The playoffs basically showed up early for Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs . Of course, the postseason hope is still hanging by a tiny thread right now. But from this point forward, the Chiefs don’t just need wins. They need five straight wins. Not three. Not four. All five. At least, that looks the case for now. Anything less, and Mahomes walks into uncharted territory.

We’re talking about the very real possibility of missing the AFC Championship Game for the first time in years. Since becoming the starter, the 30-year-old quarterback has dragged KC to seven straight AFC Championship appearances. Every year. Without fail. So naturally, you’re left asking: How did a team that’s been this dominant suddenly end up staring at a playoff exit before the playoffs even begin?

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