The Kansas City Chiefs are already in playoff mode. Whether they actually qualify for the 2025 NFL postseason is a completely different proposition.
The reigning AFC champions, who have won three of the past six Super Bowls, prevailed in overtime Sunday, defeating the Indianapolis Colts 23-20 in what might have effectively been a must-win game.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Chiefs improved their record to 6-5, picking up a half-game on the idle Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers in the highly competitive AFC West while otherwise keeping pace on the periphery of the conference playoff chase − though they remained in 10th place overall immediately after their narrow victory.
While a 10th straight divisional crown doesn't seem to be in the offing, K.C. did live to fight another weekend − or Thursday, actually, as the Chiefs will next play on Thanksgiving afternoon against the Dallas Cowboys.
Yet despite Sunday's escape from the Colts at Arrowhead, there's been plenty wrong with the Chiefs since the start of the 2025 campaign. Let us count the reasons – specifically six of them:
A view of the my cause my cleats worn by Dorian Williams #42 of the Buffalo Bills prior to an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on Nov. 20, 2025 in Houston, Texas. The 2025 NFL "My Cause My Cleats" campaign is active during Weeks 12 and 13, and players across the league are wearing custom cleats to spotlight charities and social issues they care about most. Causes this year include mental health, cancer awareness, youth empowerment, and more, with cleats later auctioned to raise funds for those nonprofits.
A detailed view of the cleats of Davis Mills of the Houston Texans before the game against the Buffalo Bills at NRG Stadium on Nov. 20, 2025 in Houston, Texas. Mills has participated in the NFL's My Cause My Cleats campaign multiple times, his 2025 design supports the Rally Foundation, which funds childhood cancer research.
Myles Bryant is participating in the NFL's 2025 "My Cause My Cleats" , which allows players to wear custom-designed cleats to spotlight causes they care about. For this year, Bryant is representing the Eaton Fire Collaborative, an organization focused on community safety and fire prevention initiatives
Dawson Knox of the Buffalo Bills is participating in the NFL's "My Cause My Cleats" campaign for Week 12 of the 2025 season. His chosen cause is P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative, an organization that provides financial and emotional support to families battling pediatric cancer and funds critical research initiatives. Knox has supported this cause for several years, honoring his late brother and continuing his advocacy for children and families affected by cancer.
A detailed view of the my clause my cleats worn by Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills prior to an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on Nov. 20, 2025 in Houston, Texas. Josh Allen's 2025 "My Cause My Cleats" campaign is dedicated to John R. Oishei Children's Hospital in Buffalo. His custom cleats feature artwork created by 11 pediatric patients from the hospital, designed in collaboration with Stadium Custom Kicks. This continues Allen's long-standing relationship with Oishei, which includes his Patricia Allen Fund that supports critical care teams at the hospital. Throughout the season, Allen has also worn hats designed by patients and auctioned them off to raise funds for the hospital.
A detailed view of "My Cause My Cleats" worn by Ty Johnson #26 of the Buffalo Bills during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on Nov.20, 2025 in Houston, Texas. He is supporting support two causes: Same Here Global, which focuses on mental health, and the Allegany County Animal Shelter.1 / 6NFL players show off their ‘My Cause My Cleats’ fashion for charities
A view of the my cause my cleats worn by Dorian Williams #42 of the Buffalo Bills prior to an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on Nov. 20, 2025 in Houston, Texas. The 2025 NFL "My Cause My Cleats" campaign is active during Weeks 12 and 13, and players across the league are wearing custom cleats to spotlight charities and social issues they care about most. Causes this year include mental health, cancer awareness, youth empowerment, and more, with cleats later auctioned to raise funds for those nonprofits.1 / 6NFL players show off their ‘My Cause My Cleats’ fashion for charities
A view of the my cause my cleats worn by Dorian Williams #42 of the Buffalo Bills prior to an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on Nov. 20, 2025 in Houston, Texas. The 2025 NFL "My Cause My Cleats" campaign is active during Weeks 12 and 13, and players across the league are wearing custom cleats to spotlight charities and social issues they care about most. Causes this year include mental health, cancer awareness, youth empowerment, and more, with cleats later auctioned to raise funds for those nonprofits.2 / 6NFL players show off their ‘My Cause My Cleats’ fashion for charities
A detailed view of the cleats of Davis Mills of the Houston Texans before the game against the Buffalo Bills at NRG Stadium on Nov. 20, 2025 in Houston, Texas. Mills has participated in the NFL's My Cause My Cleats campaign multiple times, his 2025 design supports the Rally Foundation, which funds childhood cancer research.3 / 6NFL players show off their ‘My Cause My Cleats’ fashion for charities
Myles Bryant is participating in the NFL's 2025 "My Cause My Cleats" , which allows players to wear custom-designed cleats to spotlight causes they care about. For this year, Bryant is representing the Eaton Fire Collaborative, an organization focused on community safety and fire prevention initiatives4 / 6NFL players show off their ‘My Cause My Cleats’ fashion for charities
Dawson Knox of the Buffalo Bills is participating in the NFL's "My Cause My Cleats" campaign for Week 12 of the 2025 season. His chosen cause is P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative, an organization that provides financial and emotional support to families battling pediatric cancer and funds critical research initiatives. Knox has supported this cause for several years, honoring his late brother and continuing his advocacy for children and families affected by cancer.5 / 6NFL players show off their ‘My Cause My Cleats’ fashion for charities
A detailed view of the my clause my cleats worn by Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills prior to an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on Nov. 20, 2025 in Houston, Texas. Josh Allen's 2025 "My Cause My Cleats" campaign is dedicated to John R. Oishei Children's Hospital in Buffalo. His custom cleats feature artwork created by 11 pediatric patients from the hospital, designed in collaboration with Stadium Custom Kicks. This continues Allen's long-standing relationship with Oishei, which includes his Patricia Allen Fund that supports critical care teams at the hospital. Throughout the season, Allen has also worn hats designed by patients and auctioned them off to raise funds for the hospital.6 / 6NFL players show off their ‘My Cause My Cleats’ fashion for charities
A detailed view of "My Cause My Cleats" worn by Ty Johnson #26 of the Buffalo Bills during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on Nov.20, 2025 in Houston, Texas. He is supporting support two causes: Same Here Global, which focuses on mental health, and the Allegany County Animal Shelter.1. The Rashee Rice disruption
Slice this however you want, but the six-game suspension K.C.’s top wideout served to start the season – for his reckless racing on a Dallas highway last year, which left six cars in a pileup and several people injured at a scene Rice left – hasn’t helped.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Chiefs split their first six games without Rice in a predictive microcosm of their season and are 3-2 since he returned. From an individual perspective, he’s been instantaneously productive after a knee injury scuttled his 2024 season after four games – producing 34 catches for 394 yards and three touchdowns, including eight big receptions for 141 yards against Indy. But when a team is average without you and effectively the same while having to belatedly integrate you into the attack midstream, what are you really bringing to the table?
2. Lady Luck's wrath
No, this isn’t a Taylor Swift reference ... yet. But the 2024 Chiefs, who finished the regular season with a 15-2 record – the best in franchise history – were 12-0 (including playoffs) in one-score games. Their meager plus-59 point differential in the regular season and minus-six mark in the playoffs, including a 22-point defeat in Super Bowl 59 that wasn’t as close as the score would suggest is indicative of a team that was relatively average, particularly by the Chiefs’ dynastic standards.
But the pendulum has swung violently in the other direction in 2025. Kansas City entered Sunday with an 0-5 record, i.e. all of its losses, in one-score games before surviving the Colts. No regression to the mean here, simply living on the polarities.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement3. Stunning AFC West regression
The Chiefs’ divisional rule wasn’t going to last forever, but they knew the barbarians were at the gates in 2024, when the Jim Harbaugh-led Chargers and Sean Payton-led Broncos both reached the playoffs as fairly surprising wild-card entries. Now, the palace has seemingly been overrun, those teams not only ahead of Kansas City in the standings but each with a win over the Chiefs in hand – potentially critically valuable currency when it comes time to sort out playoff tiebreakers at the end of the regular season.
Week 6: Washington Commanders wide receiver Chris Moore (19) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Chicago Bears at Northwest Stadium. The Commanders wore their all-black alternate uniforms for the game.
Week 6: Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (25) carries the ball for a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Falcons played the game while sporting throwback uniforms that harken back to the team's inaugural season of 1966.
Week 6: Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen operates at the line of scrimmage before a play against the Atlanta Falcons during a "Monday Night Football" game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Bills wore throwback uniforms reminiscent of the team's look from 1962-1973 during the game.
Week 6: Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young looks for a receiver against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers wore this uniform combination for the first time in the 30-27 win.
Week 5: Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel makes a catch against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium. The Bills wore their new "Rivalries" uniform for the "Sunday Night Football" game, which the Patriots won, 23-20.
Week 5: Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray makes a throw during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals wore their all-black uniforms, but were defeated 22-21.
Week 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield awaits the snap against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Both teams wore throwback uniforms in the Buccaneers' 38-35 win. The Buccaneers and Seahawks entered the NFL together as expansion teams in 1976.
Week 5: Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) is congratulated by teammate AJ Barner (88) after catching a touchdown pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Lumen Field. The Seahawks wore throwback uniforms harkening back to the team's original look from 1976-2001.
Week 5: Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton (8) runs against the Washington Commanders during the first quarter at SoFi Stadium. The Chargers wore monochrome powder blue uniform pants and jerseys for the first time.
Week 5: New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) is tackled by the Dallas Cowboys' Trevon Diggs (7) and Juanyeh Thomas (2) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. The Cowboys wore their "Arctic White" uniforms for the 37-22 win.
Week 5: New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields stands in the pocket against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets wore their all-black uniforms in the 37-22 loss.
Week 4: Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) hands the ball off to running back J.K. Dobbins during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Empower Field at Mile High. The Broncos wore their "Midnight Navy" uniforms for the 28-3 win.
Week 4: Miami Dolphins running back De'von Achane rushes the ball against the New York Jets during a 27-21 win on "Monday Night Football" at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins wore their new their Nike "Rivalries" uniforms – the team version dubbed "Dark Waters."
Week 4: The Arizona Cardinals defense tackles Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) during the first quarter of a "Thursday Night Football" game at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals became the first NFL team to wear the new Nike "Rivalries" uniform in a game. The Seahawks won the game, 23-20.
Week 3: Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar (88) makes a catch during his team's "Monday Night Football" game against the Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens wore their all-black uniforms for the game dubbed, "Darkness Falls." Despite the fancy marketing moniker, the Ravens were defeated, 38-30.
Week 3: New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (5) stiff arms Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. The Saints wore their all-white uniform and helmet combo for the first time in the 44-13 loss.
Week 3: San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey carries the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers wore throwback jerseys - an homage to the team's 1950s look, as well as its 1994 Super Bowl-winning season - in the 16-15 win against the Cardinals.
Week 3: New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium. New England brought out its iconic "Pat Patriot" throwback in the 21-14 defeat.
Week 3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (1) runs with the ball as New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner attempts to make the tackle during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers wore their famous "Creamsicle" throwback uniforms in the 29-27 win.
Week 3: Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns debuted their "Alpha Dawg" alternate uniform for the 13-10 win.
Week 3: Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jourdan Lewis (2) celebrates after making an interception in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at EverBank Stadium. The Jaguars wore their "Prowler Throwbacks" - an homage to the team's late-1990s heyday - for the 17-10 win.
Week 3: Carolina Panthers tight end JaTavion Saunders runs with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers wore their special black helmets in the 30-0 win.
Week 2: Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Sporting "The Vikings Classic" throwback uniform inspired by the team's look during the 1960s and '70s, Minnesota was defeated, 22-6.
Week 2: The Green Bay Packers' Micah Parsons (1) reacts during a "Thursday Night Football" game against the Washington Commanders at Lambeau Field. The Packers wore their "Winter Warning" uniforms for the 27-18 win.
Week 1: New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara scores a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals at Caesars Superdome. The Saints wore their reimagined "Gameday Gold" uniforms for their season opener, marking the first time the team wore gold jerseys since the 2002 season. The Cardinals defeated the Saints, 20-13.1 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 6: Washington Commanders wide receiver Chris Moore (19) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Chicago Bears at Northwest Stadium. The Commanders wore their all-black alternate uniforms for the game.1 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 6: Washington Commanders wide receiver Chris Moore (19) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Chicago Bears at Northwest Stadium. The Commanders wore their all-black alternate uniforms for the game.2 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 6: Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (25) carries the ball for a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Falcons played the game while sporting throwback uniforms that harken back to the team's inaugural season of 1966.3 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 6: Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen operates at the line of scrimmage before a play against the Atlanta Falcons during a "Monday Night Football" game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Bills wore throwback uniforms reminiscent of the team's look from 1962-1973 during the game.4 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 6: Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young looks for a receiver against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers wore this uniform combination for the first time in the 30-27 win.5 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 5: Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel makes a catch against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium. The Bills wore their new "Rivalries" uniform for the "Sunday Night Football" game, which the Patriots won, 23-20.
6 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 5: Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray makes a throw during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals wore their all-black uniforms, but were defeated 22-21.7 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield awaits the snap against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Both teams wore throwback uniforms in the Buccaneers' 38-35 win. The Buccaneers and Seahawks entered the NFL together as expansion teams in 1976.
8 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 5: Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) is congratulated by teammate AJ Barner (88) after catching a touchdown pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Lumen Field. The Seahawks wore throwback uniforms harkening back to the team's original look from 1976-2001.9 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 5: Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton (8) runs against the Washington Commanders during the first quarter at SoFi Stadium. The Chargers wore monochrome powder blue uniform pants and jerseys for the first time.10 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 5: New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) is tackled by the Dallas Cowboys' Trevon Diggs (7) and Juanyeh Thomas (2) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. The Cowboys wore their "Arctic White" uniforms for the 37-22 win.11 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 5: New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields stands in the pocket against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets wore their all-black uniforms in the 37-22 loss.12 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 4: Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) hands the ball off to running back J.K. Dobbins during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Empower Field at Mile High. The Broncos wore their "Midnight Navy" uniforms for the 28-3 win.
13 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 4: Miami Dolphins running back De'von Achane rushes the ball against the New York Jets during a 27-21 win on "Monday Night Football" at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins wore their new their Nike "Rivalries" uniforms – the team version dubbed "Dark Waters."
14 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 4: The Arizona Cardinals defense tackles Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) during the first quarter of a "Thursday Night Football" game at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals became the first NFL team to wear the new Nike "Rivalries" uniform in a game. The Seahawks won the game, 23-20.
15 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 3: Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar (88) makes a catch during his team's "Monday Night Football" game against the Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens wore their all-black uniforms for the game dubbed, "Darkness Falls." Despite the fancy marketing moniker, the Ravens were defeated, 38-30.16 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 3: New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (5) stiff arms Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. The Saints wore their all-white uniform and helmet combo for the first time in the 44-13 loss.
17 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 3: San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey carries the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers wore throwback jerseys - an homage to the team's 1950s look, as well as its 1994 Super Bowl-winning season - in the 16-15 win against the Cardinals.
18 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 3: New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium. New England brought out its iconic "Pat Patriot" throwback in the 21-14 defeat.19 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (1) runs with the ball as New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner attempts to make the tackle during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers wore their famous "Creamsicle" throwback uniforms in the 29-27 win.20 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 3: Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns debuted their "Alpha Dawg" alternate uniform for the 13-10 win.21 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 3: Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jourdan Lewis (2) celebrates after making an interception in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at EverBank Stadium. The Jaguars wore their "Prowler Throwbacks" - an homage to the team's late-1990s heyday - for the 17-10 win.22 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 3: Carolina Panthers tight end JaTavion Saunders runs with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers wore their special black helmets in the 30-0 win.23 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 2: Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Sporting "The Vikings Classic" throwback uniform inspired by the team's look during the 1960s and '70s, Minnesota was defeated, 22-6.
24 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 2: The Green Bay Packers' Micah Parsons (1) reacts during a "Thursday Night Football" game against the Washington Commanders at Lambeau Field. The Packers wore their "Winter Warning" uniforms for the 27-18 win.25 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara scores a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals at Caesars Superdome. The Saints wore their reimagined "Gameday Gold" uniforms for their season opener, marking the first time the team wore gold jerseys since the 2002 season. The Cardinals defeated the Saints, 20-13.4. Critical losses
Speaking of those tiebreakers, it’s better to lose interconference games – like when the Chiefs dropped their Super Bowl 59 rematch to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2, a much less penal defeat when the formula is applied. But in addition to those divisional setbacks, Kansas City has lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills, other teams they could be vying with for one of those three wild-card berths. Not great.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement5. Travis Kelce and Chris Jones
Aside from QB Patrick Mahomes and coach Andy Reid, Kansas City’s tight end (Kelce) and defensive cornerstone (Jones) would be the other two faces carved if a Mount Rushmore was ever built for the NFL’s most recent dynasty. Kelce, 36, has picked up the pace of late, but he wasn’t much of a factor during that 3-3 start when Rice wasn’t available to help draw coverage from him. Worse, Kelce admitted a poorly run route in the Week 1 game at Brazil that resulted in a shoulder injury to WR Xavier Worthy was entirely his fault. Worthy wound up missing most of the first three games, when K.C. was 1-2, its receiving corps further depleted by his absence. It's fair to say Kelce is still one of the league's better tight ends, if one in decline − especially relative to what he's provided this team through the years.
Jones, 31, has had an even tougher season – with just three sacks and 24 pressures, ranking him 59th league-wide entering Week 12. Worse, PFF ranked him 111th of 124 qualified defensive linemen in terms of run defense coming into the weekend. Jones' lack of gap discipline in the opening-night loss to the Chargers was notable on Bolts QB Justin Herbert’s game-icing run and drew the wrath of LB Drue Tranquill on the sideline. Jones had just one tackle against the Colts, though the Chiefs did limit Indianapolis RB Jonathan Taylor to 58 rushing yards and kept him out of the end zone.
6. Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - NOVEMBER 23: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs makes a pass in second quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Arrowhead Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)Are they about to become victims of the outsized expectations they’ve fostered? All those division titles? Five Super Bowl appearances and three Lombardi Trophies? Heck, since Mahomes became the starter in 2018, his second season, he’s never failed to lead this team to the AFC championship game. Maybe this team isn’t really that good and deserves to be hovering around .500 − doesn’t mean “we” don’t think they should win at all ... even if much of America is rejoicing that its Chiefs fatigue may be taking a break, if not ending. But don't bury K.C. yet, especially after Mahomes engineered a pair of field goal drives with his final two possessions Sunday − one bringing the Chiefs level with the Colts, the second vanquishing the AFC South leaders.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementTaylor Swift
Would that we could blame “Wood.” But nah, not her fault. Sorry, haters (we’re not!).
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bury the Chiefs? K.C. might overcome these factors to make playoffs
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