KANSAS CITY CHIEFS FACING A CRUCIAL OFFSEASON: WILL THEY REBOUND IN 2026?

BREAKING NEWS: After a disheartening 6-11 season, the Kansas City Chiefs find themselves at a crossroads heading into the 2026 NFL offseason. With quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ recovery from a torn ACL, significant roster questions, and a division that remains brutally competitive, the Chiefs’ path back to the playoffs is far from certain.

For the Kansas City Chiefs, the 2025 NFL season was filled with frustration. After finishing with a disappointing 6-11 record, they found themselves on the outside looking in, missing the playoffs for the first time in recent memory. The loss of their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, to a torn ACL in Week 15 added a layer of uncertainty to an already challenging season. As the Chiefs now look to the 2026 season, many questions loom over the franchise’s direction—particularly surrounding Mahomes’ health and the team’s ability to contend in a loaded AFC.

Mahomes’ Injury: Will He Be Ready for 2026?

One of the biggest storylines for the Chiefs entering the offseason revolves around the health of Patrick Mahomes. After suffering a torn ACL, Mahomes missed the final three games of the 2025 season, leaving many to wonder whether he will be ready for the 2026 season opener. His recovery is crucial to the team’s success, as Mahomes is the driving force behind Kansas City’s high-powered offense.

While the team remains optimistic about his recovery, ACL injuries are serious, and Mahomes’ status for the 2026 season remains a major question mark. If he’s not ready to return, the Chiefs could find themselves in a precarious position with backup quarterbacks, and the prospect of a “punt” year under head coach Andy Reid could become a reality. Mahomes’ absence would drastically impact Kansas City’s playoff chances, but the team still has plenty of talent to work with, assuming Mahomes is healthy enough to lead them.

Changes to the Coaching Staff: Eric Bieniemy Returns

Another significant change the Chiefs made during the offseason was the decision to part ways with offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, who had been with the team for several seasons. In his place, Kansas City brought back Eric Bieniemy, the offensive coordinator who had helped orchestrate the team’s Super Bowl-winning offense in previous years. Bieniemy’s return could be seen as a way to restore stability to the Chiefs’ offense and revitalize the production that made them one of the most potent teams in the league.

Bieniemy’s familiarity with Mahomes and the offensive system could help bridge the gap as the team works through its issues. However, his success will depend on his ability to develop young players and make the necessary adjustments, especially if Mahomes is not available early in the season. With Bieniemy back at the helm, the Chiefs will be looking for offensive resurgence, particularly in areas where they struggled in 2025, such as the running game.

The Chiefs’ Roster: Aging Players and Glaring Needs

Despite the Chiefs’ history of success with Mahomes under center, the roster is showing signs of wear and tear. Many of the team’s key players are getting older, and there are growing concerns about the long-term viability of certain positions. Tight end Travis Kelce, who has been Mahomes’ most reliable target, is nearing the end of his career. There are questions about whether Kelce will retire or continue playing for another season. His absence, whether temporary or permanent, would be a significant blow to the Chiefs’ offense, which has been built around his abilities.

Additionally, the Chiefs’ offensive line was less than stellar in 2025. While they have promising players like rookie left tackle Josh Simmons and second-year guard Kingsley Suamataia, the overall performance of the line left much to be desired. Right tackle Jawaan Taylor has struggled in recent seasons, and improving the offensive line should be a top priority for Kansas City in the offseason. A better offensive line would not only help the running game but also provide more protection for Mahomes as he recovers from his ACL injury.

On defense, the Chiefs are also facing some challenges. While they have talent on the defensive side of the ball, including superstar defensive tackle Chris Jones, there are signs that Jones may be on the decline. In 2025, Jones posted a career-low 70.5 PFF overall grade, raising questions about his long-term effectiveness. The Chiefs will need to address the defensive line in the offseason, especially if they want to remain competitive in the tough AFC West.

PFF Analyst Weighs In: Can the Chiefs Make the Playoffs in 2026?

Despite these concerns, there is still hope for the Chiefs’ playoff chances in 2026. Pro Football Focus (PFF) analyst Zoltan Buday recently highlighted Kansas City as one of the teams that could bounce back next season. Buday pointed out that, regardless of how the 2025 season unfolded, it’s difficult to bet against the Chiefs as long as Patrick Mahomes is under center.

“Regardless of how the 2025 season unfolded, it’s hard to bet against the Chiefs with Patrick Mahomes under center,” Buday wrote. While acknowledging the question marks surrounding Mahomes’ health and the receiving corps, including tight end Travis Kelce’s future, Buday believes that Kansas City’s offense still has the tools to contend.

Buday also highlighted the Chiefs’ offensive line, which, when healthy, looked solid in 2025. Simmons and Suamataia showed potential in their second seasons, and the offensive line could be a strength moving forward if they continue to develop. The defense also has the potential to improve, especially if they address their issues along the defensive line.

“Even with some question marks, as long as the defense is serviceable, the offense has all the tools to carry the team into the postseason,” Buday concluded.

A Crucial Offseason: The Ninth Overall Pick and Running Back Issues

One of the most pressing needs for the Chiefs heading into the 2026 season is their running game. The team struggled to establish any consistency on the ground in 2025, and with both Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco set to hit free agency, the Chiefs will need to find a reliable option in the backfield. They also have the ninth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which gives them an opportunity to add another dynamic playmaker to their roster.

Kansas City’s defense, too, is in need of reinforcements. With the defensive line needing improvement and Chris Jones’ future uncertain, the Chiefs should target players who can immediately contribute and complement the existing talent. The draft could also provide opportunities to address these needs, and the team will need to strike the right balance between finding immediate contributors and building for the future.

Can the Chiefs Get Back to the Postseason in 2026?

While the Chiefs have significant challenges ahead, they are far from out of the playoff race in 2026. A healthy Mahomes is always a dangerous weapon, and with a revamped offensive line and the right pieces added to the roster, Kansas City could bounce back quickly. However, the AFC West is as competitive as ever, and the Chiefs will face stiff competition from teams like the Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, and Los Angeles Chargers.

The 2026 season will be a make-or-break year for the Chiefs. If Mahomes is fully recovered and the team addresses its weaknesses on both sides of the ball, they could be back in playoff contention. However, if they fail to make the right moves in the offseason, Kansas City could find itself struggling to keep up in the highly competitive AFC.

Conclusion: A Crossroads for the Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs are at a crucial crossroads as they head into the 2026 NFL offseason. With questions surrounding Mahomes’ health, an aging roster, and significant holes to fill, the team’s future is uncertain. However, with the right moves in free agency and the draft, the Chiefs could still be a playoff contender next season. The next few months will be crucial in determining whether the Chiefs can return to their dominant form or if they will need to rebuild for the future.