**Kansas City Chiefs Secure 8-0 Record with Overtime Victory**

The Kansas City Chiefs have achieved a flawless 8-0 record after a thrilling 30-24 overtime win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With nine weeks left in the 2024 NFL season, the Chiefs are driving strong into the remainder of their schedule. Next up, they'll face the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, followed by away games against the Buffalo Bills and Carolina Panthers. Their remaining matchups include home games against the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers, an out-of-state clash with the Cleveland Browns, a home game with the Houston Texans, and road games against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Broncos.

Usually, this analysis starts later in the season. However, Kansas City's undefeated streak and the fact that the next best AFC teams each have two losses have pushed up the timeline. For a deep dive into the playoff picture, the New York Times playoff calculator offers valuable projections.

**Chiefs' Playoff Prospects**

Currently, the Chiefs boast a greater than 99% chance of making the playoffs, a 97% chance to clinch the AFC West, an 82% chance of securing the single AFC bye, and a 19% chance of winning Super Bowl LIX. No other team has better odds to take home the championship. In the NFC, the Detroit Lions (16%) and the Philadelphia Eagles (14%) are the next highest contenders for the Super Bowl.

While the playoff calculator has other functionalities, it’s primarily useful for focusing on scenarios within the team's control. Broader speculations will be more relevant as the season progresses.

**Path to the Playoffs**

A win against the Denver Broncos on Sunday would essentially assure Kansas City of its 10th consecutive playoff appearance.

**Securing the AFC West**

Winning the next five games, including the final matchup against the Chargers, would clinch the Chiefs' ninth consecutive AFC West title and guarantee at least one home playoff game. If the Chiefs win the next three games and the Chargers lose to the Tennessee Titans, the division title could almost be secured.

**First-Round Bye Goals**

To secure the AFC's top seed and a first-round bye, the Chiefs need to win their next seven games. This would set them up with a 15-0 record heading into their Christmas Day game against the Steelers, tying the New England Patriots' record for consecutive victories that include postseason games. Although possible to clinch the bye with five wins, it would depend on 16 other games going in their favor.

Kansas City is in full control of its postseason destiny, just one win away from solidifying their playoff spot. The upcoming weeks could see the Chiefs wrapping up another AFC West title, making it an exhilarating period for Chiefs fans.

**About the New York Times Playoff Calculator**

The calculator utilizes Elo ratings and betting market information to assess the strength of each NFL team, determining their probabilities of winning remaining games. The season is simulated tens of thousands of times to produce the probabilities referenced in this article.