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NFL Playoffs: Five reasons Kansas City Chiefs will win AFC West

By Andrew Dowdeswell

Dec 21, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid yells to an official during the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 20-12. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid yells to an official during the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 20-12. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 29, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali (91) celebrates after a reviewed call is upheld against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 30-22. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali (91) celebrates after a reviewed call is upheld against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 30-22. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Chiefs’ Defense

Perhaps the biggest up turn in performance for Kansas City has been on the defensive side of the ball. Before the season, the Chiefs’ defensive unit, which ranked second in points allowed last year, was expected to be one of the elite defenses in the league. With an already talented roster, John Dorsey drafted Marcus Peters in the first round and Eric Berry returned from Hodgkins Lymphoma. Both have re-enforced an already strong secondary, creating a daunting unit complemented by pass rush matched by few in the league.

However, the opening weeks did not go to plan for the apparent elite defense, allowing over 30 points to Denver, Green Bay and Cincinnati in consecutive weeks. Since then, though, the defense has only allowed the Buffalo Bills over 20 points and forced at least two turnovers in every game since losing to the Minnesota Vikings.

The increase in turnovers has been key for the Chiefs as a whole. With a conservative offense which prioritizes protecting the football, the many takeaways the defense causes has a huge impact on the success this team has enjoyed. The Chiefs’ defense is now one of the best units in the league, and Kansas City could well ride its dominating play in recent weeks to the AFC West title.

Next: 2. Broncos' Tough Schedule

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