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The 2015 season was the Kansas City Chiefs' 46th in the National Football League (NFL), their 56th overall and their third under the head coach/general manager tandem of Andy Reid and John Dorsey. The Chiefs went through a poor start in their first six games as they were 1–5, and lost their star running back, Jamaal Charles, to a torn ACL in his right knee during an 18–17 Week 5 loss at home against the Chicago Bears. In week 16, after their ninth consecutive victory and the Baltimore Ravens win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Chiefs clinched a playoff berth, their second in three years. They are the first team since the 1970 Cincinnati Bengals to start the season 1–5 and qualify for the playoffs. The Chiefs also set the franchise record for the most consecutive victories, winning 10 in a row (which has since been eclipsed by the 2019–2020 squads).
In their Wild Card matchup, the Chiefs shutout the Texans 30–0 to earn their first playoff win in 22 years, ending what was at the time, until the Bengals broke the record the night the Chiefs won, an NFL record for consecutive playoff losses. The shutout was the Chiefs first ever playoff shutout and remains, as of the 2023–24 playoffs, the most recent playoff shutout in the NFL. The following week, they were defeated by the New England Patriots in the divisional round 27–20. Two Chiefs took home awards at the 5th NFL Honors, honoring performances from the 2015 season. Cornerback Marcus Peters won Defensive Rookie of the Year after leading the NFL in interceptions. Safety Eric Berry won Comeback Player of the Year after a being named All-Pro the year after having his season cut short due to a lymphoma diagnosis.
This was the last season that the Chiefs did not win the AFC West until 2025, as the franchise went on to win 9 consecutive division titles.
The Chiefs traded their 3rd round pick (80th overall) and their 6th round pick (193rd overall) to the Minnesota Vikings for their 3rd round pick (76th overall)
Preseason transactions
Cuts
Cuts to 75
Position
Player
Cuts to 75 PositionPlayer WRKenny Cook TAnthony Dima LSAndrew East CBAaron Hester DEVaughn Martin CBKenneth Penny GMarcus Reed TEAdam Schiltz WRJeret Smith DLCharles Tuaau WRL’Damian Washington WRJunior Hemingway OLTavon Rooks
Cuts to 53 PositionPlayer WRDa'Ron Brown DEMike Catapano SSanders Commings LBJa'Gared Davis DTHebron Fangupo CGarrett Frye DLDavid Irving LBJames-Michael Johnson CEric Kush WRTello Luckett CDaniel Munyer DBDeji Olatoye GJarrod Pughsley RBDarrin Reaves DBKevin Short OTDerek Sherrod TERyan Taylor FBSpencer Ware WRFredd Williams TERichard Gordon
This list is for players who were involved in more than one transaction during the season
Position
Player
Final status
LB
Dezman Moses
Chiefs active roster
WR
Frankie Hammond
Chiefs active roster
WR
Saalim Hakim
Free agent
OL
Daniel Munyer
Chiefs active roster
*Indicates player was signed off the practice squad of the team listed
Staff
2015 Kansas City Chiefs staff
Front office Chairman/CEO – Clark Hunt President – Mark Donovan Executive vice president of football operations – Andy Reid General manager – John Dorsey Director of football administration – Trip MacCracken Director of football operations – Chris Ballard Co-director of player personnel – Mike Borgonzi Co-director of player personnel – Brett Veach Director of college scouting – Marvin Allen Director of pro scouting – Will LewisHead coaches Head coach – Andy Reid Assistant head coach/wide receivers – David Culley Senior assistant to the head coach – Kyle Childress Offensive coaches Offensive coordinator – Doug Pederson Quarterbacks – Matt Nagy Assistant quarterbacks – Corey Matthaei Running backs – Eric Bieniemy Tight ends – Tom Melvin Offensive line – Andy Heck Assistant offensive line – Eugene Chung Special projects/spread game analysts – Brad Childress Statistical analysis coordinator – Mike Frazier
Defensive coaches Defensive coordinator – Bob Sutton Defensive line – Tommy Brasher Assistant defensive line – Britt Reid Linebackers – Gary Gibbs Assistant linebackers – Mark DeLeone Defensive backs – Emmitt Thomas Assistant secondary – Al Harris Coaching assistant – Dino VassoSpecial teams coaches Special teams – Dave Toub Assistant special teams – Brock OlivoStrength and conditioning Strength and conditioning – Barry Rubin Assistant strength and conditioning – Travis Crittenden Assistant strength and conditioning – Brent Salazar
First quarter ARI – Andre Ellington 2-yard run (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 11:32. Cardinals 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:28. ARI – Chandler Catanzaro 33-yard field goal, 8:23. Cardinals 10–0. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 0:54.Second quarter KC – Cairo Santos 48-yard field goal, 14:55. Cardinals 10–3. Drive: 6 plays, 36 yards, 3:19. KC – Fred Williams 13-yard pass from Chase Daniel (Cairo Santos kick), 4:28. Tied 10–10. Drive: 12 plays, 79 yards, 6:26. KC – Frankie Hammond 14-yard pass from Chase Daniel (Cairo Santos kick), 0:07. Chiefs 17–10. Drive: 7 plays, 78 yards, 1:08.Third quarter KC – Da'Ron Brown 3-yard pass from Chase Daniel (Cairo Santos kick), 10:30. Chiefs 24–10. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:30. KC – Darrin Reaves 1-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 8:08. Chiefs 31–10. Drive: 3 plays, 4 yards, 1:26.Fourth quarter ARI – Tyler Bray sacked in end zone by Rodney Gunter for a Safety, 13:25. Chiefs 31–12. KC – Cairo Santos 34-yard field goal, 6:42. Chiefs 34–12. Drive: 11 plays, 42 yards, 6:00. ARI – Travis Harvey 1-yard pass from Phillip Sims (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 0:29. Chiefs 34–19. Drive: 7 plays, 89 yards, 1:15.Top passers KC – Chase Daniel – 17/21, 189 yards, 3 TD ARI – Logan Thomas – 9/15, 107 yards, INT Top rushers KC – Charcandrick West – 6 rushes, 49 yards ARI – Kerwynn Williams – 7 rushes, 20 yards Top receivers KC – Fred Williams – 6 receptions, 82 yards, TD ARI – Andre Ellington – 2 receptions, 59 yards
First quarter ARI – Andre Ellington 2-yard run (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 11:32. Cardinals 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:28. ARI – Chandler Catanzaro 33-yard field goal, 8:23. Cardinals 10–0. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 0:54.Second quarter KC – Cairo Santos 48-yard field goal, 14:55. Cardinals 10–3. Drive: 6 plays, 36 yards, 3:19. KC – Fred Williams 13-yard pass from Chase Daniel (Cairo Santos kick), 4:28. Tied 10–10. Drive: 12 plays, 79 yards, 6:26. KC – Frankie Hammond 14-yard pass from Chase Daniel (Cairo Santos kick), 0:07. Chiefs 17–10. Drive: 7 plays, 78 yards, 1:08.Third quarter KC – Da'Ron Brown 3-yard pass from Chase Daniel (Cairo Santos kick), 10:30. Chiefs 24–10. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:30. KC – Darrin Reaves 1-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 8:08. Chiefs 31–10. Drive: 3 plays, 4 yards, 1:26.Fourth quarter ARI – Tyler Bray sacked in end zone by Rodney Gunter for a Safety, 13:25. Chiefs 31–12. KC – Cairo Santos 34-yard field goal, 6:42. Chiefs 34–12. Drive: 11 plays, 42 yards, 6:00. ARI – Travis Harvey 1-yard pass from Phillip Sims (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 0:29. Chiefs 34–19. Drive: 7 plays, 89 yards, 1:15.
Top passers KC – Chase Daniel – 17/21, 189 yards, 3 TD ARI – Logan Thomas – 9/15, 107 yards, INT Top rushers KC – Charcandrick West – 6 rushes, 49 yards ARI – Kerwynn Williams – 7 rushes, 20 yards Top receivers KC – Fred Williams – 6 receptions, 82 yards, TD ARI – Andre Ellington – 2 receptions, 59 yards
First quarterNo scoring plays.Second quarter KC – Jamaal Charles 34-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 9:11. Chiefs 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 78 yards, 3:23. KC – Marcus Peters 55-yard interception return (Cairo Santos kick), 6:27. Chiefs 14–0. DEN – Emmanuel Sanders 16-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Brandon McManus kick), 2:31. Chiefs 14–7. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 3:56. DEN – Virgil Green 1-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Brandon McManus kick), 0:48. Tied 14–14. Drive: 4 plays, 15 yards, 1:33.Third quarter KC – Cairo Santos 35-yard field goal, 9:47. Chiefs 17–14. Drive: 10 plays, 63 yards, 5:13. DEN – Brandon McManus 54-yard field goal, 3:18. Tied 17–17. Drive: 5 plays, 22 yards, 1:42.Fourth quarter KC – Knile Davis 8-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 2:27. Chiefs 24–17. Drive: 6 plays, 61 yards, 2:15. DEN – Emmanuel Sanders 19-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Brandon McManus kick), 0:36. Tied 24–24. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 1:51. DEN – Bradley Roby 21-yard fumble return (Brandon McManus kick), 0:27. Broncos 31–24.Top passers DEN – Peyton Manning – 26/45, 256 yards, 3 TD, INT KC – Alex Smith – 16/25, 191 yards, 2 INT Top rushers DEN – Ronnie Hillman – 9 rushes, 34 yards KC – Jamaal Charles – 21 rushes, 125 yards, TD Top receivers DEN – Demaryius Thomas – 8 receptions, 116 yards KC – Travis Kelce – 4 receptions, 58 yards
First quarterNo scoring plays.Second quarter KC – Jamaal Charles 34-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 9:11. Chiefs 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 78 yards, 3:23. KC – Marcus Peters 55-yard interception return (Cairo Santos kick), 6:27. Chiefs 14–0. DEN – Emmanuel Sanders 16-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Brandon McManus kick), 2:31. Chiefs 14–7. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 3:56. DEN – Virgil Green 1-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Brandon McManus kick), 0:48. Tied 14–14. Drive: 4 plays, 15 yards, 1:33.Third quarter KC – Cairo Santos 35-yard field goal, 9:47. Chiefs 17–14. Drive: 10 plays, 63 yards, 5:13. DEN – Brandon McManus 54-yard field goal, 3:18. Tied 17–17. Drive: 5 plays, 22 yards, 1:42.Fourth quarter KC – Knile Davis 8-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 2:27. Chiefs 24–17. Drive: 6 plays, 61 yards, 2:15. DEN – Emmanuel Sanders 19-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Brandon McManus kick), 0:36. Tied 24–24. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 1:51. DEN – Bradley Roby 21-yard fumble return (Brandon McManus kick), 0:27. Broncos 31–24.
Top passers DEN – Peyton Manning – 26/45, 256 yards, 3 TD, INT KC – Alex Smith – 16/25, 191 yards, 2 INT Top rushers DEN – Ronnie Hillman – 9 rushes, 34 yards KC – Jamaal Charles – 21 rushes, 125 yards, TD Top receivers DEN – Demaryius Thomas – 8 receptions, 116 yards KC – Travis Kelce – 4 receptions, 58 yards
The Broncos would score two touchdowns in the final minute to steal the win from the Chiefs. The second touchdown was a critical fumble by running back Jamaal Charles.
With the heartbreaking and stunning loss, the Chiefs fell to 1–1, and picked up their seventh straight loss to Denver. This marked their last loss to the Broncos until 2023 and their last home loss to Denver until 2025.
First quarter CIN – Jeremy Hill 8-yard run (Mike Nugent kick), 11:33. Bengals 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:27. KC – Cairo Santos 22-yard field goal, 4:38. Bengals 7–3. Drive: 13 plays, 78 yards, 6:58. CIN – Giovani Bernard 13-yard run (Mike Nugent kick), 0:53. Bengals 14–3. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:42.Second quarter KC – Cairo Santos 40 yard field goal, 12:44. Bengals 14–6. Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards, 3:09. KC – Cairo Santos 51 yard field goal, 6:09. Bengals 14–9. Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 4:34. KC – Cairo Santos 34 yard field goal, 0:04. Bengals 14–12. Drive: 8 plays, 49 yards, 4:24.Third quarter CIN – Brandon Tate 55-yard pass from Andy Dalton (Mike Nugent kick), 8:43. Bengals 21–12. Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 3:08. KC – Cairo Santos 40 yard field goal, 4:37. Bengals 21–15. Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 4:06. CIN – Jeremy Hill 5 yard run (Jeremy Hill run), 0:11. Bengals 29–15. Drive: 2 plays, 5 yards, 0:12.Fourth quarter KC – Cairo Santos 29 yard field goal, 9:28. Bengals 29–18. Drive: 16 plays, 71 yards, 5:43. CIN – Jeremy Hill 1 yard run (Mike Nugent kick), 4:50. Bengals 36–18. Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 4:38. KC – Cairo Santos 51 yard field goal, 2:34. Bengals 36–21. Drive: 5 plays, 47 yards, 2:16.Top passers KC – Alex Smith – 31/45, 386 yards CIN – Andy Dalton – 17/24, 321 yards, TD Top rushers KC – Jamaal Charles – 11 rushes, 75 yards CIN – Giovani Bernard – 13 rushes, 62 yards, TD Top receivers KC – Jeremy Maclin – 11 receptions, 148 yards CIN – Mohamed Sanu – 4 receptions, 84 yards
First quarter CIN – Jeremy Hill 8-yard run (Mike Nugent kick), 11:33. Bengals 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:27. KC – Cairo Santos 22-yard field goal, 4:38. Bengals 7–3. Drive: 13 plays, 78 yards, 6:58. CIN – Giovani Bernard 13-yard run (Mike Nugent kick), 0:53. Bengals 14–3. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:42.Second quarter KC – Cairo Santos 40 yard field goal, 12:44. Bengals 14–6. Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards, 3:09. KC – Cairo Santos 51 yard field goal, 6:09. Bengals 14–9. Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 4:34. KC – Cairo Santos 34 yard field goal, 0:04. Bengals 14–12. Drive: 8 plays, 49 yards, 4:24.Third quarter CIN – Brandon Tate 55-yard pass from Andy Dalton (Mike Nugent kick), 8:43. Bengals 21–12. Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 3:08. KC – Cairo Santos 40 yard field goal, 4:37. Bengals 21–15. Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 4:06. CIN – Jeremy Hill 5 yard run (Jeremy Hill run), 0:11. Bengals 29–15. Drive: 2 plays, 5 yards, 0:12.Fourth quarter KC – Cairo Santos 29 yard field goal, 9:28. Bengals 29–18. Drive: 16 plays, 71 yards, 5:43. CIN – Jeremy Hill 1 yard run (Mike Nugent kick), 4:50. Bengals 36–18. Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 4:38. KC – Cairo Santos 51 yard field goal, 2:34. Bengals 36–21. Drive: 5 plays, 47 yards, 2:16.
Top passers KC – Alex Smith – 31/45, 386 yards CIN – Andy Dalton – 17/24, 321 yards, TD Top rushers KC – Jamaal Charles – 11 rushes, 75 yards CIN – Giovani Bernard – 13 rushes, 62 yards, TD Top receivers KC – Jeremy Maclin – 11 receptions, 148 yards CIN – Mohamed Sanu – 4 receptions, 84 yards
Cairo Santos would kick 7 field goals in this game, setting a new franchise record for most field goals in one game by a Kansas City kicker. The 7 kicks also tied an NFL record. However, the 7 field goals by Santos were not enough to beat the Bengals, as the Chiefs fell to 1–3.
First quarter KC – Ramik Wilson fumble recovery in end zone (Cairo Santos kick), 8:13. Chiefs 7–0. CHI – Robbie Gould 44-yard field goal, 0:53. Chiefs 7–3. Drive: 14 plays, 54 yards, 7:20.Second quarter KC – De'Anthony Thomas 19-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 9:57. Chiefs 14–3. Drive: 7 plays, 54 yards, 3:28. KC – Cairo Santos 35-yard field goal, 0:09. Chiefs 17–3. Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 3:00.Third quarter CHI – Robbie Gould 30-yard field goal, 3:29. Chiefs 17–6. Drive: 11 plays, 73 yards, 5:13.Fourth quarter CHI – Marquess Wilson 22-yard pass from Jay Cutler (pass failed), 3:05. Chiefs 17–12. Drive: 11 plays, 88 yards, 4:46. CHI – Matt Forte 7-yard pass from Jay Cutler (pass failed), 0:18. Bears 18–17. Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 1:46.Top passers CHI – Jay Cutler – 26/45, 252 yards, 2 TD KC – Alex Smith – 16/30, 181 yards, TD Top rushers CHI – Matt Forte – 18 rushes, 71 yards KC – Jamaal Charles – 12 rushes, 58 yards Top receivers CHI – Marquess Wilson – 6 receptions, 85 yards, TD KC – Jeremy Maclin – 8 receptions, 85 yards
First quarter KC – Ramik Wilson fumble recovery in end zone (Cairo Santos kick), 8:13. Chiefs 7–0. CHI – Robbie Gould 44-yard field goal, 0:53. Chiefs 7–3. Drive: 14 plays, 54 yards, 7:20.Second quarter KC – De'Anthony Thomas 19-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 9:57. Chiefs 14–3. Drive: 7 plays, 54 yards, 3:28. KC – Cairo Santos 35-yard field goal, 0:09. Chiefs 17–3. Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 3:00.Third quarter CHI – Robbie Gould 30-yard field goal, 3:29. Chiefs 17–6. Drive: 11 plays, 73 yards, 5:13.Fourth quarter CHI – Marquess Wilson 22-yard pass from Jay Cutler (pass failed), 3:05. Chiefs 17–12. Drive: 11 plays, 88 yards, 4:46. CHI – Matt Forte 7-yard pass from Jay Cutler (pass failed), 0:18. Bears 18–17. Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 1:46.
Top passers CHI – Jay Cutler – 26/45, 252 yards, 2 TD KC – Alex Smith – 16/30, 181 yards, TD Top rushers CHI – Matt Forte – 18 rushes, 71 yards KC – Jamaal Charles – 12 rushes, 58 yards Top receivers CHI – Marquess Wilson – 6 receptions, 85 yards, TD KC – Jeremy Maclin – 8 receptions, 85 yards
The Chiefs would build a 17–3 lead at one point, but Chicago would pull off a miraculous comeback to win 18–17. The Chiefs tried a 66-yard field goal, but Santos kick went wide right and missed everything near the goalposts. During this game, the Bears fans at times outnumbered the Chiefs fans, as Chicago fans are best known for good travel.
With the loss, Kansas City fell to 1–4. They would also lose Jamaal Charles for the season, as he tore his ACL in this game.
TV announcers(CBS): Greg Gumbel, Trent Green and Stacey Dales
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Game information
First quarter KC – Cairo Santos 30-yard field goal, 8:47. Chiefs 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 48 yards, 4:08. PIT – Chris Boswell 24-yard field goal, 0:59. Tied 3–3. Drive: 14 plays, 61 yards, 7:48.Second quarter KC – Cairo Santos 22-yard field goal, 8:55. Chiefs 6–3. Drive: 13 plays, 77 yards, 7:04. KC – Cairo Santos 27-yard field goal, 1:00. Chiefs 9–3. Drive: 8 plays, 59 yards, 3:41.Third quarter KC – Charcandrick West 1 yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 4:23. Chiefs 16–3. Drive: 9 plays, 53 yards, 5:22. PIT – Martavis Bryant 19-yard pass from Landry Jones (Chris Boswell kick), 1:40. Chiefs 16–10. Drive: 6 plays, 77 yards, 2:43.Fourth quarter PIT – Chris Boswell 36-yard field goal, 10:17. Chiefs 16–13. Drive: 7 plays, 54 yards, 3:56. KC – Chris Conley 6-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 10:17. Chiefs 23–13. Drive: 8 plays, 84 yards, 5:04.Top passers PIT – Landry Jones – 16/29, 209 yards, TD, 2 INT KC – Alex Smith – 21/32, 251 yards, TD Top rushers PIT – Le'Veon Bell – 17 rushes, 121 yards KC – Charcandrick West – 22 rushes, 110 yards, TD Top receivers PIT – Antonio Brown – 6 receptions, 124 yards KC – Chris Conley – 6 receptions, 63 yards
First quarter KC – Cairo Santos 30-yard field goal, 8:47. Chiefs 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 48 yards, 4:08. PIT – Chris Boswell 24-yard field goal, 0:59. Tied 3–3. Drive: 14 plays, 61 yards, 7:48.Second quarter KC – Cairo Santos 22-yard field goal, 8:55. Chiefs 6–3. Drive: 13 plays, 77 yards, 7:04. KC – Cairo Santos 27-yard field goal, 1:00. Chiefs 9–3. Drive: 8 plays, 59 yards, 3:41.Third quarter KC – Charcandrick West 1 yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 4:23. Chiefs 16–3. Drive: 9 plays, 53 yards, 5:22. PIT – Martavis Bryant 19-yard pass from Landry Jones (Chris Boswell kick), 1:40. Chiefs 16–10. Drive: 6 plays, 77 yards, 2:43.Fourth quarter PIT – Chris Boswell 36-yard field goal, 10:17. Chiefs 16–13. Drive: 7 plays, 54 yards, 3:56. KC – Chris Conley 6-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 10:17. Chiefs 23–13. Drive: 8 plays, 84 yards, 5:04.
Top passers PIT – Landry Jones – 16/29, 209 yards, TD, 2 INT KC – Alex Smith – 21/32, 251 yards, TD Top rushers PIT – Le'Veon Bell – 17 rushes, 121 yards KC – Charcandrick West – 22 rushes, 110 yards, TD Top receivers PIT – Antonio Brown – 6 receptions, 124 yards KC – Chris Conley – 6 receptions, 63 yards
Ben Roethlisberger would not play in this game for the Steelers, so backup quarterback Landry Jones led the way for the Steelers. In his first career start, the Chiefs defense would force 3 turnovers, 2 of them interceptions, and the Chiefs would hold on to win 23–13.
TV announcers(Fox): Sam Rosen, John Lynch and Pam Oliver
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Game information
First quarter DET – Matt Prater 35-yard field goal, 9:09. Lions 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 63 yards, 5:51. KC – De'Anthony Thomas 10-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 4:06. Chiefs 7–3. Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 5:02.Second quarter KC – Alex Smith 12-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 12:00. Chiefs 14–3. Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 2:47. KC – Cairo Santos 33-yard field goal, 8:33. Chiefs 17–3. Drive: 6 plays, 22 yards, 2:42. KC – Charcandrick West 8-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 3:26. Chiefs 24–3. Drive: 6 plays, 52 yards, 2:53.Third quarter KC – Travis Kelce 2-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 8:53. Chiefs 31–3. Drive: 11 plays, 61 yards, 6:07.Fourth quarter KC – Jeremy Maclin 17-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 10:11. Chiefs 38–3. Drive: 2 plays, 16 yards, 0:46. DET – Lance Moore 21-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 7:21. Chiefs 38–10. Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 2:50. KC – Spencer Ware 4-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 6:40. Chiefs 45–10. Drive: 2 plays, 41 yards, 0:41.Top passers DET – Matthew Stafford – 22/36, 217 yards, TD, 2 INT KC – Alex Smith – 18/26, 145 yards, 2 TD Top rushers DET – Joique Bell – 7 rushes, 56 yards KC – Charcandrick West – 20 rushes, 97 yards, TD Top receivers DET – Calvin Johnson – 5 receptions, 85 yards KC – Travis Kelce – 6 receptions, 49 yards, TD
First quarter DET – Matt Prater 35-yard field goal, 9:09. Lions 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 63 yards, 5:51. KC – De'Anthony Thomas 10-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 4:06. Chiefs 7–3. Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 5:02.Second quarter KC – Alex Smith 12-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 12:00. Chiefs 14–3. Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 2:47. KC – Cairo Santos 33-yard field goal, 8:33. Chiefs 17–3. Drive: 6 plays, 22 yards, 2:42. KC – Charcandrick West 8-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 3:26. Chiefs 24–3. Drive: 6 plays, 52 yards, 2:53.Third quarter KC – Travis Kelce 2-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 8:53. Chiefs 31–3. Drive: 11 plays, 61 yards, 6:07.Fourth quarter KC – Jeremy Maclin 17-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 10:11. Chiefs 38–3. Drive: 2 plays, 16 yards, 0:46. DET – Lance Moore 21-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Prater kick), 7:21. Chiefs 38–10. Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 2:50. KC – Spencer Ware 4-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 6:40. Chiefs 45–10. Drive: 2 plays, 41 yards, 0:41.
Top passers DET – Matthew Stafford – 22/36, 217 yards, TD, 2 INT KC – Alex Smith – 18/26, 145 yards, 2 TD Top rushers DET – Joique Bell – 7 rushes, 56 yards KC – Charcandrick West – 20 rushes, 97 yards, TD Top receivers DET – Calvin Johnson – 5 receptions, 85 yards KC – Travis Kelce – 6 receptions, 49 yards, TD
In their first ever game in London, the Chiefs routed the crestfallen 1–6 Detroit Lions. With the win, Kansas City improved to 3–5 and they finished 1-3 against the NFC North.
TV announcers(CBS): Greg Gumbel, Trent Green and Jamie Erdahl
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Game information
First quarter KC – Charcandrick West 4-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 11:21. Chiefs 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 31 yards, 2:36. KC – Cairo Santos 48-yard field goal, 6:19. Chiefs 10–0. Drive: 6 plays, 43 yards, 3:52.Second quarter KC – Cairo Santos 49-yard field goal, 11:35. Chiefs 13–0. Drive: 8 plays, 19 yards, 3:31. KC – Cairo Santos 34-yard field goal, 3:30. Chiefs 16–0. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 1:21. KC – Cairo Santos 33-yard field goal, 0:00. Chiefs 19–0. Drive: 12 plays, 46 yards, 2:38.Third quarter KC – Cairo Santos 50-yard field goal, 10:45. Chiefs 22–0. Drive: 6 plays, 9 yards, 2:31.Fourth quarter KC – Charcandrick West 80-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 11:10. Chiefs 29–0. Drive: 2 plays, 81 yards, 0:53. DEN – Ronnie Hillman 1-yard run (run failed), 5:27. Chiefs 29–6. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 5:43. DEN – Andre Caldwell 7-yard pass from Brock Osweiler (Brandon McManus kick), 1:45. Chiefs 29–13. Drive: 5 plays, 62 yards, 1:23.Top passers KC – Alex Smith – 17/31, 204 yards, TD DEN – Brock Osweiler – 14/24, 146 yards, TD, INT Top rushers KC – Charcandrick West – 24 rushes, 69 yards, TD DEN – Ronnie Hillman – 11 rushes, 42 yards, TD Top receivers KC – Charcandrick West – 3 receptions, 92 yards, TD DEN – Demaryius Thomas – 7 receptions, 71 yards
First quarter KC – Charcandrick West 4-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 11:21. Chiefs 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 31 yards, 2:36. KC – Cairo Santos 48-yard field goal, 6:19. Chiefs 10–0. Drive: 6 plays, 43 yards, 3:52.Second quarter KC – Cairo Santos 49-yard field goal, 11:35. Chiefs 13–0. Drive: 8 plays, 19 yards, 3:31. KC – Cairo Santos 34-yard field goal, 3:30. Chiefs 16–0. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 1:21. KC – Cairo Santos 33-yard field goal, 0:00. Chiefs 19–0. Drive: 12 plays, 46 yards, 2:38.Third quarter KC – Cairo Santos 50-yard field goal, 10:45. Chiefs 22–0. Drive: 6 plays, 9 yards, 2:31.Fourth quarter KC – Charcandrick West 80-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 11:10. Chiefs 29–0. Drive: 2 plays, 81 yards, 0:53. DEN – Ronnie Hillman 1-yard run (run failed), 5:27. Chiefs 29–6. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 5:43. DEN – Andre Caldwell 7-yard pass from Brock Osweiler (Brandon McManus kick), 1:45. Chiefs 29–13. Drive: 5 plays, 62 yards, 1:23.
Top passers KC – Alex Smith – 17/31, 204 yards, TD DEN – Brock Osweiler – 14/24, 146 yards, TD, INT Top rushers KC – Charcandrick West – 24 rushes, 69 yards, TD DEN – Ronnie Hillman – 11 rushes, 42 yards, TD Top receivers KC – Charcandrick West – 3 receptions, 92 yards, TD DEN – Demaryius Thomas – 7 receptions, 71 yards
Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning would set the all-time record for most passing yards in NFL history in this game, but the Chiefs defense would have themselves a day, picking off Bronco quarterbacks five times, four on Manning, one on Brock Osweiler, and the Chiefs routed the Broncos, 29–13.
With the win, the Chiefs went to 4–5, and snapped their seven-game losing streak against the Broncos. This marked the first of 15 straight wins against the Broncos.
First quarterNo scoring plays.Second quarter KC – Albert Wilson 44-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 1:53. Chiefs 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 96 yards, 5:23. KC – Cairo Santos 40-yard field goal, 0:02. Chiefs 10–0. Drive: 4 plays, 39 yards, 0:27.Third quarter SD – Josh Lambo 30-yard field goal, 5:47. Chiefs 10–3. Drive: 10 plays, 52 yards, 6:22.Fourth quarterNo scoring plays.Top passers SD – Philip Rivers – 24/43, 263 yards, INT KC – Alex Smith – 15/23, 191 yards, TD, INT Top rushers SD – Melvin Gordon – 14 rushes, 35 yards KC – Charcandrick West – 10 rushes, 54 yards Top receivers SD – Antonio Gates – 6 receptions, 76 yards KC – Albert Wilson – 4 receptions, 87 yards, TD
First quarterNo scoring plays.Second quarter KC – Albert Wilson 44-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 1:53. Chiefs 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 96 yards, 5:23. KC – Cairo Santos 40-yard field goal, 0:02. Chiefs 10–0. Drive: 4 plays, 39 yards, 0:27.Third quarter SD – Josh Lambo 30-yard field goal, 5:47. Chiefs 10–3. Drive: 10 plays, 52 yards, 6:22.Fourth quarterNo scoring plays.
Top passers SD – Philip Rivers – 24/43, 263 yards, INT KC – Alex Smith – 15/23, 191 yards, TD, INT Top rushers SD – Melvin Gordon – 14 rushes, 35 yards KC – Charcandrick West – 10 rushes, 54 yards Top receivers SD – Antonio Gates – 6 receptions, 76 yards KC – Albert Wilson – 4 receptions, 87 yards, TD
With the low-scoring win, the Chiefs went to 8–5 and swept the Chargers for the second straight season.
TV announcers(CBS): Kevin Harlan, Rich Gannon and Chris Fischer
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Game information
First quarter KC – Charcandrick West 38-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 9:13. Chiefs 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 89 yards, 5:47. BAL – Kyle Juszczyk 1-yard pass from Jimmy Clausen (Justin Tucker kick), 6:30. Tied 7–7. Drive: 6 plays, 45 yards, 2:43. KC – Tyvon Branch 73-yard fumble return (Cairo Santos kick), 2:49. Chiefs 14–7.Second quarter KC – Jeremy Maclin 13-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 14:56. Chiefs 21–7. Drive: 3 plays, 24 yards, 1:21. KC – Cairo Santos 53-yard field goal, 0:50. Chiefs 24–7. Drive: 8 plays, 29 yards, 3:16. BAL – Kamar Aiken 48-yard pass from Jimmy Clausen (Justin Tucker kick), 0:00. Chiefs 24–14. Drive: 5 plays, 72 yards, 0:50.Third quarterNo scoring plays.Fourth quarter KC – Cairo Santos 32-yard field goal, 6:45. Chiefs 27–14. Drive: 14 plays, 81 yards, 8:41. KC – Marcus Peters 90-yard interception return (Cairo Santos kick), 4:36. Chiefs 34–14.Top passers KC – Alex Smith – 21/25, 171 yards, TD BAL – Jimmy Clausen – 26/45, 282 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Top rushers KC – Charcandrick West – 16 rushes, 76 yards, TD BAL – Terrance West – 7 rushes, 35 yards Top receivers KC – Travis Kelce – 6 receptions, 73 yards BAL – Kamar Aiken – 8 receptions, 128 yards, TD
First quarter KC – Charcandrick West 38-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 9:13. Chiefs 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 89 yards, 5:47. BAL – Kyle Juszczyk 1-yard pass from Jimmy Clausen (Justin Tucker kick), 6:30. Tied 7–7. Drive: 6 plays, 45 yards, 2:43. KC – Tyvon Branch 73-yard fumble return (Cairo Santos kick), 2:49. Chiefs 14–7.Second quarter KC – Jeremy Maclin 13-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 14:56. Chiefs 21–7. Drive: 3 plays, 24 yards, 1:21. KC – Cairo Santos 53-yard field goal, 0:50. Chiefs 24–7. Drive: 8 plays, 29 yards, 3:16. BAL – Kamar Aiken 48-yard pass from Jimmy Clausen (Justin Tucker kick), 0:00. Chiefs 24–14. Drive: 5 plays, 72 yards, 0:50.Third quarterNo scoring plays.Fourth quarter KC – Cairo Santos 32-yard field goal, 6:45. Chiefs 27–14. Drive: 14 plays, 81 yards, 8:41. KC – Marcus Peters 90-yard interception return (Cairo Santos kick), 4:36. Chiefs 34–14.
Top passers KC – Alex Smith – 21/25, 171 yards, TD BAL – Jimmy Clausen – 26/45, 282 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Top rushers KC – Charcandrick West – 16 rushes, 76 yards, TD BAL – Terrance West – 7 rushes, 35 yards Top receivers KC – Travis Kelce – 6 receptions, 73 yards BAL – Kamar Aiken – 8 receptions, 128 yards, TD
Rookie Marcus Peters would put the dagger into the Ravens, as he returned an interception 90 yards for a touchdown. With the win, the Chiefs went to 9–5 and they finished 5-3 on the road.
Week 16: vs. Cleveland Browns
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Browns
0
3
7
3
13
Chiefs
10
7
0
0
17
at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
Date: December 27
Game time: 12:00p.m. CST
Game weather: Cloudy, 36°F (2°C)
Game attendance: 69,115
Referee: Walt Anderson
TV announcers(CBS): Kevin Harlan and Rich Gannon
,
Game information
First quarter KC – Jeremy Maclin 11-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 7:57. Chiefs 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 65 yards, 7:08. KC – Cairo Santos 40-yard field goal, 2:24. Chiefs 10–0. Drive: 9 plays, 39 yards, 4:43.Second quarter CLE – Travis Coons 45-yard field goal, 9:02. Chiefs 10–3. Drive: 7 plays, 29 yards, 3:36. KC – Travis Kelce 13-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 0:36. Chiefs 17–3. Drive: 5 plays, 56 yards, 1:03.Third quarter CLE – Isaiah Crowell 10-yard run (Travis Coons kick), 9:21. Chiefs 17–10. Drive: 9 plays, 82 yards, 5:45.Fourth quarter CLE – Travis Coons 36-yard field goal, 8:31. Chiefs 17–13. Drive: 21 plays, 62 yards, 12:01.Top passers CLE – Johnny Manziel – 13/32, 136 yards, INT KC – Alex Smith – 15/22, 125 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers CLE – Johnny Manziel – 11 rushes, 108 yards KC – Charcandrick West – 14 rushes, 62 yards Top receivers CLE – Gary Barnidge – 3 receptions, 47 yards KC – Jeremy Maclin – 5 receptions, 49 yards, TD
First quarter KC – Jeremy Maclin 11-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 7:57. Chiefs 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 65 yards, 7:08. KC – Cairo Santos 40-yard field goal, 2:24. Chiefs 10–0. Drive: 9 plays, 39 yards, 4:43.Second quarter CLE – Travis Coons 45-yard field goal, 9:02. Chiefs 10–3. Drive: 7 plays, 29 yards, 3:36. KC – Travis Kelce 13-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 0:36. Chiefs 17–3. Drive: 5 plays, 56 yards, 1:03.Third quarter CLE – Isaiah Crowell 10-yard run (Travis Coons kick), 9:21. Chiefs 17–10. Drive: 9 plays, 82 yards, 5:45.Fourth quarter CLE – Travis Coons 36-yard field goal, 8:31. Chiefs 17–13. Drive: 21 plays, 62 yards, 12:01.
The Browns, led by Johnny Manziel, attempted a comeback to put a stop to Kansas City's playoff hopes, but Cleveland did not have any timeouts remaining, and they ultimately ran out of time when Manziel couldn't advance the ball down the field fast enough.
With the win, the Chiefs went to 10–5 (3-1 against the AFC North) and clinched a playoff spot. However, Denver's win over Cincinnati meant the Chiefs failed to clinch the AFC West for the 5th straight season. This was the last time the Chiefs didn't clinch the AFC West until 2025.
Week 17: vs. Oakland Raiders
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Raiders
0
10
0
7
17
Chiefs
14
0
9
0
23
at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
Date: January 3, 2016
Game time: 3:25p.m. CST
Game weather: Sunny, 37°F (3°C)
Game attendance: 76,114
Referee: Tony Corrente
TV announcers(Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch and Pam Oliver
,
Game information
First quarter KC – Jeremy Maclin 25-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 10:52. Chiefs 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:08. KC – Spencer Ware 3-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 0:51. Chiefs 14–0. Drive: 12 plays, 87 yards, 6:05.Second quarter OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 29-yard field goal, 13:40. Chiefs 14–3. Drive: 5 plays, 27 yards, 2:11. OAK – David Amerson 24-yard interception return (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 3:27. Chiefs 14–10.Third quarter KC – Punt blocked by D. J. Alexander out of bounds in end zone for a Safety, 9:01. Chiefs 16–10. KC – Demetrius Harris 15-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 7:03. Chiefs 23–10. Drive: 4 plays, 53 yards, 1:58.Fourth quarter OAK – Michael Crabtree 31-yard pass from Derek Carr (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 2:01. Chiefs 23–17. Drive: 5 plays, 72 yards, 1:14.Top passers OAK – Derek Carr – 21/33, 194 yards, TD, INT KC – Alex Smith – 14/24, 156 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Top rushers OAK – Latavius Murray – 11 rushes, 31 yards KC – Spencer Ware – 16 rushes, 76 yards, TD Top receivers OAK – Clive Walford – 4 receptions, 46 yards KC – Jeremy Maclin – 3 receptions, 54 yards, TD
First quarter KC – Jeremy Maclin 25-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 10:52. Chiefs 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:08. KC – Spencer Ware 3-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 0:51. Chiefs 14–0. Drive: 12 plays, 87 yards, 6:05.Second quarter OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 29-yard field goal, 13:40. Chiefs 14–3. Drive: 5 plays, 27 yards, 2:11. OAK – David Amerson 24-yard interception return (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 3:27. Chiefs 14–10.Third quarter KC – Punt blocked by D. J. Alexander out of bounds in end zone for a Safety, 9:01. Chiefs 16–10. KC – Demetrius Harris 15-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 7:03. Chiefs 23–10. Drive: 4 plays, 53 yards, 1:58.Fourth quarter OAK – Michael Crabtree 31-yard pass from Derek Carr (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 2:01. Chiefs 23–17. Drive: 5 plays, 72 yards, 1:14.
Top passers OAK – Derek Carr – 21/33, 194 yards, TD, INT KC – Alex Smith – 14/24, 156 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Top rushers OAK – Latavius Murray – 11 rushes, 31 yards KC – Spencer Ware – 16 rushes, 76 yards, TD Top receivers OAK – Clive Walford – 4 receptions, 46 yards KC – Jeremy Maclin – 3 receptions, 54 yards, TD
With their 10th straight win, the Chiefs ended their season at 11–5 (5-1 against the AFC West & 6-2 at home). They were the first team to end a season with 10 or more consecutive wins since the 2012 Broncos won 11 in a row to end their season.
First quarter KC – Knile Davis 106-yard kickoff return (Cairo Santos kick), 14:49. Chiefs 7–0.Second quarter KC – Cairo Santos 49-yard field goal, 12:50. Chiefs 10–0. Drive: 5 plays, 27 yards, 2:30. KC – Cairo Santos 49-yard field goal, 7:06. Chiefs 13–0. Drive: 6 plays, 40 yards, 3:29.Third quarter KC – Chris Conley 9-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 4:35. Chiefs 20–0. Drive: 11 plays, 94 yards, 5:23.Fourth quarter KC – Spencer Ware 5-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 14:56. Chiefs 27–0. Drive: 8 plays, 71 yards, 4:13. KC – Cairo Santos 33-yard field goal, 3:59. Chiefs 30–0. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 2:13.Top passers KC – Alex Smith – 17/22, 190 yards, TD, INT HOU – Brian Hoyer – 15/34, 136 yards, 4 INT Top rushers KC – Spencer Ware – 16 rushes, 67 yards, TD HOU – Alfred Blue – 17 rushes, 99 yards Top receivers KC – Travis Kelce – 8 receptions, 128 yards HOU – DeAndre Hopkins – 6 receptions, 69 yards
First quarter KC – Knile Davis 106-yard kickoff return (Cairo Santos kick), 14:49. Chiefs 7–0.Second quarter KC – Cairo Santos 49-yard field goal, 12:50. Chiefs 10–0. Drive: 5 plays, 27 yards, 2:30. KC – Cairo Santos 49-yard field goal, 7:06. Chiefs 13–0. Drive: 6 plays, 40 yards, 3:29.Third quarter KC – Chris Conley 9-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 4:35. Chiefs 20–0. Drive: 11 plays, 94 yards, 5:23.Fourth quarter KC – Spencer Ware 5-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 14:56. Chiefs 27–0. Drive: 8 plays, 71 yards, 4:13. KC – Cairo Santos 33-yard field goal, 3:59. Chiefs 30–0. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 2:13.
Top passers KC – Alex Smith – 17/22, 190 yards, TD, INT HOU – Brian Hoyer – 15/34, 136 yards, 4 INT Top rushers KC – Spencer Ware – 16 rushes, 67 yards, TD HOU – Alfred Blue – 17 rushes, 99 yards Top receivers KC – Travis Kelce – 8 receptions, 128 yards HOU – DeAndre Hopkins – 6 receptions, 69 yards
The Texans, who won the AFC South division with a 9–7 record, were completely crushed by the Chiefs. The Chiefs were the first team since the 2006 Bears to score a kick return touchdown on the opening play of the playoffs, when Knile Davis returned the opening kick 106 yards for a touchdown. After that, the game started to slow down, with both teams going three-and-out before a string of turnovers, Eric Berry's interception of Brian Hoyer, Brian Cushing's interception of Alex Smith two plays later, and a Hoyer fumble recovered by Dontari Poe on the ensuing drive. The Chiefs made a field goal on the drive, and although the team was able to get to the 2-yard line, a negative run by J. J. Watt and another interception by Hoyer ended the Texans' closest chance at scoring in the entire game. Although the Texans' defense forced a three-and-out, Hoyer threw his third interception to Marcus Peters on the second play of their drive.
The win was Kansas City’s first playoff win since 1993, ironically in The Astrodome. This was also the Chiefs last shutout win until 2025.
AFC Divisional Playoffs: at (2) New England Patriots
The Chiefs, who had won 11 straight, travelled to Gillete Stadium to face the Patriots, who had advanced to the AFC Championship for the last five years. The Patriots scored first blood with a Rob Gronkowski touchdown catch, followed by a Cairo Santos field goal for Kansas City. The pattern was duplicated in the second quarter, with Tom Brady rushing for a score before Santos kicked another field goal. In the third quarter, after Gronkowski scored his second TD, Alex Smith threw his first to Albert Wilson. The Patriots responded with two fourth-quarter field goals to make the score 27–13 with 10:20 left. Although the Chiefs engineered a touchdown drive late in the game, the drive took up over 5 minutes, and the Chiefs had to force a three-and-out (with three timeouts) to have a chance. On second down, when Brady threw the ball instead of running it to waste time, the ball was batted and miraculously caught by Julian Edelman for a first down, ending the game.