In the offseason the Chiefs had several major changes, including trading 2-time Pro Bowler
Marcus Peters, as well as
Alex Smith. The team also voided the final year of the contract of their longest tenured player
Derrick Johnson and they released long time linebacker
Tamba Hali. Under first year starting quarterback
Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs would start the season 5–0 for the second consecutive year before losing to the
New England Patriots. The Chiefs then won their next four games before
losing again to the
Los Angeles Rams. A Week 14 win over the
Baltimore Ravens clinched the Chiefs' fourth consecutive playoff appearance. After defeating their rival, the
Oakland Raiders 35–3 in Week 17, the Chiefs clinched their third consecutive division title and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs for the first time since
1997. In the playoffs, the Chiefs advanced to the
AFC Championship Game for the first time since
1993 by defeating the
Indianapolis Colts, 31–13 in the divisional round. This win ended the Chiefs' 6-game home playoff losing streak dating back to
1993. It was only the Chiefs' second win in their last 13 playoff games. In the AFC Championship Game, the Chiefs lost to the
eventual Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, 37–31 in overtime. Two days after the loss, defensive coordinator
Bob Sutton was fired following multiple NFL analysts criticizing his lack of adjustments in the AFC Championship Game, as well as other games throughout the season. ==NFL Top 100==