Will the Chiefs become the first team to win three straight Super Bowls? Here's what history says

The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Buffalo Bills in the AFC championship game on Sunday, advancing them to their fifth Super Bowl in six years.

Additionally, Patrick Mahomes and company will have the opportunity to accomplish something no NFL club has accomplished in the Super Bowl era: win three consecutive titles, when they play the Philadelphia Eagles in New Orleans on February 9.

Since the Green Bay Packers won the first two Super Bowls in 1966, eight teams have won consecutive championships, but none have managed to secure the elusive third consecutive crown.

Here’s a look at what went wrong for past teams and whether the Chiefs can avoid the same fate and make history at last.

1968 Packers

One of the best coaches in league history, Vince Lombardi, led the Packers to their first two Super Bowl victories. The Packers of 1968 weren’t. The squad obviously felt his absence on the sidelines and missed the playoffs after Lombardi retired to the front office following the second Super Bowl.

1974 Miami Dolphins

A flawless season was completed by the Dolphins’ first of two Super Bowl victories. They advanced to the AFC divisional round in 1974 following the second. In the so-called Sea of Hands game, they were defeated by the Oakland Raiders. (A losing squad participating in a game with a unique moniker is never a positive sign.) In the final seconds of the game, Oakland running back Clarence Davis sealed the victory with an unlikely touchdown reception in a sea of hands.

1976 Pittsburgh Steelers

Although it was a little less spectacular, the Raiders defeated the Steelers in 1976 once more. Even while Oakland was undoubtedly a top squad in and of itself, the Raiders’ victory over Pittsburgh in the AFC championship game was considerably boosted by injuries. The Steelers’ offense suffered greatly as a result of losing their two 1,000-yard rushers, Rocky Bleier and Franco Harris.

1980 Steelers

The 1980 Steelers, who were vying for their fifth Super Bowl in seven seasons and their third consecutive, effectively aged out. The offense was a turnover factory, and the defense was unable to regain its former dominance. Numerous legends from Pittsburgh’s historic run retired following the season, and the team finished 9-7 and missed the playoffs.

1990 San Francisco 49ers

When quarterback Joe Montana suffered the most unfortunate injury in the fourth quarter, the 1990 Niners (that’s a fun one to say) were ahead of the New York Giants in the NFC championship game. On San Francisco’s last offensive drive, with Montana out, New York forced a turnover, which allowed for a game-winning field goal as the clock ran out.

1994 Dallas Cowboys

For this one, Jerry Jones must examine himself in the mirror. Although they did not have the coach who initially helped them win back-to-back Super Bowls, the Cowboys did advance to the NFC title game. Barry Switzer took over the squad when coach Jimmy Johnson quit before the season due to disagreements with Jones. (The 49ers ended their attempt at a three-peat.)

1999 Denver Broncos

After winning consecutive Super Bowls, Broncos quarterback John Elway rode out into the sunset, and Denver’s reputation as a contender was essentially ended when he was replaced by Brian Griese. The fact that Terrell Davis, a future Hall of Fame running back, tore his ACL early in the season didn’t help either.

2005 New England Patriots

After making some defensive adjustments, the Patriots, who have won three of their last four Super Bowls, finished 10-6. Tedy Bruschi, a linebacker, had a stroke during the offseason yet returned after declaring he would miss the season. Ty Law, a cornerback, was let go. Security In Week 3, Rodney Harrison suffered an injury that ended his season. In a crazy game, New England lost to the Broncos, but they advanced to the divisional round. Champ Bailey returned an interception 100 yards after the Pats handed the ball over five times.

2024 Kansas City Chiefs

What lessons can the Chiefs take away from those teams, then? It’s wonderful that their coach didn’t retire or argue with the owner. It also helps that many of their best players are still in their prime and that their quarterback hasn’t retired.

The team still features five-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Chris Jones, Travis Kelce, and Mahomes (the two-time Super Bowl MVP). The offensive, defensive, and special teams coordinators from last year’s Super Bowl victory are returning, along with head coach Andy Reid.

Can the Chiefs avoid major injuries in the big game, even if all the personnel problems are resolved? A coincidence or a work of magic? A succession of poorly timed turnovers? Football is a low possession, injury-prone sport that is practically designed for randomness, therefore such problems are an inevitable aspect of the game. In fact, several of those items have already benefited the Chiefs.

Kansas City will not have an easy time. However, victory is now just one victory away.

Will the Chiefs become the first team to win three straight Super Bowls? Here’s what history says