It’s Week 9 of the NFL season, and the Kansas City Chiefs continue their historic run, improving to a perfect 8-0 with a thrilling Monday Night Football win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Chiefs’ latest victory, a 31-24 overtime thriller, had everyone talking, including Rich Eisen, who shared his take on the game and what this team is accomplishing.

For Eisen, the Chiefs’ win isn’t just about the score—it’s about their ability to pull out victories in the most dramatic of circumstances. “It feels like the Chiefs find a way to win no matter what the situation is. When they need a big play, they get it. When they need to rally, they rally,” Eisen said. And Monday night was no exception.

Mahomes & Co. Make Big Plays When It Matters Most

Despite a slow start and some serious injury scares—particularly with Patrick Mahomes limping off the field in the second half after a scary ankle twist—the Chiefs showed why they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. Mahomes, after briefly being sidelined, returned to the game, leading the Chiefs to a comeback and, eventually, overtime victory.

“Once again, Mahomes shows us why he’s one of the best in the game,” Eisen remarked. “You can never count this guy out. He might take a hard hit, he might roll an ankle, but he’ll bounce back and deliver. That’s what makes him special.”

Mahomes wasn’t the only hero for the Chiefs, though. Kareem Hunt, who was brought back into the fold after a stint away from the team, had a huge impact on the game. He rushed for over 100 yards and scored the game-winning touchdown in overtime. Eisen was impressed by Hunt’s ability to step in and make a difference, especially after having been away from the Chiefs’ system for some time.

“Kareem Hunt may not have been a star for most of the game, but when it mattered, he was there. That’s the kind of depth the Chiefs have,” Eisen said. “You can’t talk about the Chiefs without mentioning their ability to plug and play players who step up when needed.”

DeAndre Hopkins: Instant Chemistry with Mahomes

Another key storyline from the game was the debut performance of DeAndre Hopkins, who was brought in recently to add another weapon to the Chiefs’ already potent offense. In his first game, Hopkins caught two touchdowns, one of which was a jaw-dropping catch in double coverage. Eisen was quick to point out how quickly Hopkins has meshed with Mahomes.

“People were wondering if Hopkins would be able to fit into the Chiefs’ offense, especially considering how fast this offense moves,” Eisen said. “But right away, we saw that Mahomes and Hopkins are a perfect match. They both have that ability to make magic happen in the most chaotic moments. That touchdown, the one in double coverage, was just a reminder of how special DeAndre Hopkins is.”

With the addition of Hopkins, the Chiefs’ already dynamic passing game has become even more lethal. And when you have players like Travis Kelce (14 receptions, 100 yards, a career-high performance) contributing week in and week out, the Chiefs’ offense looks almost unfair.

The Defense Steps Up When It Counts

Of course, it’s not just about the offense. The Chiefs’ defense also came through in critical moments. While the Bucs were able to tie the game late, sending it to overtime with a clutch drive led by Baker Mayfield, the Chiefs’ defense stood tall in the extra period. Eisen was particularly impressed by their ability to bend but not break.

“People always focus on the Chiefs’ offense because of Mahomes, but their defense deserves a lot of credit, too,” Eisen said. “They’ve been stepping up in key moments, getting key stops, and keeping the game manageable. That’s what championship teams do.”

Mahomes’ Injury Scare: Chiefs Fans Can Breathe Easy

One of the biggest moments of the game came when Mahomes went down after an awkward tackle. It looked like he might have aggravated his previously injured ankle, leaving fans—and broadcasters—on edge. But as we’ve learned over the years, Mahomes isn’t one to stay down for long.

“He’s got the loosest ankles in the NFL, I’m convinced of it,” Eisen joked, referencing Mahomes’ ability to shake off ankle injuries. “When he went down, we all feared the worst. But sure enough, he walked it off, and just like that, he was back out there, throwing dimes. It’s crazy. The guy’s built different.”

Mahomes explained after the game that it wasn’t as bad as it seemed, saying, “I think it hurt more just because it was the same ankle I rolled last week. But once I calmed down, it wasn’t too bad. I was able to go back out there and finish the game.”

Chiefs’ Dominance Continues: 8-0 and Looking Strong

As the Chiefs head into Week 10, Eisen is adamant that this team is looking like one of the most well-rounded squads in the league. Their offense is firing on all cylinders, with Mahomes, Kelce, Hopkins, and Hunt all contributing in meaningful ways. And defensively, the Chiefs are becoming tougher to break down as the season goes on.

“Right now, the Chiefs are firing on all cylinders,” Eisen said. “They’ve got the offense, they’ve got the defense, and they’ve got the quarterback who’s one of the best to ever do it. At 8-0, they’re making it clear that they’re on a mission. The road to a potential third straight Super Bowl title goes through Kansas City.”

Next up for the Chiefs is a matchup with the Denver Broncos, followed by a critical game against the Buffalo Bills. That Bills game, in particular, has Eisen’s full attention. “If the Chiefs beat Buffalo in that game, they’ll send a huge message to the rest of the league,” he said. “This team is just built for success, and they’ve got a swagger about them. Don’t bet against the Chiefs—they’re on another level right now.”

With their 8-0 record intact, the Chiefs are positioned as one of the NFL’s most dangerous teams. As long as Mahomes and the gang are rolling, it’s clear that they’re going to be a tough out for anyone come playoff time. The only question now is—can anyone stop them?

You can catch Rich Eisen every weekday from 12 to 3 PM ET on the Roku Channel, bringing you the latest analysis on the NFL, as well as coverage of all things sports.