Behind Patrick Mahomes, whose journey from son of a baseball player to superstar quarterback is already legendary, the Chiefs - one of the NFL's most storied franchises - kick off their bid for a third straight Super Bowl title.

Guided by a resolve never to judge anyone else and a firm belief in second chances, legendary Chiefs coach Andy Reid has leaned on family bonds to sustain him through the highs of victory and the lows of unthinkable tragedy.

In the most anticipated game of the regular season, the Chiefs square off against AFC rivals Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills.

An ankle injury to Patrick Mahomes puts more pressure - and the team's Super Bowl hopes - on the shoulders of Chris Jones and the Chiefs' defence. A Christmas Day showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers has major postseason implications.

With Chiefs Kingdom in full-throated support, Kansas City earns a home playoff win against the Texans. Their reward: an AFC Championship Game rematch with the Buffalo Bills, with a third straight trip to the Super Bowl on the line.

The Chiefs arrive in New Orleans on the verge of Super Bowl history. Standing in the way of their three-peat hopes are the Philadelphia Eagles, who have no intention of playing supporting characters in a storybook ending.