Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs Receive Encouraging Offseason Boost Despite Disappointing 2025 Campaign
The Kansas City Chiefs endured one of their most turbulent seasons of the Mahomes era in 2025–26, finishing with an unexpected 6–11 record that placed them far outside the postseason picture. It was a year defined by injuries, instability, and performances that fell well below the franchise’s lofty standards. Yet even as Kansas City regroups and evaluates what went wrong, the organization is discovering that optimism still surrounds them throughout the NFL landscape.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who suffered a serious ACL and LCL injury during the season, continues his rehabilitation process. His injury was one of the lowest points of the year, as the Chiefs struggled to compensate for his absence and the offensive rhythm collapsed under relentless pressure and miscommunication. Even so, the foundational elements that made Kansas City an NFL powerhouse remain firmly in place, and analysts believe the team still possesses championship potential once Mahomes returns to full health.
Las Vegas Oddsmakers Still Believe in the Chiefs
Despite the disastrous record last season, bookmakers in Las Vegas have not wavered in their confidence in the franchise. According to DraftKings, the Chiefs are projected to finish with 10.5 wins in the upcoming 2026 season — a far cry from their 6–11 stumble and a clear sign of continued respect from oddsmakers.
Within the AFC, Kansas City is listed third overall, behind only the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills, two teams that have consistently performed at a high level in recent years. This projection demonstrates the confidence that analysts still place in the Chiefs’ long-term stability and their ability to rebound quickly after an uncharacteristic down year.
As Matt Conner of Arrowhead Addict noted in a feature published on February 19, last season’s chaotic AFC West alignment — which saw the Chiefs fall to third in the division — has not significantly influenced the betting markets. The reigning 2025 division champs, the Denver Broncos, are projected at just 9.5 wins, indicating that Vegas remains cautious about their staying power despite their recent division title.
Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to struggle once again, with a projected win total of 5.5, reflecting a widespread belief that the team is still rebuilding and faces major hurdles entering the upcoming season.
A Valuable Confidence Boost for Patrick Mahomes
More than anything, these projections send a strong message to Mahomes himself: Las Vegas still trusts him to return to form and return Kansas City to the postseason. After a season in which he battled injuries, protection issues, and diminishing offensive firepower, the external support serves as a morale boost to both Mahomes and the organization.
Conner emphasized this in his analysis, noting that oddsmakers “maintain a fierce belief in Patrick Mahomes and his ability to return to the postseason after a shocking collapse in 2025.” Having played in five Super Bowls in six years, Kansas City has earned the benefit of the doubt — even after a season that exposed real vulnerabilities throughout the roster.
Still, the optimism does not overshadow the roster concerns facing the Chiefs this offseason. Conner warns that the projections may represent the “last vestiges of faith” in a team that has ruled the NFL but now faces significant questions regarding depth, durability, and high-impact positional turnover.
Mahomes’ 2025 Performance: Not Great, Not Terrible — But Below His Standard
Despite missing time due to injury, Mahomes posted respectable numbers during the 2025–26 season. According to ESPN, he finished with 3,587 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions across 14 games. While those statistics reflect a solid season, they were not enough to place him among the league’s top-tier quarterbacks, especially in comparison to the explosiveness he displayed in earlier campaigns.
Pro Football Focus placed Mahomes at No. 20 in their quarterback rankings, a surprising drop for a player who spent most of his career in the top 5. Analyst Nick Akridge highlighted Mahomes’ inconsistent play, noting that while he showed flashes of brilliance early in the season, structural weaknesses around him prevented him from carrying the offense in his typical fashion.
These issues were amplified when injuries decimated Kansas City’s offensive line. Key starters missed extended time, while rookie offensive tackle Josh Simmons took a leave of absence for personal reasons — a development that left Mahomes under constant pressure in numerous games. Without sufficient protection, Mahomes struggled to extend plays and create explosive moments, leading to erratic offensive performances and an elevated turnover rate.
The Chiefs’ Roster Concerns: A Closer Look
Kansas City faces several structural challenges this offseason, many of which contributed to last year’s downturn:
-
Offensive line instability, particularly at tackle, made the offense one-dimensional and vulnerable to heavy pressure schemes.
-
Lack of reliable weapons, especially at wide receiver, limited Mahomes’ ability to stretch the field.
-
Defensive inconsistencies resulted in back-and-forth games where Kansas City could not protect leads or keep pace during scoring lulls.
-
Injury attrition hit multiple key positions, including cornerback, edge rusher, and running back.
With Mahomes rehabbing and the organization restructuring parts of its depth chart, the offseason decisions made in the coming months will shape whether Kansas City regains its position as an AFC powerhouse or continues downward.
Why Vegas Still Trusts Kansas City More Than Most
Despite these problems, the reasons for optimism remain strong:
-
Mahomes is still Mahomes, and even at less than full strength, he remains one of the most gifted quarterbacks in league history.
-
Andy Reid’s system, even with natural fluctuations, has a track record of maximizing quarterback play and adapting to personnel limitations.
-
Kansas City’s defensive foundation remains intact, offering continuity heading into the 2026 season.
-
Front office stability positions the team to make aggressive moves in free agency and the draft.
Vegas knows the Chiefs have a proven formula: elite quarterback play, intelligent coaching, and a roster capable of retooling efficiently.
The Road Ahead for Mahomes and the Chiefs
As Mahomes continues his recovery, the Chiefs face a crucial offseason marked by decisions that could dictate whether they return to glory or take another step backward. Strengthening the offensive line, adding reliable receiving threats, and rebuilding defensive consistency are all high-priority tasks.
Still, the betting markets offer Kansas City something the franchise desperately needed after a tumultuous year: a reminder that the football world still believes in their ability to rebound. For Mahomes, who is wired to compete at the highest level, that belief might be the spark that carries him into a defining comeback season.
Even after one of the roughest years of his career, Mahomes remains a player bookmakers refuse to bet against — and that optimism could be the best sign yet that the Chiefs’ dynasty window isn’t closed, just temporarily dimmed.
