HS>