text: In the 2017–18 NFL playoffs, the Chiefs were matched up with the 9–7 Tennessee Titans, led by Marcus Mariota. The Chiefs were able to get out to an early 21–3 lead, but the offense and defense faltered down the stretch and the Chiefs lost another close playoff game as the final score was 22–21 Titans. One bright spot for the team was rookie sensation Kareem Hunt, who led the NFL in rushing yards and was selected to the Pro Bowl as well as being named Co-Offensive Rookie of the Year, along with Alvin Kamara.
  2018–present: The Reid/Mahomes dynasty
  2018: First AFC Championship Game in 25 years
  In the same month as the playoff loss to the Tennessee Titans, a trade was announced between the Chiefs and the Washington Redskins, and after five years of starting at least 15 games in each year, Alex Smith was traded to the Redskins. In return, the Chiefs received Kendall Fuller and a third-round pick.
  In the 2018 NFL Draft, the Chiefs did not have a first-round selection due to their trade to acquire the selection to draft Patrick Mahomes, but they traded up to select Breeland Speaks in the second round of the NFL Draft. This draft also demonstrated the emphasis on improving the defense as the Chiefs only selected defensive players in the draft.