The Kansas City Chiefs had a rollercoaster of a season filled with ups and downs. From star player holdouts to heartbreaking losses, the team faced several pivotal moments that would ultimately define their journey to the AFC championship game. Let's take a closer look at three key moments that impacted the Chiefs' season.

1. Chris Jones' Return Bolsters Defense
The Chiefs started their season without their standout defensive player, Chris Jones, who was holding out for a better contract. However, Jones ended his holdout before Week 2, signing a lucrative one-year deal worth $19.5 million. His return to the team provided a much-needed boost, and Jones proved to be one of the Chiefs' most valuable players throughout the season. Without him, their chances of reaching the Super Bowl would have been in jeopardy.

2. Costly Offsides Call by Kadarius Toney
In Week 14, the Chiefs found themselves locked in a tight battle against the Buffalo Bills. With the game on the line, tight end Travis Kelce executed an incredible cross-field lateral to Kadarius Toney for what seemed like a game-winning touchdown. However, the play was called back due to Toney lining up offsides. It was a devastating moment for the Chiefs, who ended up losing the game. This crucial call potentially affected the outcome of the AFC East title race and had far-reaching implications for the playoffs.

3. Rock Bottom Loss to the Raiders
On Christmas Day, the Chiefs suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of the Las Vegas Raiders, breaking an eight-year home winning streak against their division rivals. The loss highlighted the team's major flaws, including defensive breakdowns and offensive mistakes. Emotions ran high on the Chiefs' sideline, with tight end Travis Kelce venting his frustration by slamming his helmet. This defeat served as a wake-up call for the team and ignited a turnaround in their performance.

4. Tyler Bass's Missed Field Goal Opens Door for Chiefs
In the AFC divisional round playoff game against the Buffalo Bills, kicker Tyler Bass missed a crucial 44-yard field goal that would have tied the game. The Chiefs capitalized on this opportunity, and with 1:43 left on the clock and the ever-reliable Patrick Mahomes in their ranks, they were able to secure a victory. Bass's miss served as a turning point for the Chiefs, propelling them to the AFC championship game.

5. L'Jarius Sneed's Game-Changing Forced Fumble
In the AFC championship game against the Baltimore Ravens, the Chiefs' defense needed a game-changing play. That moment came when L'Jarius Sneed made an incredible play, punching the ball out of Zay Flowers' grasp just before he crossed the goal line. The Chiefs recovered the fumble in the end zone, preserving their lead and ultimately securing a 17-10 victory. Sneed's extraordinary forced fumble will go down as one of the greatest defensive plays in the Chiefs' franchise history.

The Kansas City Chiefs' season was a rollercoaster ride filled with both triumphs and setbacks. From Chris Jones' return to the devastating offsides call, the team had to overcome various challenges along the way. Their resilience and ability to seize critical moments propelled them to the AFC championship game, giving Chiefs fans hope for a successful future.