What Is 2014 Kansas City Chiefs season

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2014 Kansas City Chiefs finished the regular season with a 9-7 record, securing the AFC West title and a playoff berth. They defeated the Indianapolis Colts in the Wild Card round before losing to the New England Patriots in the Divisional round.

Key Facts

The Chiefs finished the 2014 regular season with a 9-7 record, winning the AFC West division
They defeated the Indianapolis Colts 45-44 in a dramatic Wild Card playoff game
The Divisional Round loss to the New England Patriots was 27-20
Alex Smith threw for 2,938 yards and 15 touchdowns during the regular season
Justin Houston recorded 22.0 sacks in 2014, setting a franchise record

Overview

The 2014 Kansas City Chiefs season marked a turning point under head coach Andy Reid, culminating in a division title and playoff victory. After a 2-14 season in 2012 and a 11-5 campaign in 2013, the 2014 season solidified the team's resurgence in the AFC West.

Despite a slow start and midseason struggles, the Chiefs finished strong, winning six of their final eight games to claim the division crown. Their playoff run included a thrilling comeback win, showcasing resilience and strategic coaching.

Record: The Chiefs finished the regular season with a 9-7 record, the best in the AFC West and good enough for the top seed in the conference playoffs.
Division Title: They won the AFC West for the first time since 2003, ending a 10-year drought and marking a major milestone for the franchise.
Playoff Berth: As division champions, they earned a first-round bye and hosted a Divisional Round game at Arrowhead Stadium.
Wild Card Victory: In one of the most memorable playoff games in NFL history, the Chiefs defeated the Indianapolis Colts 45-44 in the Wild Card round after trailing by 28 points.
Divisional Round Exit: Their season ended with a 27-20 loss to the New England Patriots, who went on to win Super Bowl XLIX.

Key Games and Performances

The 2014 season featured several pivotal games that defined the Chiefs' identity and playoff trajectory. From midseason adjustments to clutch playoff performances, key moments shaped their campaign.

Week 11 vs. Chargers: A 20-17 overtime win in San Diego was critical in the AFC West race, helping the Chiefs gain control of the division.
Week 17 vs. Raiders: The Chiefs secured the division title with a 15-12 victory, despite resting key starters in the second half.
Wild Card vs. Colts: Trailing 38-8 in the third quarter, the Chiefs rallied for 37 unanswered points to win 45-44, the second-largest comeback in playoff history.
Alex Smith's Leadership: Smith threw for 2,938 yards and 15 touchdowns, posting a career-high 90.7 passer rating, emphasizing efficiency over volume.
Justin Houston's Dominance: Houston recorded 22.0 sacks in the regular season, leading the NFL and setting a Chiefs single-season record.
Derrick Johnson's Role: Linebacker Derrick Johnson recorded 119 tackles and two interceptions, anchoring the defense throughout the season.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 2014 Chiefs stacked up against recent seasons in key statistical categories:

Season	Record	Division Finish	Playoff Result	Points For	Points Against
2012	2-14	4th, AFC West	Did not qualify	227	399
2013	11-5	2nd, AFC West	Lost in Wild Card (Colts)	343	318
2014	9-7	1st, AFC West	Lost in Divisional Round (Patriots)	385	326
2015	11-5	2nd, AFC West	Lost in Divisional Round (Patriots)	343	276
2016	12-4	2nd, AFC West	Lost in Wild Card (Texans)	389	304

The 2014 season stands out for its dramatic playoff win and division title, despite a lower win total than 2013 or 2016. The Chiefs' offense improved significantly, scoring 385 points, while the defense remained inconsistent, allowing 326 points. This season laid the foundation for sustained success under Andy Reid, bridging the gap between rebuilding and contender status.

Why It Matters

The 2014 season was pivotal in reshaping the Chiefs' franchise trajectory and validating Andy Reid’s rebuilding efforts. It demonstrated the team’s resilience and set a precedent for future playoff runs.

Franchise Momentum: Winning the AFC West after a 10-year drought restored credibility and energized the fanbase in Kansas City.
Historic Comeback: The 45-44 win over Indianapolis remains one of the greatest comebacks in NFL playoff history, boosting national recognition.
Justin Houston's Legacy: His 22.0 sacks not only led the league but also earned him First-Team All-Pro honors and a franchise record.
Coaching Validation: Andy Reid’s second season proved his system could succeed in Kansas City, silencing early skepticism.
Playoff Experience: The deep playoff run provided invaluable experience for young players like Travis Kelce and Eric Berry.
Foundation for Future Success: The 2014 season laid the groundwork for the Chiefs’ consistent playoff appearances through the 2010s and eventual Super Bowl LIV win in 2020.

The 2014 Kansas City Chiefs season was more than just a division title—it was a statement of resurgence, resilience, and long-term potential that redefined the franchise’s trajectory in the modern NFL era.