NEW ORLEANS — The Kansas City Chiefs have built their success this season around close victories, whether it’s a last-minute touchdown or a game-changing kick. General Manager Brett Veach often found himself on edge, witnessing his team navigate tight games. However, when it came to a crucial matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day, the Chiefs made a statement, decisively winning 29-10.

“It’s like this team has a knack for focusing and playing their best in crucial moments,” Veach noted. “That’s a trait of champions.” This ability to elevate their performance in high-stakes situations is part of what makes the Chiefs so formidable in the playoffs.

Moreover, this characteristic could very well pave the way for the Chiefs to secure a win against the Philadelphia Eagles, potentially completing a historic three-peat. The Chiefs are entering Sunday’s game with a remarkable nine-game playoff winning streak, illustrating their capability and readiness to perform at a heightened level when it counts. Their last playoff defeat occurred during the AFC Championship against the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2021 season, followed by a thrilling comeback victory in the Super Bowl against the Eagles two years prior.

Veach expressed that during the regular season, the pressure diminishes week by week. “It only feels like a big game when everything is on the line,” he said. “It’s impressive that they consistently excel when the pressure is highest.” He acknowledged the challenge of maintaining that level of intensity week after week but praised the resilience of the players in high-pressure situations.

While the Chiefs’ championship experience is a significant factor in their success, a combination of talent across all areas—including offense, defense, and special teams—contributes to their status as 1.5-point favorites, according to BetMGM.

**Chiefs Offense**

Patrick Mahomes, a three-time Super Bowl champion and MVP, continues to show that he elevates his game in the playoffs. He now enjoys greater support than previous years, with a formidable backfield duo of Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco. Moreover, star tight end Travis Kelce is still a prime target for defenses. Arguably more significant, Mahomes boasts one of the best receiving corps of his career, featuring three-time All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins, Marquise Brown, and first-round pick Xavier Worthy.

Hopkins remarked, “We are a team that deserves to be in the Super Bowl. We fight until the last second. That speaks volumes about our competitiveness as a unit.”

**Chiefs Defense**

The Eagles’ formidable rushing attack boasts Saquon Barkley, who rolled up an impressive 2,005 yards during the regular season and averages 147.3 yards in the playoffs. Conversely, the strength of the Chiefs’ defense lies in their run-stopping abilities, ranking eighth in the NFL this season. The Chiefs have effectively neutralized prolific running backs like Bijan Robinson and Alvin Kamara throughout this campaign. In the air, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has faced challenges under pressure, giving Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo an opportunity to implement complex blitz strategies that can disorient opposing quarterbacks.

“It’s vital for us to establish dominance on the defensive front,” stressed Chris Jones, a defensive tackle for the Chiefs. “We need to contain Saquon and prevent him from excelling. The challenge is undoubtedly significant.”

**Special Teams**

Harrison Butker, the Chiefs’ kicker, has demonstrated his ability to connect from beyond 60 yards, while Matt Araiza efficiently shifts field position with his punting. Furthermore, Nikko Remigio has emerged as a reliable returner, and they’ve shown proficiency in blocking kicks, as seen in their win over Denver. Collectively, the Chiefs hold a substantial edge in special teams.

“This season has been memorable because it’s truly a team effort,” Mahomes stated. “Each game, someone steps up at the most critical moment, whether that’s on offense, defense, or special teams. It’s not just one unit—it’s the entire team, and that’s what I’ll remember. I hope we can finish strong with one last victory.”