Leo Chenal realized that praying could help. The Kansas City Chiefs’ perfect season and record-setting winning streak were on the line as Wil Lutz prepared for a 35-yard field goal with just one second left on the clock at Arrowhead Stadium.

Considering the close calls they had faced this season, the Chiefs appeared to be in serious trouble. Or so it seemed.

Then came the unexpected moment that Chenal later called “complete shock.”

The third-year linebacker joined a group of rushers who burst through from Lutz’s left side. Chenal managed to dive, reach out, and block the kick just as the clock ran out. The ball made contact just beneath his right hand. With that, the Chiefs (9-0) narrowly defeated the Broncos, 16-14, discovering yet another way to win in a season full of unprecedented success.

“I was really praying for something to happen,” Chenal shared. “That moment is so heavy. There’s a second on the clock. They’re about to kick the field goal. You feel the weight of the moment.”

While Chenal expressed gratitude for his faith after the thrilling conclusion, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid vowed to treat him to a cheeseburger during the postgame festivities. Now that’s adding a unique twist to motivation.

Reid and his talented coaching staff have certainly come up with numerous strategies to keep winning despite various challenges throughout this journey to become the first team to win three consecutive Super Bowls. For the game-winning block, Chenal credited special teams coordinator Dave Toub for designing the rush that disrupted the operation, honed through countless hours on the practice field.

Yet still, with how this season has unfolded, divine help might also have played a role.

The season opener was a nail-biter, ending in a photo finish when what looked like a 10-yard touchdown catch by Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely got reversed by instant replay. His toe landed on the line at the back of the end zone.

“He should wear white cleats next time,” advised Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. “That’s my tip for him.”

In Week 2, they edged past the Bengals as Harrison Butker kicked a game-winning 51-yard field goal just as time expired, set up by a pass interference call on rookie safety Daijahn Anthony during a crucial fourth-and-16.

In Week 3, the Chiefs held strong with two fourth-down stops inside their own 13-yard line during the final six minutes against Atlanta. They also caught a lucky break when safety Bryan Cook went unpenalized for passing interference while grappling Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts in the end zone.

Ultimately, it was Nick Bolton who made a decisive play, stopping a fourth-and-1 run in the last minute and taking down Bijan Robinson for a 3-yard loss.

“Great teams find a way to win,” Chiefs safety Justin Reid said after the Atlanta victory. “No matter how it happens. It doesn’t always have to be pretty. It’s all about the results.”

This season alone, the Chiefs have won seven of their games by just one possession, facing various challenges along the way. They’ve trailed at some point in eight games, battled injuries to their wide receiver group, and lost running back Isiah Pacheco to a reported fractured fibula since Week 2.

Despite the difficulties, they’ve extended their winning streak (including playoffs) to an impressive 15 games, even though Mahomes has thrown for 300 yards just once this season. This marks the longest winning streak in the NFL since the Packers had 19 consecutive wins in 2010-2011.

As the fifth defending Super Bowl champions to start the season at 9-0, the Chiefs also hold the record for the lowest point differential (+58) among any team at that mark.

But never mind the stats. Their resilience is highlighted by their composure in high-pressure situations. In other words, they don’t defeat themselves.

“I felt we outplayed them,” Broncos coach Sean Payton remarked after the recent game. “But at the end of the day, you need to outplay a champion.”

Last season, Denver managed to beat the Chiefs and led 14-3 in the first half of the latest meeting. The Chiefs had to settle for field goals on three separate occasions after reaching the red zone, and the Broncos nearly pulled off a win with a final drive that brought them to the 14-yard line before attempting a field goal.

This appeared to be a solid strategy for overcoming the Chiefs.

Just like last week. What did Payton say about needing to defeat a champion? The Buccaneers tied the Chiefs with a last-minute drive to force overtime last Monday night but opted against trying for a game-winning two-point conversion. Criticism swirled after the game.

The Chiefs won the coin toss in overtime, and the Buccaneers never had the chance to touch the ball again as Mahomes led a 70-yard touchdown drive.

That represented one type of dramatic victory. Chenal’s block was another.

“You live for these moments,” Mahomes reflected. “Growing up playing football, you dream of a walk-off victory, regardless of how it happens. It’s something special.”

Mahomes mentioned feeling “sick” over missed opportunities for touchdowns in the late game to Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy.

“If we had completed those two passes,” he added, “we wouldn’t have been counting on Leo’s block Or even relying on prayers..”

Yet, the Chiefs have become accustomed to these nerve-racking finishes. Who knows? Perhaps they’ll get a win someday with a surprising “fumble-rooski.”

The upcoming match against the Bills in Buffalo promises to be even tougher, where the Chiefs triumphed in the AFC divisional playoffs last January. The Bills (8-2) are one of the league’s hottest teams right now, eager for revenge. This could be the toughest challenge yet for the Chiefs to maintain their undefeated record.

Predicting the outcome is another challenge, as the Chiefs continue to keep everyone on their toes.

“Every week is different,” Mahomes stated.

And indeed it is. Sometimes, it can be incredibly challenging.