It has not been the dominant season that the Kansas City Chiefs envisioned heading into the 2023 season, but the end result for the regular season is the same: AFC West champions.

Thanks to Harrison Butker‘s six (yes, SIX) field goals, as well as a stifling defense in the second half, the Chiefs defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 25-17 on Sunday afternoon at Arrowhead Stadium.

The victory not only ensured a playoff berth/division title for the Chiefs, but also eliminated the Bengals (8-8) from playoff contention.

Outside of a touchdown late in the first quarter — when Patrick Mahomes hit Isiah Pacheco for an 8-yard score — the Chiefs offense largely struggled. Travis Kelce only had one target in the entire first half, and the receiver struggles for Kansas City continued in Week 17.

“It was a good game to get,” head coach Andy Reid said after the game. “It was great to have the guys that have a championship — with the AFC West. That’s a positive thing. I know how they are; they are not going to rest on that. It is exciting for them to get a taste, especially, the new guys. Again, I’m proud of the whole situation there.”

The Chiefs’ eight-season run of division titles is second all-time, having broken a tie with the Rams (1973-1979). They now trail only the New England Patriots dynasty’s 11 consecutive crowns from 2009-2019.

“It’s definitely special. It always is though,” Mahomes said after clinching the AFC West title. “I mean it’s really cool to win the AFC West, but obviously dealing with some adverse situations over these last few weeks. For guys to respond it’s a good football team and find a way to win — even when the game wasn’t going our way at the beginning. It was special. I told the guys to celebrate it, enjoy it but our goal is to obviously continue to win and we need to build off this momentum to get ready for the playoffs.”

In a season that has produced underwhelming results statistically, the Chiefs have overcome the odds and are once again division champions.

(Jamie Squire/Getty Images)