2025 Chiefs Poised to Rank Among NFL’s Least Clutch Teams

The Kansas City Chiefs are facing an unexpected challenge in their 2025 NFL season, starting with a record of 5-5. Despite statistical improvements from their remarkable 15-2 record last year, the Chiefs are struggling in critical situations known as “clutch moments.” This trend has led to their current ranking among the least clutch teams in the league.

Chiefs’ Clutch Performance Decline

Historically, quarterback Patrick Mahomes has excelled in high-pressure scenarios. His previous track record includes leading the Chiefs from double-digit deficits in three Super Bowl victories. However, this season tells a different story.

• The Chiefs are 0-5 in one-score games this year.
• Last season, they boasted a perfect record in similar situations, finishing 12-0 in one-score games.

Statistical Analysis of Clutch Situations

TruMedia data reveals alarming statistics for the Chiefs in late-game scenarios. In crucial moments—defined as within eight points, during the final five minutes, and excluding kneeldown plays—the Chiefs’ offensive success rate plummeted to just 18 percent.

• On 11 crucial snaps, Mahomes completed only 2 out of 10 passes, accumulating just 29 yards.
• They faced penalties, including a delay-of-game, resulting in a mere net gain of 13 yards.

This performance starkly contrasts with last year’s offensive success rate of 43 percent during similar high-leverage situations.

Defensive Struggles

The defense has not fared any better in clutch moments. When tasked with stopping opponents on third and fourth downs under similar high-pressure conditions, the Chiefs allowed six first downs on seven attempts.

• The opposition completed all four passes thrown against them, yielding 69 yards.
• They allowed conversions on difficult plays, including a third-and-15 and a third-and-14.

This year, the Chiefs’ defensive success rate stands at a staggering 14 percent in these situations, marking one of the worst performances across 26 seasons tracked by TruMedia. They are tied for the worst success rate recorded and have surrendered an average of 13 yards per play.

Looking Ahead

The Chiefs’ struggles in clutch situations underscore a pivotal challenge in their quest for the postseason. Currently, their chances of making the playoffs sit at approximately 56 percent, as per The Athletic’s playoff simulator. For the Chiefs to reverse this trend, they must significantly improve their performance in critical moments down the stretch.