*Disclaimer – Not one mention of Taylor Swift from this point on
One of the tighter series we are looking back on so far, the Chiefs lead the Jets in the all-time series with a 20-19-1 record. They most recently faced off in 2020, where the Chiefs dominated the Jets in Arrowhead, 35-9. Let’s take a look back at some of the most fun matchups to watch over the years between these two historic franchises.
Chiefs 13-6 Jets – Divisional Playoff – Shea Stadium – 12-20-1969
Image Credit – Kansas City Chiefs
One of the biggest games in the history of these two teams with two legendary quarterbacks (Len Dawson and Joe Namath), was a defensive battle in the Chiefs quest for their first-ever Super Bowl in 1969. The better quarterback showed though, as Len Dawson threw for 201 yards and a clutch touchdown to flanker Gloster Richardson, whereas Joe Namath struggled mightily against the Chiefs’ star-studded defense, throwing for only 169 yards, completing only 35 percent of his passes, and 3 interceptions. The Chiefs’ defense was all over the field, with legendary cornerback duo Emmitt Thomas and Jim Marsalis combining for 3 interceptions (Marsalis 2, Thomas 1). Bobby Bell, Buck Buchanan, and Jerry Mays combined for 2 sacks on the day. The Chiefs gutted out a tough victory in New York to move on to the AFC Championship vs. the Raiders, and Super Bowl 4 vs. the Vikings.
Chiefs 23-7 Jets – Giants Stadium – 11-29-1992
Image Credit – Kansas City Chiefs
Another road game against the Jets came in 1992. This Chiefs team was known for their great running game with Christian Okoye, Barry Word, and Harvey Williams, but that was not the story of the game in this matchup. Dave Krieg was the story, as he completed 81 percent of his passes for 222 yards 2 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. This was one of his most efficient performances as a Chief in a run-heavy offense, as he had to step up with the running game not being successful in this game. Wide receiver Willie Davis led the Chiefs in receiving with 3 catches for 79 yards, and Keith Cash and Tim Barnett combined for 2 touchdowns through the air. On the defensive side of the ball, Dan Saleaumua had a sack, and the defense as a whole forced a turnover (Fumble) and kept the Jets out of threatening territory for the majority of the game.
Chiefs 24-3 Jets – Arrowhead Stadium – 9-25-2016
Image Credit – Wall Street Journal
One of the best Chiefs defensive performances in Chiefs history came in the 2016 chapter of the all-time series between these two teams. The Chiefs picked off Ryan Fitzpatrick SIX times and garnered EIGHT total turnovers. One of my favorite Chiefs games I watched when I was younger as a defensive-minded fan, with interceptions coming from CB Marcus Peters (2), CB D.J. White (1), S Daniel Sorensen (1), SS Eric Berry (1), LB Derrick Johnson (1 for a TD). The Chiefs defense as a whole also broke up 15 passes. There were also two fumbles forced, one on a kickoff which tight end Demetrius Harris returned for a touchdown. On the offensive side, Alex Smith threw for 237 yards and a touchdown, and Travis Kelce recorded 6 catches for 79 yards and a touchdown.
Tonight’s matchup could also be a great defensive performance with the Chiefs going against a struggling, turnover-prone Zach Wilson. If the Chiefs can get pressure in Wilson’s face all day, he definitely will put some passes at risk. Look for Trent McDuffie or Bryan Cook to potentially get their first interception(s) as a Chief tonight on Sunday night football.
