The Kansas City Chiefs moved to 12-1 on the season after yet another close win, this time over the Los Angeles Chargers 19-17 at Arrowhead Stadium.

In what is an unusual stat, 10 of Kansas City’s 12 wins this season have been by one score, so Andy Reid’s team has an uncanny knack of grinding out these close wins.

Patrick Mahomes stated that the Chiefs’ close wins this season will help the team come playoff time, and will leave them better prepared for when they are in that situation again with the season on the line.

For Reid, he discussed what he called a “unique” year, and detailed why his team has been able to win so many close games this season.

“It’s a unique year, they’re all unique, this one’s unique from the standpoint that we’ve had a lot of close games, and we’ve been able to battle through some things to get these victories,” Reid said. “I’m sure we’ll continue to do that. One of the things I came out of training camp with was that kind of senior leadership, mentally tough guys and I think some of that’s carried over to the newer additions. They see how we do things and they try to work themselves into it and yeah we don’t have as many reps with the guys but they take on that personality and they work through it the best they can.”

Senior leadership. With the likes of Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Chris Jones, DeAndre Hopkins, Dru Tranquill, Justin Reid, and Mike Pennel, the Chiefs have veterans on both sides of the ball to power and drive the standards.

But then when the younger players like Xavier Worthy, Carson Steele, and George Karlatfis also help in pushing the standards, it means the entire roster is all pulling in one direction.

So while some think that the Chiefs’ ability to win close games is “lucky,” maybe it is the leadership of veteran players instilling belief into the locker room that they can overcome anything thrown at them.

And in 2024, the Chiefs have had a knack for pulling out a win when it seems unlikely.