The Kansas City Chiefs have big expectations on their shoulders in 2026. After a disappointing season in which the Chiefs were beset by injuries and missed the playoffs for the first time in a decade, they are once again considered one of the best teams in the NFL and on the shortlist of Super Bowl contenders.
In fact, most consider last season to be an aberrant one in Kansas City. One down season — hampered by significant injuries across the roster, no less — doesn’t erase a decade of success, does it? The Chiefs have one of the best quarterbacks in the history of the league and an experienced, innovative offensive playcaller. It seems almost a foregone conclusion that they return to the top of the AFC.
But one ESPN analyst isn’t buying the hype. Former NFL quarterback and current ESPN contributor Dan Orlovsky wasn’t shy about his issues with Kansas City’s roster construction, blasting the team’s deficiencies in a rant on ESPN on Monday, criticizing everything from health concerns to rookie contributions.
ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky’s Concerns With the Kansas City Chiefs’ Roster
GettyKANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – AUGUST 15: Wide receiver Cyrus Allen #13 of the Kansas City Chiefs catches a second quarter pass over linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green #54 of the Los Angeles Rams during an NFL preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium on August 15, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
“Can Patrick [Mahomes] be who Patrick has been, not only from the health standpoint but from the playmaking standpoint?” Orlovsky asked on ESPN on Monday. “He’s been one of the greatest players of the last generation, certainly, in the history of the NFL — it’s because of that. Is he going to be capable of doing that?”
“I think the offensive line is a big concern,” Orlovsky continued, listing his reasons for pessimism with the Chiefs in 2026. “I think the fact that they’re going to be dependent on and relying on so many rookies, to not only play but play at a high level, is a big concern. I think receiver is a huge concern, because Rashee Rice…is he going to be there? How healthy is he? The same with [Xavier Worthy]. They’ve got to rely on Cyrus Allen a ton, who again is a rookie.”
“I mean, we’re talking about a team that people are saying [is a] Super Bowl contender that is going to need significant contributions from five rookies,” Orlovsky said. “Significant!”
ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky Offers Bold Proclamation Regarding the Chiefs’ Playoff Hopes in 2026
GettyKANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – AUGUST 15: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs warms up prior to the preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Arrowhead Stadium on August 15, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
“If we got to January in the NFL — and both teams are healthy,” Orlovsky finished his rant by saying. “The Chargers aren’t in the playoffs and the Chiefs are? That would be a massive, massive disappointment in [Los Angeles]. Massive.”
It’s true that the Chargers have high expectations for themselves this year. But so do the Chiefs. And they won’t be going away quietly.
Dan Orlovsky Blasts Chiefs’ Roster in ESPN Rant: ‘Huge Concern’