The Kansas City Chiefs do not pass particularly well. Or run the ball very far. Or pile up many offensive yards per game. Their defense has problems, too. They can’t seem to stop opponents from running, and are worse at defending the pass. Normally, these are the hallmarks of a team that can’t wait for the season to end.

Luckily for the Chiefs, this season is very far from normal. The team is 8-3, a record that has confounded the NFL and put them in contention for the playoffs—and maybe more. Or not. James “Duke” Ogan, a season...