Numbers Never Lie: Can the Chiefs’ defense be the best in the AFC?

Ron Kopp Jr analyzes whether the Kansas City Chiefs' defense can be the best in the AFC following their strong four-game start. Entering their bye week at the top of the conference standings, the Chiefs rank near the top in several major defensive metrics, including points per game allowed (19.3), yards per play allowed (5.0), and passing yards per attempt allowed (6.2).

Despite these strengths and having the NFL's lowest missed tackle rate, the writer notes Kansas City struggles in sack rate (2.6%) and third-down defense (37%). Kopp concludes that coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's bend-but-don't-break unit does not need to be dominant, but merely situational and reliable enough to support the offense in postseason play.