From 2013 to 2017, the Chiefs weren’t bad. The Chiefs made the playoffs four out of five times and won two division titles during Alex Smith’s time in Kansas City. The veteran quarterback instilled consistency under head coach Andy Reid.

In those four playoff appearances, the Chiefs never made it to the conference finals. The organization was missing something that they needed if they were going to reach a Super Bowl.

That changed when the Chiefs drafted Patrick Mahomes II out of Texas Tech in the 2017 NFL Draft.

After a year of mentorship under Smith, Mahomes got the starting job in 2018. Immediately, the Chiefs transformed into a more explosive team.

In his first year as a starter, Mahomes led the Chiefs to their first conference championship since 1993 but lost to the New England Patriots in overtime. Mahomes also became the first Chief to ever win NFL MVP as he led the league with 50 passing touchdowns.

In that first season, Mahomes showed his unpredictable style of play with an ability unlike any other quarterback. The Chiefs went from scoring 415 points in 2017 to setting a franchise record with 565 points scored in 2018.

The Chiefs were even better in 2019 as Mahomes led the Chiefs to Super Bowl LIV. A fourth-quarter comeback against the San Francisco 49ers delivered a second Super Bowl in franchise history for the Chiefs as Mahomes took home Super Bowl MVP.

In 2020, the Chiefs had another run to the Super Bowl, only to lose to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Chiefs’ 2021 Super Bowl dreams came to an end in the conference championship.

Part of Mahomes’ success is the talent around him. Players like wide receiver Tyreek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce have been key pieces to the Chiefs’ offense.

“I try to enjoy every minute of it, every play” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said of Mahomes and Kelce’s partnership following a win over the Chargers on Nov. 20, 2022. “Their chemistry is ridiculous.”

The Chiefs are running away with a seventh straight AFC West title while Mahomes leads the league in passing yards and touchdowns as of Nov. 21, 2022.