What is going on with the Kansas City Chiefs? Through their first 10 games, they have had their worst start to a season in almost a decade. They currently sit at 5-5, looking from the outside of the AFC Playoff Picture.
After three straight Super Bowl appearances, and three championships in the last 5 years, it is really surprising to see this Chiefs team struggle this bad. The combination of Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid we have gotten to know has been almost allergic to losing until 2025.
The Chiefs have won the AFC West nine times in a row dating back to 2016, but now this streak is in major jeopardy. Currently, the Chiefs trail the Denver Broncos by four games for first place in the AFC West.
So what has been the problem thus far? One thing I can say for sure is that it is not Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes currently has the 4th most passing yards in the NFL and third highest QBR as well. In addition, the offense ranks in the top 10 of the NFL in terms of total offense.
The normal thing to conclude would be that the defense is at fault. However, the Chiefs defense like their offense also ranks within the top 10 in total defense throughout the NFL. So where have the Chiefs gone wrong in 2025?
The answer is that their main struggle has been their ability to win close games against good teams. Every one of their five losses has come by one possession and only a combined 22 points. In addition, all of their losses have come against teams currently in a playoff position.
On the other hand, the five games that they have won have all come in pretty comfortable fashion. Each game they have won has been by at least two scores. But, only one of those wins has come against a team that is currently in the playoff picture.
Looking ahead, 3 of the Chiefs last 7 games come against teams currently in the AFC playoff picture. It is looking pretty unlikely that Kansas City will repeat as champions in the AFC West, but to keep their postseason hopes alive, they will have to win some games they aren't projected to win.
The narrative has always been to not bet against Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid. But now in 2025, has the rest of the league finally figured out how to stop Kansas City?
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