As the NFL season approaches each year, fans eagerly anticipate the kickoff, fueled by preseason games and draft discussions. The excitement typically peaks in Week 1 and can linger throughout the season. However, a heartbreaking loss can lead to disappointment for both the team and its supporters. For those not deeply passionate about football, the intense emotions tied to the sport might seem puzzling, but psychological factors play a significant role in fandom.
For many, their connection to a team is intertwined with their self-esteem and identity. Research indicates that individuals often feel a boost in self-worth when associated with successful groups, which explains why fans are more inclined to don team apparel following a victory rather than after a loss. Furthermore, die-hard fans tend to refer to their team”s achievements in the first person, while discussing failures in the third person. This shared passion fosters a sense of community, whether among friends or even strangers at games. A Super Bowl victory can unite a city and instill a profound sense of pride among its fans, while a disappointing season can feel like a personal setback.
In a recent analysis, Stacker identified the most disappointing seasons for the Kansas City Chiefs since the start of the 21st century, utilizing data from Pro Football Reference. The rankings were determined by how many wins the team fell short of its preseason expectations. In cases where teams had the same level of underperformance, the preseason win total was used as a tiebreaker.
- 2004 Season – Preseason over/under: 10 wins – Season record: 7-9 (3 games under)
- 2007 Season – Preseason over/under: 7.5 wins – Season record: 4-12 (3.5 games under)
- 2008 Season – Preseason over/under: 5.5 wins – Season record: 2-14 (3.5 games under)
- 2025 Season – Preseason over/under: 11.5 wins – Season record: 6-1 (5.5 games under)
- 2012 Season – Preseason over/under: 8 wins – Season record: 2-14 (6 games under)
These seasons highlight how lofty expectations can turn into significant disappointments for the Kansas City Chiefs and their loyal fanbase.
