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1978 Kansas City Chiefs season

NFL team season


NFL team season

FieldValue
teamKansas City Chiefs
year1978
record4–12
division_place5th AFC West
coachMarv Levy
general managerJim Schaaf
ownerLamar Hunt
stadiumArrowhead Stadium
playoffs*Did not qualify*
pro bowlers*None*
AP All-pros*None*
shortnavlinkChiefs seasons

| AP All-pros = None

The 1978 Kansas City Chiefs season was the franchise's 9th season in the National Football League, the 16th as the Kansas City Chiefs, and the 19th overall. It began with the hiring of new head coach Marv Levy, formerly of the Canadian Football League's Montreal Alouettes. With the NFL expanding its schedule to 16 games, the Chiefs finished with a 4–12 record and 5th in the AFC West.

Coach Levy's systematic restocking of a relatively barren defensive roster began with a 1978 draft class that included a pair of future Chiefs franchise hall of famers in defensive end Art Still and linebacker Gary Spani. Running back Ed Podolak, who was the club's all-time leading rusher at the time, retired in the offseason on June 15.

Perhaps Levy's most unconventional tactic in rebuilding the Chiefs was installing the Wing-T offense. "It was a situation where we took over a team that had the worst defensive record in the history of the National Football League," Levy explained. "We wanted to keep that defense off the field, so we ran the ball 60 times a game." The 1978 Chiefs team ran and ran often, posting franchise records with 663 rushing attempts and 2,986 ground yards. Levy's squad ran the ball a staggering 69 times in a 24–23 Opening Day win at Cincinnati on September 3, the most rushing attempts in an NFL contest since 1948. Five different players had 100-yard rushing games during the year, including running back Tony Reed, who finished the season with 1,053 yards to become the team's first 1,000-yard back since 1967. Despite the squad's Opening Day success, the club lost 10 of its next 11 games, including a pair of overtime decisions. However, the team showed signs of improvement with the defense recording a 23–0 shutout against San Diego on November 26 as the club concluded its first 16-game schedule with a 4–12 mark.

Offseason

NFL draft

Main article: 1978 NFL draft

Roster

  • Charlie Ane C

  • Thomas Howard OLB

Preseason

Kansas City Chiefsyear=1978border=2}}"WeekKansas City Chiefsyear=1978border=2}}"DateKansas City Chiefsyear=1978border=2}}"OpponentKansas City Chiefsyear=1978border=2}}"ResultKansas City Chiefsyear=1978border=2}}"RecordKansas City Chiefsyear=1978border=2}}"VenueKansas City Chiefsyear=1978border=2}}"AttendanceKansas City Chiefsyear=1978border=2}}"Recap1234
at [Green Bay Packers](1978-green-bay-packers-season)**W** 17–141–0Lambeau Field54,453[Recap](https://www.profootballarchives.com/1978nflkc.html)
[Minnesota Vikings](1978-minnesota-vikings-season)**W** 17–132–0Arrowhead Stadium41,092[Recap](https://www.profootballarchives.com/1978nflkc.html)
August 20at [New England Patriots](1978-new-england-patriots-season)**L** 7–242–1Schaefer Stadium39,043[Recap](https://www.profootballarchives.com/1978nflkc.html)
[St. Louis Cardinals](1978-st-louis-cardinals-nfl-season)**L** 7–122–2Arrowhead Stadium40,884[Recap](https://www.profootballarchives.com/1978nflkc.html)

Regular season

Schedule

Kansas City Chiefsyear=1978border=2}}"WeekKansas City Chiefsyear=1978border=2}}"DateKansas City Chiefsyear=1978border=2}}"OpponentKansas City Chiefsyear=1978border=2}}"ResultKansas City Chiefsyear=1978border=2}}"RecordKansas City Chiefsyear=1978border=2}}"VenueKansas City Chiefsyear=1978border=2}}"AttendanceKansas City Chiefsyear=1978border=2}}"Recap12345678910111213141516
September 3at [Cincinnati Bengals](1978-cincinnati-bengals-season)**W** 24–231–0Riverfront Stadium41,810[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197809030cin.htm)
September 10[Houston Oilers](1978-houston-oilers-season)**L** 17–201–1Arrowhead Stadium40,213[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197809100kan.htm)
September 17at [New York Giants](1978-new-york-giants-season)**L** 10–261–2Giants Stadium70,546[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197809170nyg.htm)
September 24**[Denver Broncos](1978-denver-broncos-season)****L** 17–23 (OT)1–3Arrowhead Stadium60,593[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197809240kan.htm)
October 1at [Buffalo Bills](1978-buffalo-bills-season)**L** 13–281–4Rich Stadium47,310[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197810010buf.htm)
October 8[Tampa Bay Buccaneers](1978-tampa-bay-buccaneers-season)**L** 13–301–5Arrowhead Stadium38,201[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197810080kan.htm)
October 15at **[Oakland Raiders](1978-oakland-raiders-season) ****L** 6–281–6Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum50,759[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197810150rai.htm)
October 22[Cleveland Browns](1978-cleveland-browns-season)**W** 17–32–6Arrowhead Stadium41,157[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197810220kan.htm)
October 29at [Pittsburgh Steelers](1978-pittsburgh-steelers-season)**L** 24–272–7Three Rivers Stadium48,185[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197810290pit.htm)
November 5**[Oakland Raiders](1978-oakland-raiders-season)****L** 10–202–8Arrowhead Stadium75,418[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197811050kan.htm)
November 12at **[San Diego Chargers](1978-san-diego-chargers-season)****L** 23–29 (OT)2–9San Diego Stadium41,395[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197811120sdg.htm)
November 19**[Seattle Seahawks](1978-seattle-seahawks-season)****L** 10–132–10Arrowhead Stadium35,252[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197811190kan.htm)
November 26**[San Diego Chargers](1978-san-diego-chargers-season)****W** 23–03–10Arrowhead Stadium26,248[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197811260kan.htm)
December 3[Buffalo Bills](1978-buffalo-bills-season)**W** 14–104–10Arrowhead Stadium25,781[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197812030kan.htm)
December 10at **[Denver Broncos](1978-denver-broncos-season)****L** 3–244–11Mile High Stadium74,149[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197812100den.htm)
December 17at **[Seattle Seahawks](1978-seattle-seahawks-season)****L** 19–234–12Kingdome58,490[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197812170sea.htm)
**Note:** Intra-division opponents are in **bold** text.

Game summaries

Week 1: at Cincinnati Bengals

First quarter

  • KC – Tony Reed 1-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick), 1:03. ''Chiefs 7–0. '''Drive: 18 plays, 83 yards, 9:59.''''' Second quarter
  • CIN – Don Bass fumble recovery in endzone (kick aborted), 10:38. Chiefs 7–6.
  • KC – Ted McKnight 26-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick), 7:26. ''Chiefs 14–6. '''Drive: 7 plays, 55 yards, 3:01.'''''
  • CIN – Chris Bahr 42-yard field goal, 4:58. ''Chiefs 14–9. '''Drive: 4 plays, –1 yard, 0:55.'''''
  • KC – Jan Stenerud 19-yard field goal, 0:18. ''Chiefs 17–9. '''Drive: 15 plays, 76 yards, 4:32.''''' Third quarter
  • KC – Arnold Morgado 4-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick), 8:57. ''Chiefs 24–9. '''Drive: 10 plays, 59 yards, 4:31.''''' Fourth quarter
  • CIN – Archie Griffin 26-yard pass from John Reaves (Chris Bahr kick), 4:59. ''Chiefs 24–16. '''Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 2:29.'''''
  • CIN – Scott Perry 25-yard return of blocked punt (Chris Bahr kick), 1:49. Chiefs 24–23. ;Top passers
  • KC – Mike Livingston – 8/10, 67 yards
  • CIN – John Reaves – 10/24, 159 yards, TD, 2 INT ;Top rushers
  • KC – Mark Bailey – 26 rushes, 106 yards
  • CIN – Archie Griffin – 9 rushes, 50 yards ;Top receivers
  • KC – Walter White – 6 receptions, 57 yards
  • CIN – Archie Griffin – 2 receptions, 37 yards, TD

Week 2: vs Houston Oilers

First quarter

  • HOU – Toni Fritsch 33-yard field goal, 9:53. ''Oilers 3–0. '''Drive: 9 plays, 49 yards, 5:07.''''' Second quarter
  • HOU – Toni Fritsch 49-yard field goal, 8:51. ''Oilers 6–0. '''Drive: 12 plays, 35 yards, 6:09.'''''
  • KC – Jan Stenerud 41-yard field goal, 3:53. ''Oilers 6–3. '''Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 4:58.'''''
  • KC – Ted McKnight 3-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick), 1:22. ''Chiefs 10–6. '''Drive: 5 plays, 59 yards, 1:12.''''' Third quarter
  • KC – Tony Reed 19-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick), 9:53. ''Chiefs 17–6. '''Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 5:07.''''' Fourth quarter
  • HOU – Earl Campbell 1-yard run (Toni Fritsch kick), 14:23. ''Chiefs 17–13. '''Drive: 7 plays, 53 yards, 3:43.'''''
  • HOU – Earl Campbell 2-yard run (Toni Fritsch kick), 1:53. ''Oilers 20–17. '''Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 4:34.''''' ;Top passers
  • HOU – Dan Pastorini – 7/12, 47 yards
  • KC – Mike Livingston – 9/14, 60 yards, INT ;Top rushers
  • HOU – Earl Campbell – 22 rushes, 107 yards, 2 TD
  • KC – Tony Reed – 16 rushes, 141 yards, TD ;Top receivers
  • HOU – Mike Barber – 1 reception, 17 yards
  • KC – Tony Reed – 4 receptions, 31 yards

Week 3: at New York Giants

First quarter

  • NYG – Bobby Hammond 6-yard pass from Joe Pisarcik (Joe Danelo kick), 10:36. ''Giants 7–0. '''Drive: 11 plays, 71 yards, 4:24.'''''
  • NYG – Johnny Perkins 21-yard pass from Joe Pisarcik (Joe Danelo kick), 1:55. ''Giants 14–0. '''Drive: 5 plays, 32 yards, 1:12.''''' Second quarter
  • KC – Ted McKnight 2-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick), 11:15. ''Giants 14–7. '''Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:40.'''''
  • NYG – Larry Csonka 1-yard run (kick blocked), 0:45. ''Giants 20–7. '''Drive: 4 plays, 51 yards, 0:24.''''' Third quarter
  • NYG – Joe Danelo 41-yard field goal, 0:59. ''Giants 23–7. '''Drive: 5 plays, 34 yards, 2:15.''''' Fourth quarter
  • KC – Jan Stenerud 24-yard field goal, 12:27. ''Giants 23–10. '''Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 3:27.'''''
  • NYG – Joe Danelo 40-yard field goal, 1:06. ''Giants 26–10. '''Drive: 13 plays, 47 yards, 6:21.''''' ;Top passers
  • KC – Mike Livingston – 15/28, 171 yards, INT
  • NYG – Joe Pisarcik – 15/25, 175 yards, 2 TD ;Top rushers
  • KC – Tony Reed – 14 rushes, 114 yards
  • NYG – Doug Kotar – 10 rushes, 79 yards ;Top receivers
  • KC – MacArthur Lane – 6 receptions, 43 yards
  • NYG – Al Dixon – 4 receptions, 73 yards

Week 4: vs. Denver Broncos

First quarter

  • DEN – Riley Odoms 42-yard pass from Craig Morton (Jim Turner kick), 12:06. ''Broncos 7–0. '''Drive: 5 plays, 64 yards, 2:54.'''''
  • KC – Mike Livingston 1-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick), 7:53. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 7 plays, 53 yards, 4:13.''''' Second quarter
  • DEN – Jim Turner 42-yard field goal, 1:08. ''Broncos 10–7. '''Drive: 8 plays, 42 yards, 3:55.'''''
  • KC – Jan Stenerud 46-yard field goal, 0:00. ''Tied 10–10. '''Drive: 6 plays, 31 yards, 1:08.''''' Third quarter
  • KC – Tony Reed 15-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick), 8:47. ''Chiefs 17–10. '''Drive: 4 plays, 45 yards, 2:08.'''''
  • DEN – Larry Canada 3-yard run (Jim Turner kick), 2:56. ''Tied 17–17. '''Drive: 10 plays, 50 yards, 5:51.''''' Fourth quarter
  • No scoring plays. Overtime
  • DEN – Dave Preston 1-yard run, 4:32. ''Broncos 23–17. '''Drive: 13 plays, 60 yards, 6:43.''''' ;Top passers
  • DEN – Craig Morton – 12/21, 138 yards, TD, INT
  • KC – Mike Livingston – 7/10, 89 yards, INT ;Top rushers
  • DEN – Larry Canada – 19 rushes, 94 yards, TD
  • KC – Tony Reed – 17 rushes, 79 yards, TD ;Top receivers
  • DEN – Riley Odoms – 4 receptions, 60 yards, TD
  • KC – Tony Reed – 4 receptions, 53 yards

Week 5: at Buffalo Bills

First quarter

  • KC – Jan Stenerud 42-yard field goal, 6:19. ''Chiefs 3–0. '''Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 0:56.'''''
  • KC – Jan Stenerud 27-yard field goal, 1:20. ''Chiefs 6–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 47 yards, 3:16.''''' Second quarter
  • BUF – Bob Chandler 20-yard pass from Joe Ferguson (Tom Dempsey kick), 7:52. ''Bills 7–6. '''Drive: 7 plays, 40 yards, 2:17.'''''
  • BUF – Terry Miller 8-yard run (Tom Dempsey kick), 2:20. ''Bills 14–6. '''Drive: 6 plays, 66 yards, 3:51.'''''
  • BUF – Bob Chandler 22-yard pass from Joe Ferguson (Tom Dempsey kick), 0:49. ''Bills 21–6. '''Drive: 2 plays, 63 yards, 0:54.''''' Third quarter
  • BUF – Curtis Brown 22-yard run (Tom Dempsey kick), 4:50. ''Bills 28–6. '''Drive: 7 plays, 87 yards, 3:37.''''' Fourth quarter
  • KC – Ted McKnight 41-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick), 6:16. ''Bills 28–13. '''Drive: 5 plays, 71 yards, 1:48.''''' ;Top passers
  • KC – Tony Adams – 7/12, 80 yards
  • BUF – Joe Ferguson – 15/18, 210 yards, 2 TD, INT ;Top rushers
  • KC – MacArthur Lane – 17 rushes, 144 yards
  • BUF – Terry Miller – 18 rushes, 67 yards, TD ;Top receivers
  • KC – Walter White – 5 receptions, 60 yards
  • BUF – Bob Chandler – 7 receptions, 116 yards, 2 TD

Week 6: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

First quarter

  • KC – Jan Stenerud 25-yard field goal, 13:16. ''Chiefs 3–0. '''Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards, 1:38.''''' Second quarter
  • TB – Neil O'Donoghue 22-yard field goal, 6:02. ''Tied 3–3. '''Drive: 9 plays, 62 yards, 4:12.'''''
  • TB – Morris Owens 10-yard pass from Doug Williams (Neil O'Donoghue kick), 0:31. ''Buccaneers 10–3. '''Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 0:45.''''' Third quarter
  • No scoring plays. Fourth quarter
  • KC – Jan Stenerud 30-yard field goal, 13:37. ''Buccaneers 10–6. '''Drive: 14 plays, 62 yards, 7:23.'''''
  • TB – Jimmy DuBose 1-yard run (kick failed, wide left), 7:09. ''Buccaneers 16–6. '''Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 6:28.'''''
  • TB – Louis Carter 3-yard run (Neil O'Donoghue kick), 4:20. ''Buccaneers 23–6. '''Drive: 5 plays, 23 yards, 2:10.'''''
  • KC – Henry Marshall 26-yard pass from Tony Adams (Jan Stenerud kick), 3:06. ''Buccaneers 23–13. '''Drive: 4 plays, 24 yards, 1:00.'''''
  • TB – Jimmy DuBose 1-yard run (Neil O'Donoghue kick), 1:58. ''Buccaneers 30–13. '''Drive: 5 plays, 47 yards, 1:08.''''' ;Top passers
  • TB – Doug Williams – 14/23, 226 yards, TD
  • KC – Tony Adams – 15/28, 136 yards, TD, 2 INT ;Top rushers
  • TB – Jimmy DuBose – 21 rushes, 75 yards, 2 TD
  • KC – Tony Reed – 12 rushes, 42 yards ;Top receivers
  • TB – Larry Mucker – 3 receptions, 81 yards
  • KC – Henry Marshall – 5 receptions, 89 yards, TD

Week 7: at Oakland Raiders

First quarter

  • OAK – Mark van Eeghen 3-yard run (Errol Mann kick), 0:00. ''Raiders 7–0. '''Drive: 12 plays, 70 yards, 5:58.''''' Second quarter
  • OAK – Dave Casper 4-yard pass from Ken Stabler (Errol Mann kick), 4:39. ''Raiders 14–0. '''Drive: 4 plays, 50 yards, 2:28.''''' Third quarter
  • No scoring plays. Fourth quarter
  • OAK – Mark van Eeghen 1-yard run (Errol Mann kick), 7:39. ''Raiders 21–0. '''Drive: 7 plays, 70 yards, 4:11.'''''
  • OAK – Charlie Phillips 42-yard interception return (Errol Mann kick), 4:33. Raiders 28–0.
  • KC – Larry Dorsey 16-yard pass from Tony Adams (kick blocked), 1:30. ''Raiders 28–6. '''Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards, 2:53.''''' ;Top passers
  • KC – Tony Adams – 16/29, 133 yards, TD, INT
  • OAK – Ken Stabler – 15/20, 222 yards, TD ;Top rushers
  • KC – Tony Reed – 12 rushes, 49 yards
  • OAK – Mark van Eeghen – 20 rushes, 76 yards, 2 TD ;Top receivers
  • KC – Tony Reed – 7 receptions, 91 yards
  • OAK – Cliff Branch – 4 receptions, 76 yards

Week 8: vs. Cleveland Browns

First quarter

  • CLE – Don Cockroft 20-yard field goal, 11:06. ''Browns 3–0. '''Drive: 7 plays, 16 yards, 3:54.'''''
  • KC – Jan Stenerud 21-yard field goal, 3:11. ''Tied 3–3. '''Drive: 6 plays, 24 yards, 2:10.''''' Second quarter
  • KC – Arnold Morgado 8-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick), 2:05. ''Chiefs 10–3. '''Drive: 10 plays, 86 yards, 5:22.''''' Third quarter
  • No scoring plays. Fourth quarter
  • KC – Arnold Morgado 2-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick), 1:57. ''Chiefs 17–3. '''Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:22.''''' ;Top passers
  • CLE – Brian Sipe – 7/11, 40 yards, INT
  • KC – Mike Livingston – 8/13, 57 yards ;Top rushers
  • CLE – Mike Pruitt – 10 rushes, 57 yards
  • KC – Tony Reed – 14 rushes, 97 yards ;Top receivers
  • CLE – Greg Pruitt – 6 receptions, 34 yards
  • KC – Horace Belton – 1 receptions 22 yards

Week 9: at Pittsburgh Steelers

First quarter

  • KC – Jan Stenerud 25-yard field goal, 12:39. ''Chiefs 3–0. '''Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 2:00.'''''
  • PIT – Franco Harris 1-yard run (Roy Gerela kick), 6:02. ''Steelers 7–3. '''Drive: 13 plays, 77 yards, 6:37.''''' Second quarter
  • PIT – Franco Harris 11-yard run (Roy Gerela kick), 9:45. ''Steelers 14–3. '''Drive: 13 plays, 83 yards, 7:12.'''''
  • PIT – John Stallworth 23-yard pass from Terry Bradshaw (kick failed, wide right), 4:36. ''Steelers 20–3. '''Drive: 6 plays, 42 yards, 3:16.''''' Third quarter
  • KC – Ted McKnight 14-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick), 12:17. ''Steelers 20–10. '''Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards, 2:43.'''''
  • KC – Tony Reed 16-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick), 10:29. ''Steelers 20–17. '''Drive: 3 plays, 25 yards, 0:52.'''''
  • PIT – Donnie Shell 17-yard fumble return (Roy Gerela kick), 0:27. Steelers 27–17. Fourth quarter
  • KC – Arnold Morgado 2-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick), 1:56. ''Steelers 27–24. '''Drive: 9 plays, 62 yards, 3:31.''''' ;Top passers
  • KC – Mike Livingston – 15/28, 148 yards, 2 INT
  • PIT – Terry Bradshaw – 7/13, 109 yards, TD, 2 INT ;Top rushers
  • KC – Arnold Morgado – 19 rushes, 74 yards, TD
  • PIT – Franco Harris – 25 rushes, 90 yards, 2 TD ;Top receivers
  • KC – Tony Reed – 6 receptions, 64 yards
  • PIT – Lynn Swann – 5 receptions, 80 yards

Week 10: vs Oakland Raiders

First quarter

  • No scoring plays. Second quarter
  • OAK – Raymond Chester 4-yard pass from Ken Stabler (Errol Mann kick), 8:05. ''Raiders 7–0. '''Drive: 7 plays, 44 yards, 4:15.''''' Third quarter
  • KC – Jan Stenerud 42-yard field goal, 8:48. ''Raiders 7–3. '''Drive: 13 plays, 45 yards, 6:12.''''' Fourth quarter
  • OAK – Arthur Whittington 25-yard run (Errol Mann kick), 11:22. ''Raiders 14–3. '''Drive: 11 plays, 76 yards, 4:59.'''''
  • KC – Tony Reed 14-yard pass from Mike Livingston (Jan Stenerud kick), 6:49. ''Raiders 14–10. '''Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 2:30.'''''
  • OAK – Mark van Eeghen 1-yard run (kick blocked), 0:10. ''Raiders 20–10. '''Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 6:39.''''' ;Top passers
  • OAK – Ken Stabler – 17/24, 182 yards, TD, 3 INT
  • KC – Mike Livingston – 9/27, 107 yards, TD, 3 INT ;Top rushers
  • OAK – Arthur Whittington – 26 rushes, 134 yards, TD
  • KC – Arnold Morgado – 16 rushes, 54 yards ;Top receivers
  • OAK – Dave Casper – 7 receptions, 112 yards
  • KC – Tony Reed – 4 receptions, 38 yards, TD

Week 11: at San Diego Chargers

First quarter

  • SD – Hank Bauer 1-yard run (kick blocked), 3:49. ''Chargers 6–0. '''Drive: 9 plays, 53 yards, 5:18.''''' Second quarter
  • KC – Jan Stenerud 39-yard field goal, 8:22. ''Chargers 6–3. '''Drive: 9 plays, 59 yards, 4:40.'''''
  • SD – Hank Bauer 1-yard run (Rolf Benirschke kick), 1:58. ''Chargers 13–3. '''Drive: 12 plays, 68 yards, 6:24.'''''
  • KC – Jan Stenerud 20-yard field goal, 0:01. ''Chargers 13–6. '''Drive: 9 plays, 58 yards, 1:57.''''' Third quarter
  • KC – Arnold Morgado 1-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick), 10:55. ''Tied 13–13. '''Drive: 6 plays, 30 yards, 3:13.'''''
  • SD – John Jefferson 46-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Rolf Benirschke kick), 5:09. ''Chargers 20–13. '''Drive: 2 plays, 52 yards, 0:49.''''' Fourth quarter
  • KC – Arnold Morgado 5-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick), 5:22. ''Tied 20–20. '''Drive: 8 plays, 37 yards, 2:55.'''''
  • SD – Rolf Benirschke 28-yard field goal, 1:27. ''Chargers 23–20. '''Drive: 8 plays, 59 yards, 3:55.'''''
  • KC – Jan Stenerud 47-yard field goal, 0:02. ''Tied 23–23. '''Drive: 8 plays, 40 yards, 1:25.''''' Overtime
  • SD – John Jefferson 14-yard pass from Dan Fouts, 0:00. ''Chargers 29–23. '''Drive: 7 plays, 38 yards, 1:43.''''' ;Top passers
  • KC – Mike Livingston – 19/28, 224 yards
  • SD – Dan Fouts – 13/20, 188 yards, 2 TD ;Top rushers
  • KC – Arnold Morgado – 29 rushes, 115 yards, 2 TD
  • SD – Lydell Mitchell – 29 rushes, 144 yards ;Top receivers
  • KC – Tony Reed – 9 receptions, 91 yards
  • SD – John Jefferson – 7 receptions, 130 yards, 2 TD

Week 12: vs. Seattle Seahawks

First quarter

  • SEA – Efrén Herrera 40-yard field goal, 0:44. ''Seahawks 3–0. '''Drive: 8 plays, 30 yards, 2:54.''''' Second quarter
  • SEA – David Sims 10-yard run (Efrén Herrera kick), 13:56. ''Seahawks 10–0. '''Drive: 4 plays, 35 yards, 1:01.'''''
  • KC – Jan Stenerud 20-yard field goal, 0:04. ''Seahawks 10–3. '''Drive: 10 plays, 77 yards, 1:49.''''' Third quarter
  • SEA – Efrén Herrera 18-yard field goal, 9:08. ''Seahawks 13–3. '''Drive: 10 plays, 61 yards, 5:52.''''' Fourth quarter
  • KC – Ted McKnight 1-yard pass from Mike Livingston (Jan Stenerud kick), 10:09. ''Seahawks 13–10. '''Drive: 13 plays, 86 yards, 6:15.''''' ;Top passers
  • SEA – Jim Zorn – 14/23, 142 yards
  • KC – Mike Livingston – 18/33, 231 yards, TD ;Top rushers
  • SEA – Sherman Smith – 12 rushes, 84 yards
  • KC – Tony Reed – 15 rushes, 50 yards ;Top receivers
  • SEA – Steve Largent – 6 receptions, 89 yards
  • KC – Henry Marshall – 4 receptions, 78 yards

Week 13: vs. San Diego Chargers

First quarter

  • No scoring plays. Second quarter
  • KC – Jan Stenerud 32-yard field goal, 7:17. ''Chiefs 3–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 18 yards, 2:40.'''''
  • KC – Henry Marshall 29-yard pass from Mike Livingston (Jan Stenerud kick), 1:42. ''Chiefs 10–0. '''Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 3:09.'''''
  • KC – Larry Dorsey 6-yard pass from Mike Livingston (Jan Stenerud kick), 0:17. ''Chiefs 17–0. '''Drive: 7 plays, 47 yards, 0:44.''''' Third quarter
  • KC – Jan Stenerud 37-yard field goal, 11:12. ''Chiefs 20–0. '''Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:23.''''' Fourth quarter
  • KC – Jan Stenerud 35-yard field goal, 11:36. ''Chiefs 23–0. '''Drive: 8 plays, 30 yards, 4:05.''''' ;Top passers
  • SD – James Harris – 15/41, 164 yards, 5 INT
  • KC – Mike Livingston – 13/21, 136 yards, 2 TD ;Top rushers
  • SD – Lydell Mitchell – 14 rushes, 58 yards
  • KC – Tony Reed – 11 rushes, 104 yards ;Top receivers
  • SD – John Jefferson – 3 receptions, 43 yards
  • KC – Henry Marshall – 2 receptions, 36 yards, TD

Week 14: vs. Buffalo Bills

First quarter

  • KC – Ted McKnight 17-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick), 3:30. ''Chiefs 7–0. '''Drive: 7 plays, 42 yards, 3:58.''''' Second quarter
  • BUF – Frank Lewis 40-yard pass from Joe Ferguson (Tom Dempsey kick), 4:05. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 8 plays, 83 yards, 4:04.''''' Third quarter
  • BUF – Tom Dempsey 22-yard field goal, 4:22. ''Bills 10–7. '''Drive: 15 plays, 76 yards, 8:06.'''''
  • KC – Walter White 3-yard pass from Mike Livingston (Jan Stenerud kick), 0:00. ''Chiefs 14–10. '''Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 4:22.''''' Fourth quarter
  • No scoring plays. ;Top passers
  • BUF – Joe Ferguson – 14/25, 207 yards, TD, 3 INT
  • KC – Mike Livingston – 12/21, 99 yards, TD, INT ;Top rushers
  • BUF – Terry Miller – 15 rushes, 57 yards
  • KC – Tony Reed – 16 rushes, 97 yards ;Top receivers
  • BUF – Frank Lewis – 7 receptions, 126 yards, TD
  • KC – Henry Marshall – 3 receptions, 40 yards

Week 15: at Denver Broncos

First quarter

  • KC – Jan Stenerud 23-yard field goal, 7:59. ''Chiefs 3–0. '''Drive: 7 plays, 28 yards, 3:15.'''''
  • DEN – Lonnie Perrin 4-yard pass from Craig Morton (Jim Turner kick), 3:50. ''Broncos 7–3. '''Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:09.''''' Second quarter
  • No scoring plays. Third quarter
  • DEN – Jim Turner 38-yard field goal, 8:41. ''Broncos 10–3. '''Drive: 9 plays, 49 yards, 6:19.'''''
  • DEN – Riley Odoms 23-yard pass from Craig Morton (Jim Turner kick), 1:34. ''Broncos 17–3. '''Drive: 5 plays, 61 yards, 2:17.''''' Fourth quarter
  • DEN – Riley Odoms 29-yard pass from Craig Morton (Jim Turner kick), 5:32. ''Broncos 24–3. '''Drive: 6 plays, 91 yards, 1:55.''''' ;Top passers
  • KC – Mike Livingston – 19/29, 115 yards, INT
  • DEN – Craig Morton – 19/22, 283 yards, 3 TD, INT ;Top rushers
  • KC – Tony Reed – 13 rushes, 44 yards
  • DEN – Larry Canada – 4 rushes, 61 yards ;Top receivers
  • KC – Walter White – 6 receptions, 31 yards
  • DEN – Riley Odoms – 7 receptions, 165 yards, 2 TD

Week 16: at Seattle Seahawks

First quarter

  • SEA – Steve Largent 57-yard pass from Jim Zorn (Efrén Herrera kick), 9:15. ''Seahawks 7–0. '''Drive: 5 plays, 90 yards, 1:35.'''''
  • KC – Jan Stenerud 33-yard field goal, 6:16. ''Seahawks 7–3. '''Drive: 8 plays, 31 yards, 2:47.''''' Second quarter
  • SEA – Al Hunter 1-yard run (kick blocked), 8:56. ''Seahawks 13–3. '''Drive: 12 plays, 85 yards, 4:38.'''''
  • SEA – Al Hunter 55-yard run (Efrén Herrera kick), 5:12. ''Seahawks 20–3. '''Drive: 6 plays, 86 yards, 2:00.'''''
  • KC – Arnold Morgado 1-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick), 1:58. ''Seahawks 20–10. '''Drive: 2 plays, 1 yard, 0:23.''''' Third quarter
  • KC – Tony Reed 62-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick), 7:39. ''Seahawks 20–17. '''Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 1:33.''''' Fourth quarter
  • SEA – Efrén Herrera 31-yard field goal, 6:47. ''Seahawks 23–17. '''Drive: 11 plays, 56 yards, 5:42.'''''
  • KC – Herman Weaver OB in end zone, forced by Ed Beckman for a Safety, 0:15. Seahawks 23–19. ;Top passers
  • KC – Mike Livingston – 5/19, 66 yards, 2 INT
  • SEA – Jim Zorn – 18/29, 256 yards, TD, INT ;Top rushers
  • KC – Tony Reed – 11 rushes, 121 yards, TD
  • SEA – Al Hunter – 27 rushes, 133 yards, 2 TD ;Top receivers
  • KC – Henry Marshall – 1 reception, 40 yards
  • SEA – Steve Largent – 3 receptions, 81 yards, TD

Standings

References

Info: Wikipedia Source

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