The Kansas City Chiefs won eight games from 2007 to 2009, but the team made a stunning turn about this season, going 10-6 to win the AFC West. Many felt the team would improve under second year Head Coach Todd Haley; however, few forecast a division championship. Based upon the latest odds, a Chiefs playoff run might be just as shocking as their double digit winning season. NFL Playoff Picks 2011 have Kansas City listed at 18 to 1 odds to win the AFC Championship; Kansas City Odds to Win 2011 Super Bowl are presently coming in at 35 to 1.
Kansas City, despite going 4-12 last year, 
finished the season on a high, beating Denver 44-24 in the finale at Mile High Stadium. The momentum from that win certainly gave the Chiefs some positive vibes; however, the additions Haley and General Manager Scott Pioli made to the coaching staff in the offseason had a far greater impact on the team.
Kansas City hired Charlie Weis to run the offense after Haley served as his own coordinator in 2009, and it also added Romeo Crennel as defensive coordinator to replace Clancey Pendergast. The changes were evident in the Chiefs performance as they went from 23rd to 14th in points per game and 29th to 11th in points per game allowed.
Quarterback Matt Cassel also made tremendous strides this year, just his second as a full time starter. Cassel compiled a 69.9 passer rating in 2009 after throwing for 2924 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. This season Cassel threw for 3116 yards, 27 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in route to a 93 passer rating.
Despite their unexpected success, the Chiefs are in uncharted waters in terms of playing a big game on a big stage. The fact that they are a +3 NFL Odds home underdog against Baltimore this weekend is indicative of Kansas City's lack of playoff experience. The Chiefs can hang their hat on one thing, though. The coaching staff has an abundance of postseason experience as Haley served as offensive coordinator for the Cardinals in their run to Super Bowl XLIII while Weis and Crennel each own three Super Bowl rings from their days with the Patriots.
Kansas City Chiefs Odds to Win 2011 Super Bowl:
To Win AFC Championship +1800
To Win Super Bowl XLV +3500
