[Displaced Flames fan]

Here's why the Chiefs are better than most anticipated.

1. Best special teams in the league. When you start with great field position (Arenas/McCluster) and can pin teams back (Colquitt) and have a reliable kicker (Succop) you have a great advantage that is underestimated by most fans.

2. KC's inisistance on a defensive youth movement three years ago is paying dividends. Guys like Tamba Hali, Brandon Carr, Derrick Johnson and Brandon Flowers have developed into good to great players at their positions. KC's secondary is one of the most underrated in the league. They are young and experienced which is a deadly combination.

3. Running game-The Chiefs don't have the weapons necessary to go down the field on teams. But they have just enough to keep teams honest. The experience on the OL and the ability to trot out two great tailbacks all day allows them to work the clock and wear down defenses.

I don't think the Chiefs will make the playoffs (I could be wrong) but they have taken significant steps forward this year and there is no reason at all to think that they won't continue to do so.