1972 Kansas City Chiefs season

1972 Kansas City Chiefs season
1972 Kansas City Chiefs season
Owner	Lamar Hunt
General manager	Jack Steadman
Head coach	Hank Stram
Home field	Arrowhead Stadium
Results
Record	8–6
Division place	2nd AFC West
Playoff finish	Did not qualify
Pro Bowlers	WR Otis Taylor; LB Willie Lanier; LB Bobby Bell; CB Emmitt Thomas; P Jerrel Wilson
	← 1971; Chiefs seasons; 1973 →;

The 1972 Kansas City Chiefs season was the franchise's third season in the National Football League, tenth as the Kansas City Chiefs, and thirteenth overall. The Chiefs moved into the new Arrowhead Stadium and ended with an 8–6 record, runner-up in the AFC West, but missed the playoffs.^[1]

The last original member of the franchise (1960 Dallas Texans) departed on July 12 when safety Johnny Robinson announced his retirement at training camp.^[2] Starting quarterback Len Dawson ended speculation about his retirement and signed a two-year contract. Franchise owner Lamar Hunt became the first AFL figure to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on July 29;^[3] Dawson was inducted in 1987 and Robinson in 2019.

After two different construction strikes and a myriad of other delays, Arrowhead Stadium was officially dedicated on August 12,^[4] when the Chiefs registered a 24–14 preseason victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. On a very warm Saturday night with an attendance of 78,190, running back Ed Podolak scored the first touchdown in the facility.^[5]^[6] Regular season ticket prices for this first season at Arrowhead were eight dollars for box seats and $7 for reserved seating.^[3]

In the opener on September 17, the Chiefs lost 20–10 to Miami (the first win of their perfect season) in the first regular season game at the new Arrowhead Stadium, in front of a crowd of 79,829.^[3]^[7] A standing-room-only crowd of 82,094 was in attendance for a 27–14 victory over division rival Oakland on November 5,^[8] the largest “in-house” attendance total for an NFL contest in Arrowhead's history.^[3] After a 5–3 start, a three-game losing streak effectively eliminated the club from playoff contention.^[9] An 8–6 record was only good enough for a second-place finish in the AFC West, 2½ games behind Oakland.^[1] Linebacker Willie Lanier became the first Chiefs player to receive the prestigious NFL Man of the Year Award in the offseason.^[3]

In week six, the Chiefs dropped a shocking 21–20 decision at home to the lowly Philadelphia Eagles, who entered the game 0–5 and won only once more (also a one-point victory, over the Houston Oilers, who finished 1–13). It was the only time the Chiefs and Eagles met until 1992,^[10] and Kansas City did not visit Philadelphia until 1998.^[11]

Offseason

NFL draft

Round	Pick	Player	Position	School/club team

Roster

**1972 Kansas City Chiefs roster**
Quarterbacks (QB) 16 Len Dawson 10 Mike Livingston Running backs (RB) 1 Mike Adamle 38 Wendell Hayes FB 35 Jim Otis 14 Ed Podolak Wide receivers (WR) 21 Dennis Homan 41 Bruce Jankowski 6 Warren McVea 89 Otis Taylor 26 Robert West 17 Elmo Wright Tight ends (TE) 83 Willie Frazier 88 Morris Stroud		Offensive linemen (OL) 71 Ed Budde G 60 George Daney G 79 Larry Gagner G 73 Dave Hill T 76 Mo Moorman G 58 Jack Rudnay C 70 Sid Smith T 77 Jim Tyrer T Defensive linemen (DL) 87 Aaron Brown DE 86 Buck Buchanan DT 61 Curley Culp DT 82 Ed Lothamer DT 67 George Seals DT 81 Marvin Upshaw DE 99 Wilbur Young DE		Linebackers (LB) 78 Bobby Bell 55 Keith Best 63 Willie Lanier 51 Jim Lynch 50 Mike Oriard 66 Bob Stein 54 Clyde Werner Defensive backs (DB) 48 Nate Allen CB 46 Jim Kearney SS 40 Jim Marsalis CB 15 Kerry Reardon CB 20 Mike Sensibaugh FS 18 Emmitt Thomas CB Special teams 3 Jan Stenerud K 44 Jerrel Wilson P				Practice squad 9 Dean Carlson QB Reserve 80 Andy Hamilton WR (IR) -- Ted Washington LB (IR) Rookies in italics

Preseason

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance	Recap
HOF	July 29	vs. New York Giants	W 23–17	1–0	Fawcett Stadium (Canton, OH)	19,307	Recap
1	August 5	vs. Chicago Bears	W 24–10	2–0	Notre Dame Stadium (Notre Dame, IN)	32,391	Recap
2	August 12	St. Louis Cardinals	W 24–14	3–0	Arrowhead Stadium	78,190	Recap
3	August 21	Baltimore Colts	L 17–23	3–1	Arrowhead Stadium	76,882	Recap
4	August 27	Los Angeles Rams	W 19–13	4–1	Arrowhead Stadium	77,064	Recap
5	September 2	Dallas Cowboys	W 20–10	5–1	Arrowhead Stadium	79,592	Recap
6	September 9	at Green Bay Packers	L 0–20	5–2	Milwaukee County Stadium	47,281	Recap

Regular season

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance	Recap
1	September 17	Miami Dolphins	L 10–20	0–1	Arrowhead Stadium	79,829	Recap
2	September 25	at New Orleans Saints	W 20–17	1–1	Tulane Stadium	70,793	Recap
3	October 1	at Denver Broncos	W 45–24	2–1	Mile High Stadium	51,656	Recap
4	October 8	at Cleveland Browns	W 31–7	3–1	Cleveland Stadium	83,819	Recap
5	October 15	Cincinnati Bengals	L 16–23	3–2	Arrowhead Stadium	79,068	Recap
6	October 22	Philadelphia Eagles	L 20–21	3–3	Arrowhead Stadium	78,389	Recap
7	October 29	at San Diego Chargers	W 26–14	4–3	San Diego Stadium	54,533	Recap
8	November 5	Oakland Raiders	W 27–14	5–3	Arrowhead Stadium	82,094	Recap
9	November 12	at Pittsburgh Steelers	L 7–16	5–4	Three Rivers Stadium	50,350	Recap
10	November 19	San Diego Chargers	L 17–27	5–5	Arrowhead Stadium	79,011	Recap
11	November 26	at Oakland Raiders	L 3–26	5–6	Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum	54,801	Recap
12	December 3	Denver Broncos	W 24–21	6–6	Arrowhead Stadium	66,725	Recap
13	December 10	Baltimore Colts	W 24–10	7–6	Arrowhead Stadium	44,175	Recap
14	December 17	at Atlanta Falcons	W 17–14	8–6	Atlanta Stadium	58,850	Recap
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Miami Dolphins

Week 1: Miami Dolphins at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Dolphins	7	10	3	0	20
Chiefs	0	0	3	7	10

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

Date: September 17
Game time: 3:00 p.m. CDT
Game weather: 81 °F (27.2 °C), relative humidity 65%, wind 15 mph
Game attendance: 79,829
Referee: Jim Tunney
TV announcers (NBC): Curt Gowdy and Al DeRogatis
Box score

Game information

First quarter

MIA – Marlin Briscoe 14-yard pass from Bob Griese (Garo Yepremian kick). Dolphins 7–0.

Second quarter

MIA – Garo Yepremian 47-yard field goal. Dolphins 10–0.
MIA – Larry Csonka 2-yard run (Garo Yepremian kick). Dolphins 17–0.

Third quarter

MIA – Garo Yepremian 15-yard field goal. Dolphins 20–0.
KC – Jan Stenerud 40-yard field goal. Dolphins 20–3.

Fourth quarter

KC – Willie Frazier 4-yard pass from Len Dawson (Jan Stenerud kick). Dolphins 20–10.

Top passers

MIA – Bob Griese – 8/15, 111 yards, TD, INT
KC – Len Dawson – 22/33, 237 yards, TD, 2 INT

Top rushers

MIA – Larry Csonka – 21 rushes, 118 yards, TD
KC – Ed Podolak – 13 rushes, 81 yards

Top receivers

MIA – Paul Warfield – 2 receptions, 49 yards
KC – Otis Taylor – 4 receptions, 69 yards

Week 2: at New Orleans Saints

Week 2: Kansas City Chiefs at New Orleans Saints – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chiefs	0	10	0	10	20
Saints	0	10	7	0	17

at Tulane Stadium, New Orleans, Louisiana

Date: September 25
Game time: 8:00 p.m. CDT
Game weather: 79 °F (26.1 °C), relative humidity 81%, wind 12 mph
Game attendance: 70,793
Referee: Tommy Bell
TV announcers (ABC): Frank Gifford, Don Meredith and Howard Cosell
Box score

Game information

First quarter

No scoring plays.

Second quarter

NO – Charlie Durkee 31-yard field goal. Saints 3–0.
KC – Jan Stenerud 12-yard field goal. Tied 3–3.
NO – Doug Wyatt 35-yard fumble return (Charlie Durkee kick). Saints 10–3.
KC – Willie Frazier 4-yard pass from Len Dawson (Jan Stenerud kick). Tied 10–10.

Third quarter

NO – Dave Parks 8-yard pass from Archie Manning (Charlie Durkee kick). Saints 17–10.

Fourth quarter

KC – Otis Taylor 21-yard pass from Len Dawson (Jan Stenerud kick). Tied 17–17.
KC – Jan Stenerud 22-yard field goal. Chiefs 20–17.

Top passers

KC – Len Dawson – 21/29, 204 yards, 2 TD, INT
NO – Archie Manning – 10/24, 115 yards, TD

Top rushers

KC – Ed Podolak – 18 rushes, 69 yards
NO – Bob Gresham – 12 rushes, 42 yards

Top receivers

KC – Otis Taylor – 7 receptions, 75 yards, TD
NO – Dave Parks – 3 receptions, 46 yards, TD

Week 3: at Denver Broncos

Week 3: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chiefs	3	7	14	21	45
Broncos	7	3	7	7	24

at Mile High Stadium, Denver, Colorado

Date: October 1
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
Game weather: 62 °F (16.7 °C), relative humidity 24%, wind 7 mph
Game attendance: 51,656
Referee: Fred Silva
TV announcers (NBC): Bill Enis and Willie Davis
Box score

Game information

First quarter

DEN – Floyd Little 35-yard pass from Steve Ramsey (Jim Turner kick). Broncos 7–0.
KC – Jan Stenerud 11-yard field goal. Broncos 7–3.

Second quarter

KC – Jeff Kinney 1-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 10–7.
DEN – Jim Turner 16-yard field goal. Tied 10–10.

Third quarter

KC – Willie Frazier 4-yard pass from Mike Livingston (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 17–10.
DEN – Otis Taylor 15-yard run (Jim Turner kick). Tied 17–17.
KC – Dennis Homan 9-yard pass from Mike Livingston (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 24–17.

Fourth quarter

KC – Otis Taylor 29-yard pass from Mike Livingston (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 31–17.
KC – Jim Kearney 43-yard interception return (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 38–17.
DEN – Floyd Little 1-yard run (Jim Turner kick). Chiefs 38–24.
KC – Jim Kearney 32-yard interception return (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 45–24.

Top passers

KC – Len Dawson – 7/16, 105 yards
DEN – Steve Ramsey – 13/35, 247 yards, TD, 3 INT

Top rushers

KC – Mike Livingston – 2 rushes, 51 yards
DEN – Floyd Little – 21 rushes, 96 yards, TD

Top receivers

KC – Otis Taylor – 5 receptions, 68 yards, TD
DEN – Jim Krieg – 3 receptions, 81 yards

Week 4: at Cleveland Browns

Week 4: Kansas City Chiefs at Cleveland Browns – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chiefs	7	14	7	3	31
Browns	0	7	0	0	7

at Cleveland Municipal Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Date: October 8
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
Game weather: 50 °F (10.0 °C), relative humidity 74%, wind 14 mph
Game attendance: 83,819
Referee: Jack Reader
TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones and Al De Rogatis
Box score

Game information

First quarter

KC – Willie Frazier 3-yard pass from Mike Livingston (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 7–0.

Second quarter

KC – Morris Stroud 39-yard pass from Mike Livingston (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 14–0.
CLE – Fair Hooker 16-yard pass from Mike Phipps (Don Cockroft kick). Chiefs 14–7.
KC – Otis Taylor 34-yard pass from Mike Livingston (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 21–7.

Third quarter

KC – Mike Adamle 1-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 28–7.

Fourth quarter

KC – Jan Stenerud 34-yard field goal. Chiefs 31–7.

Top passers

KC – Mike Livingston – 8/18, 81 yards, 3 TD, INT
CLE – Mike Phipps – 12/27, 121 yards, TD, 4 INT

Top rushers

KC – Mike Adamle – 20 rushes, 88 yards, TD
CLE – Ken Brown – 7 rushes, 48 yards

Top receivers

KC – Otis Taylor – 2 receptions, 38 yards, TD
CLE – Fair Hooker – 3 receptions, 36 yards, TD

Week 5: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Week 5: Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bengals	3	0	7	13	23
Chiefs	0	3	10	3	16

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

Date: October 15
Game time: 3:00 p.m. CDT
Game weather: 47 °F (8.3 °C), relative humidity 56%, wind 11 mph
Game attendance: 79,068
Referee: Fred Swearingen
TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones and Al De Rogatis
Box score

Game information

First quarter

CIN – Horst Mühlmann 46-yard field goal. Bengals 3–0.

Second quarter

KC – Jan Stenerud 39-yard field goal. Tied 3–3.

Third quarter

KC – Otis Taylor 14-yard pass from Len Dawson (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 10–3.
CIN – Essex Johnson 65-yard pass from Ken Anderson (Horst Mühlmann kick). Tied 10–10.
KC – Jan Stenerud 32-yard field goal. Chiefs 13–10.

Fourth quarter

CIN – Speedy Thomas 7-yard pass from Ken Anderson (Horst Mühlmann kick). Bengals 17–13.
CIN – Horst Mühlmann 12-yard field goal. Bengals 20–13.
CIN – Horst Mühlmann 16-yard field goal. Bengals 23–13.
KC – Jan Stenerud 43-yard field goal. Bengals 23–16.

Top passers

CIN – Ken Anderson – 14/25, 182 yards, 2 TD
KC – Len Dawson – 21/38, 230 yards, TD, 2 INT

Top rushers

CIN – Essex Johnson – 11 rushes, 36 yards
KC – Mike Adamle – 17 rushes, 91 yards

Top receivers

CIN – Chip Myers – 3 receptions, 69 yards
KC – Otis Taylor – 10 receptions, 149 yards, TD

Week 6: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Week 6: Philadelphia Eagles at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Eagles	14	7	0	0	21
Chiefs	0	6	7	7	20

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

Date: October 22
Game time: 1:00 p.m. CDT
Game weather: 55 °F (12.8 °C), relative humidity 92%, wind 13 mph
Game attendance: 78,389
Referee: Bob Frederic
TV announcers (CBS): Don Criqui, Irv Cross and Jim Thacker
Box score

Game information

First quarter

PHI – Ben Hawkins 67-yard pass from Pete Liske (Tom Dempsey kick). Eagles 7–0.
PHI – Harold Jackson 36-yard pass from Pete Liske (Tom Dempsey kick). Eagles 14–0.

Second quarter

PHI – Harold Jackson 41-yard pass from Pete Liske (Tom Dempsey kick). Eagles 21–0.
KC – Jan Stenerud 31-yard field goal. Eagles 21–3.
KC – Jan Stenerud 37-yard field goal. Eagles 21–6.

Third quarter

KC – Ed Podolak 11-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick). Eagles 21–13.

Fourth quarter

KC – Willie Frazier 20-yard pass from Len Dawson (Jan Stenerud kick). Eagles 21–20.

Top passers

PHI – Pete Liske – 8/12, 209 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
KC – Len Dawson – 17/29, 168 yards, TD, INT

Top rushers

PHI – Larry Watkins – 18 rushes, 87 yards
KC – Wendell Hayes – 11 rushes, 55 yards

Top receivers

PHI – Harold Jackson – 3 receptions, 93 yards, 2 TD
KC – Ed Podolak – 7 receptions, 60 yards

Week 7: at San Diego Chargers

Week 7: Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chiefs	0	3	10	13	26
Chargers	0	7	0	7	14

at San Diego Stadium, San Diego, California

Date: October 29
Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
Game weather: 62 °F (16.7 °C), relative humidity 75%, wind 8 mph
Game attendance: 54,533
Referee: Norm Schachter
TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones and George Ratterman
Box score

Game information

First quarter

No scoring plays.

Second quarter

KC – Jan Stenerud 33-yard field goal. Chiefs 3–0.
SD – Mike Garrett 27-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick). Chargers 7–3.

Third quarter

KC – Jan Stenerud 50-yard field goal. Chargers 7–6.
KC – Ed Podolak 6-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 13–7.

Fourth quarter

KC – Jan Stenerud 15-yard field goal. Chiefs 16–7.
SD – Mike Garrett 3-yard run (Dennis Partee kick). Chiefs 16–14.
KC – Robert West 8-yard fumble return (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 23–14.
KC – Jan Stenerud 37-yard field goal. Chiefs 26–14.

Top passers

KC – Len Dawson – 14/27, 154 yards, 2 INT
SD – John Hadl – 18/36, 231 yards, TD, 3 INT

Top rushers

KC – Ed Podolak – 18 rushes, 71 yards, TD
SD – Cid Edwards – 12 rushes, 55 yards

Top receivers

KC – Otis Taylor – 5 receptions, 86 yards
SD – Cid Edwards – 7 receptions, 93 yards

Week 8: vs. Oakland Raiders

Week 8: Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Raiders	0	0	7	7	14
Chiefs	0	17	3	7	27

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

Date: November 5
Game time: 3:00 p.m. CST
Game weather: 53 °F (11.7 °C), relative humidity 60%, wind 12 mph
Game attendance: 82,094
Referee: Pat Haggerty
TV announcers (NBC): Curt Gowdy and Al De Rogatis
Box score

Game information

First quarter

No scoring plays.

Second quarter

KC – Wendell Hayes 29-yard pass from Len Dawson (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 7–0.
KC – Robert West 42-yard pass from Len Dawson (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 14–0.
KC – Jan Stenerud 31-yard field goal. Chiefs 17–0.

Third quarter

KC – Jan Stenerud 40-yard field goal. Chiefs 20–0.
OAK – Marv Hubbard 4-yard run (George Blanda kick). Chiefs 20–7.

Fourth quarter

KC – Ed Podolak 27-yard pass from Len Dawson (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 27–7.
OAK – Raymond Chester 13-yard pass from Ken Stabler (George Blanda kick). Chiefs 27–14.

Top passers

OAK – Ken Stabler – 14/23, 167 yards, TD
KC – Len Dawson – 10/18, 181 yards, 3 TD

Top rushers

OAK – Charlie Smith – 8 rushes, 30 yards
KC – Ed Podolak – 27 rushes, 115 yards

Top receivers

OAK – Fred Biletnikoff – 10 receptions, 114 yards
KC – Otis Taylor – 3 receptions, 51 yards

Week 9: at Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 9: Kansas City Chiefs at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chiefs	0	7	0	0	7
Steelers	0	0	3	13	16

at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Date: November 12
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Game weather: 41 °F (5.0 °C), relative humidity 75%, wind 9 mph
Game attendance: 50,350
Referee: Jim Tunney
TV announcers (NBC): Jim Simpson and Kyle Rote
Box score

Game information

First quarter

No scoring plays.

Second quarter

KC – Jim Kearney 65-yard interception return (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 7–0.

Third quarter

PIT – Roy Gerela 25-yard field goal. Chiefs 7–3.

Fourth quarter

PIT – Roy Gerela 10-yard field goal. Chiefs 7–6.
PIT – Roy Gerela 49-yard field goal. Steelers 9–7.
PIT – Franco Harris 7-yard run (Roy Gerela kick). Steelers 16–7.

Top passers

KC – Len Dawson – 17/36, 161 yards, INT
PIT – Terry Bradshaw – 8/20, 92 yards, 3 INT

Top rushers

KC – Jim Otis – 8 rushes, 22 yards
PIT – Franco Harris – 17 rushes, 134 yards, TD

Top receivers

KC – Otis Taylor – 3 receptions, 45 yards
PIT – Ronnie Shanklin – 1 reception, 36 yards

Week 10: vs. San Diego Chargers

Week 10: San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	7	17	3	0	27
Chiefs	7	0	3	7	17

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

Date: November 19
Game time: 1:00 p.m. CST
Game weather: 32 °F (0.0 °C), relative humidity 81%, wind 11 mph, wind chill 23
Game attendance: 79,011
Referee: Jack Reader
TV announcers (NBC): Jim Simpson and Kyle Rote
Box score

Game information

First quarter

SD – Mike Garrett 3-yard run (Dennis Partee kick). Chargers 7–0.
KC – Wendell Hayes 4-yard pass from Len Dawson (Jan Stenerud kick). Tied 7–7.

Second quarter

SD – Dennis Partee 46-yard field goal. Chargers 10–7.
SD – John Hadl 1-yard run (Dennis Partee kick). Chargers 17–7.
SD – Gary Garrison 20-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick). Chargers 24–7.

Third quarter

SD – Dennis Partee 24-yard field goal. Chargers 27–7.
KC – Jan Stenerud 28-yard field goal. Chargers 27–10.

Fourth quarter

KC – Robert West 36-yard pass from Mike Livingston (Jan Stenerud kick). Chargers 27–17.

Top passers

SD – John Hadl – 17/28, 216 yards, TD
KC – Mike Livingston – 19/30, 231 yards, TD, 3 INT

Top rushers

SD – Cid Edwards – 12 rushes, 62 yards
KC – Mike Adamle – 9 rushes, 34 yards

Top receivers

SD – Cid Edwards – 6 receptions, 82 yards
KC – Otis Taylor – 3 receptions, 61 yards

Week 11: at Oakland Raiders

Week 11: Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chiefs	0	3	0	0	3
Raiders	10	13	0	3	26

at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California

Date: November 26
Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
Game weather: 50 °F (10.0 °C), relative humidity 88%, wind 8 mph
Game attendance: 54,801
Referee: Ben Dreith
TV announcers (NBC): Curt Gowdy and Al De Rogatis
Box score

Game information

First quarter

OAK – Charlie Smith 2-yard run (George Blanda kick). Raiders 7–0.
OAK – George Blanda 27-yard field goal. Raiders 10–0.

Second quarter

KC – Jan Stenerud 40-yard field goal. Raiders 10–3.
OAK – Fred Biletnikoff 14-yard pass Daryle Lamonica (kick failed). Raiders 16–3.
OAK – Raymond Chester 19-yard pass from Daryle Lamonica (George Blanda kick). Raiders 23–3.

Third quarter

No scoring plays.

Fourth quarter

OAK – George Blanda 25-yard field goal. Raiders 26–3.

Top passers

KC – Mike Livingston – 9/21, 66 yards, 3 INT
OAK – Daryle Lamonica – 14/21, 174 yards, 2 TD, INT

Top rushers

KC – Mike Adamle – 9 rushes, 36 yards
OAK – Marv Hubbard – 13 rushes, 96 yards

Top receivers

KC – Wendell Hayes – 3 receptions, 26 yards
OAK – Fred Biletnikoff – 3 receptions, 33 yards, TD

Week 12: vs. Denver Broncos

Week 12: Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos	7	7	0	7	21
Chiefs	0	10	14	0	24

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

Date: December 3
Game time: 1:00 p.m. CST
Game weather: 30 °F (−1.1 °C), relative humidity 68%, wind 19 mph, wind chill 18
Game attendance: 66,725
Referee: John McDonough
TV announcers (NBC): Ross Porter and Willie Davis
Box score

Game information

First quarter

DEN – Floyd Little 2-yard run (Jim Turner kick). Broncos 7–0.

Second quarter

KC – Jim Kearney 29-yard interception return (Jan Stenerud kick). Tied 7–7.
KC – Jan Stenerud 41-yard field goal. Chiefs 10–7.
DEN – Haven Moses 1-yard pass from Charley Johnson (Jim Turner kick). Broncos 14–10.

Third quarter

KC – Ed Podolak 1-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 17–14.
KC – Bobby Bell 61-yard interception return (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 24–14.

Fourth quarter

DEN – Fran Lynch 8-yard run (Jim Turner kick). Chiefs 24–21.

Top passers

DEN – Charley Johnson – 18/35, 211 yards, TD, 2 INT
KC – Mike Livingston – 7/20, 77 yards, INT

Top rushers

DEN – Floyd Little – 22 rushes, 86 yards, TD
KC – Ed Podolak – 14 rushes, 54 yards, TD

Top receivers

DEN – Haven Moses – 4 receptions, 57 yards, TD
KC – Ed Podolak – 3 receptions, 34 yards

Week 13: vs. Baltimore Colts

Week 13: Baltimore Colts at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Colts	0	10	0	0	10
Chiefs	3	7	7	7	24

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

Date: December 10
Game time: 3:00 p.m. CST
Game weather: 8 °F (−13.3 °C), relative humidity 56%, wind 11 mph, wind chill -8
Game attendance: 44,175
Referee: Fred Wyant
TV announcers (NBC): Bill Enis and Paul Maguire
Box score

Game information

First quarter

KC – Jan Stenerud 31-yard field goal. Chiefs 3–0.

Second quarter

BAL – Jim O'Brien 22-yard field goal. Tied 3–3.
BAL – Tom Mitchell 5-yard pass from Marty Domres (Jim O'Brien kick). Colts 10–3.
KC – Wendell Hayes 13-yard pass from Len Dawson (Jan Stenerud kick). Tied 10–10.

Third quarter

KC – Otis Taylor 25-yard pass from Len Dawson (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 17–10.

Fourth quarter

KC – Ed Podolak 5-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 24–10.

Top passers

BAL – Marty Domres – 11/24, 148 yards, TD, 2 INT
KC – Len Dawson – 15/21, 137 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

BAL – Don McCauley – 11 rushes, 43 yards
KC – Wendell Hayes – 19 rushes, 104 yards

Top receivers

BAL – Jim O'Brien – 2 receptions, 59 yards
KC – Wendell Hayes – 5 receptions, 55 yards, TD

Week 14: at Atlanta Falcons

Week 14: Kansas City Chiefs at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chiefs	0	3	7	7	17
Falcons	0	7	0	7	14

at Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

Date: December 17
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Game weather: 27 °F (−2.8 °C), relative humidity 35%, wind 15 mph, wind chill 15
Game attendance: 58,850
Referee: Norm Schachter
TV announcers (NBC): Curt Gowdy and Al De Rogatis
Box score

Game information

First quarter

No scoring plays.

Second quarter

KC – Jan Stenerud 28-yard field goal. Chiefs 3–0.
ATL – Art Malone 1-yard run (Bill Bell kick). Falcons 7–3.

Third quarter

KC – Otis Taylor 25-yard pass from Len Dawson (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 10–7.

Fourth quarter

ATL – Ken Burrow 17-yard pass from Bob Berry (Bill Bell kick). Falcons 14–10.
KC – Ed Podolak 7-yard pass from Len Dawson (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 17–14.

Top passers

KC – Len Dawson – 18/26, 139 yards, 2 TD, INT
ATL – Bob Berry – 11/25, 177 yards, TD, 2 INT

Top rushers

KC – Wendell Hayes – 17 rushes, 69 yards
ATL – Dave Hampton – 19 rushes, 65 yards

Top receivers

KC – Otis Taylor – 8 receptions, 69 yards, TD
ATL – Jim Mitchell – 2 receptions, 57 yards

Standings

AFC West
view talk edit	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
Oakland Raiders	10	3	1	.750	3–2–1	7–3–1	365	248	W6
Kansas City Chiefs	8	6	0	.571	4–2	6–5	287	254	W3
Denver Broncos	5	9	0	.357	2–4	4–6	325	350	W2
San Diego Chargers	4	9	1	.321	2–3–1	4–6–1	264	344	L3

References

^ ^a ^b "Chiefs wrap it up on winning note". Lawrence Daily Journal World. (Kansas). Associated Press. December 18, 1972. p. 28.
^ "Chiefs begin trying to fill Robinson void". Lawrence Daily Journal-World. (Kansas). Associated Press. July 13, 1972. p. 21.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e "Kansas City Chiefs History 1970s". Archived from the original on August 23, 2007. Retrieved July 30, 2007.
^ "Kinney slated for long look against Cards". Lawrence Daily Journal-World. (Kansas). Associated Press. August 12, 1972. p. 12.
^ "Chiefs blitz Cards". Eugene Register-Guard. (Oregon). Associated Press. August 13, 1972. p. 2C.
^ Woodling, Chuck (August 14, 1972). "KC's Disneyland finally arrives, but don't look at lights". Lawrence Daily Journal-World. (Kansas). p. 18.
^ Woodling, Chuck (September 18, 1972). "Miami topples sluggish Chiefs". Lawrence Daily Journal-World. (Kansas). p. 24.
^ "Dawson's TD passes carry Chiefs, 27-14". Lawrence Daily Journal-World. (Kansas). Associated Press. November 6, 1972. p. 21.
^ "KC licks wounds after Raider loss". Lawrence Daily Journal-World. (Kansas). Associated Press. November 27, 1972. p. 17.
^ Urena, Ivan; Pro Football Schedules: A Complete Historical Guide from 1933 to the Present, p. 18 ISBN 0786473517
^ Urena; Pro Football Schedules, p. 17

[wrapup-1] "Chiefs wrap it up on winning note". Lawrence Daily Journal World. (Kansas). Associated Press. December 18, 1972. p. 28.

[robvoid-2] "Chiefs begin trying to fill Robinson void". Lawrence Daily Journal-World. (Kansas). Associated Press. July 13, 1972. p. 21.

[Chiefs_History_1970s-3] "Kansas City Chiefs History 1970s". Archived from the original on August 23, 2007. Retrieved July 30, 2007.

[knslt-4] "Kinney slated for long look against Cards". Lawrence Daily Journal-World. (Kansas). Associated Press. August 12, 1972. p. 12.

[ergcbc-5] "Chiefs blitz Cards". Eugene Register-Guard. (Oregon). Associated Press. August 13, 1972. p. 2C.

[dlalts-6] Woodling, Chuck (August 14, 1972). "KC's Disneyland finally arrives, but don't look at lights". Lawrence Daily Journal-World. (Kansas). p. 18.

[mtsch-7] Woodling, Chuck (September 18, 1972). "Miami topples sluggish Chiefs". Lawrence Daily Journal-World. (Kansas). p. 24.

[dtdpcc-8] "Dawson's TD passes carry Chiefs, 27-14". Lawrence Daily Journal-World. (Kansas). Associated Press. November 6, 1972. p. 21.

[kclixks-9] "KC licks wounds after Raider loss". Lawrence Daily Journal-World. (Kansas). Associated Press. November 27, 1972. p. 17.

[Pro-10] Urena, Ivan; Pro Football Schedules: A Complete Historical Guide from 1933 to the Present, p. 18 ISBN 0786473517

[11] Urena; Pro Football Schedules, p. 17

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v t e Kansas City Chiefs
Founded in 1960 Formerly the Dallas Texans (1960–1962) Based and headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri
Franchise	Franchise History Seasons All-time roster First-round picks Coaches Logos and uniforms Awards Records Starting quarterbacks (list)
Stadiums	Cotton Bowl Municipal Stadium Arrowhead Stadium
Key personnel	Chairman & CEO: Clark Hunt President: Mark Donovan General manager: Brett Veach Head coach: Andy Reid
Culture	Chiefs name controversy Hunt family Lamar Norma Clark H. Roe Bartle George Toma Warpaint K. C. Wolf Cheerleaders Tomahawk chop "(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)" Quarterback Super Ball
Lore	13 Seconds 2018 game vs. Los Angeles Rams Award winners Jet Chip Wasp Super Bowl parade shooting
Rivalries	Buffalo Bills Cincinnati Bengals Denver Broncos Las Vegas Raiders Los Angeles Chargers St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Rams (former)
Wild card berths (10)	1968 1969 1986 1990 1991 1992 1994 2006 2013 2015
Division championships (16)	1962 1966 1971 1993 1995 1997 2003 2010 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Conference championships (4)	2019 2020 2022 2023
League championships (5)	1962 1969 (IV) 2019 (LIV) 2022 (LVII) 2023 (LVIII)
Retired numbers	3 16 18 28 33 36 58 63 78 86
Media	Broadcasters Television: KCTV WDAF-TV KSHB-TV KMBC Radio: WDAF-FM Personalities: Dave Armstrong Len Dawson Kendall Gammon Bob Gretz Art Hains Bill Grigsby Kevin Harlan Mitch Holthus Roger Twibell
Current league affiliations	League: National Football League (1970–present) Conference: American Football Conference Division: West Division
Former league affiliation	League: American Football League (1960–1969)

v t e Kansas City Chiefs seasons
Formerly the Dallas Texans (1960–1962)
1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Bold indicates AFL Championship (1960–65) or Super Bowl (1966–) victory Italics indicates Super Bowl appearance