Chiefs beat Bucs. Three takeaways.

The Chiefs are 8-0 for the third time in franchise history (2003 and 2013), and I’m officially running out of superlatives. Every week, this team finds a way to win. Whether it’s wrapping things up in the third, grinding it out in the fourth, or clawing through overtime, they just get it done. One week, it’s the defense making a stand. The next, it’s Mahomes putting on an aerial show. Or maybe it’s Kareem Hunt bruising his way down the field, making defenders regret showing up.

This team is special. And I implore every single one of you to appreciate this moment, because, someday, Mahomes will be in the booth, Travis Kelce will be a sweet, distant memory, and Andy Reid will be grilling ribs instead of defenses.

In the words of Andy Bernard: “I wish there was a way to know you were in the good old days before you actually left them.” Chiefs Kingdom, *these* are the good old days. Let’s savor every snap.

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Takeaway One: Deandre Hopkins can be a top ten receiver.

Last week, after the Chiefs beat the Raiders, my top takeaway was how DeAndre Hopkins looked like a perfect fit in KC's offense. Now, just one game later, we’ve seen just how perfect. Frankly, the Chiefs haven’t had a receiver this good since Tyreek Hill. And as bold as it sounds, as a pure wide receiver, Hopkins might actually be better. Hear me out.

Hopkins’ hands are elite. On Monday night, he was catching absolutely everything thrown his way. Tyreek, for all his explosiveness, had issues with drops—costly ones, at that. In his final season with KC, some of those drops even led to interceptions. Hopkins, on the other hand, is as reliable as they come.

Then there’s his route running. In the red zone, Hopkins was unstoppable, giving the Chiefs exactly what they’ve missed: a receiver who can beat a DB in every way possible. Jump-ball, contested catch? Check. Quick route? Check. Pair him with Kelce, Hunt, and Mahomes, and you’ve got a true offensive juggernaut.

Sure, Hopkins might not be top 10 in raw talent or speed anymore. But with Mahomes, Kelce, and Reid by his side—and a fierce hunger for a ring—you’d better believe he’s about to put on a show in the second half of the season. All for a fourth-round pick? Well done, Brett Veach.

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Takeaway Two: The Chiefs are better placed for Superbowl triumph than ever before.

Here’s the crazy part, Chiefs Kingdom: even at a perfect 8-0, facing the toughest schedule in the league, it still feels like Kansas City hasn’t hit top gear. And over the next two months, as they continue to refine their game, they’re only getting stronger. Isaiah Pacheco will join Kareem Hunt in the backfield. Hollywood Brown will team up with DeAndre Hopkins in the receiver room. Right when it matters most, the Chiefs are getting back some serious firepower.

Not only do they practically have the one seed locked up, meaning they could go into the postseason fresh and rested, but they’ve already beaten two of their three main AFC contenders. Sure, anything can happen in January. But with the way this defense is locking things down and Mahomes finding his rhythm as a passer again, it’s hard to see anyone toppling this team in the playoffs.

In fact, the Chiefs might just be heading into the postseason as strong as they’ve ever been.

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Takeaway Three: Can the Chiefs really go undefeated?

Alright, I know we’re not supposed to talk about this yet. It’s only Week 9, and the Chiefs still haven’t had their usual head-scratcher loss, plus they just went to overtime with an injured Bucs team. But at 8-0, it feels like somebody has to bring it up (touch wood). So, let’s break down the rest of the schedule and see how realistic this undefeated talk really is.

Week 10: Broncos - Inter-divisional games can be unpredictable, as we saw last year. But with the talent gap, I can’t see the Chiefs slipping here. Prediction: Chiefs win

Week 11: Buffalo - Here it is—the big one. If the Chiefs leave Buffalo with a win and hit 10-0, that’s when the whispers about an undefeated season will really start. Prediction: Toss-up

Week 12: Carolina - This has “trap game” written all over it, but the Chiefs should take care of business comfortably. Prediction: Chiefs win

Week 13: Raiders - They’ve already beaten the Raiders once; I’d expect a similar result. Prediction: Chiefs win

Week 14: Chargers - Division games are tough, especially against Herbert. But the Chiefs will be favored, and I expect them to complete the season sweep of LA. Prediction: Chiefs win

Week 15: Cleveland - Another trap-game candidate, but KC’s talent edge should pull them through. Prediction: Chiefs win

Week 16: Texans - Houston is good, and this could be a challenge. But if KC is still undefeated, they’ll be pushing hard here. Prediction: Toss-up

Week 17: Pittsburgh - A physical matchup, and we’re entering potential “rest the starters” territory. If the one-seed isn’t locked, they’ll go for it; if it is, we may see some backups. Prediction: TBD

Week 18: Denver - Likely another sit-the-starters game, but even the backups could give Denver a good game. Prediction: TBD

So, is an undefeated season likely? Not really, between the annual trap game, tough matchups with Buffalo and Houston, and the potential for resting starters. As long as they claim the one-seed and stay healthy, I’m happy. The threepeat is the goal here—though going undefeated would be legendary.

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