Predictions for how the Kansas City Chiefs will fare in 2026 are all over the place.
It’s understandable given how much change they underwent during the offseason. Some believe they are still a work in progress and will not return to Super Bowl competition this season, but others think they will do exactly that. However, some reasons as to why the Chiefs will struggle are becoming tired.
Kansas City Chiefs Predicted to Miss Playoffs Due to Lack of Elite Players
Douglas Clawson of CBS Sports recently made one bold prediction for all 32 NFL teams. When he got to the Chiefs, his prediction was more of a reflection of the general national media narrative than it was bold.
“The Chiefs failed to make an AFC title game last season for the first time since Mahomes became a full-time starter. Instead of rebounding to make another run this year they are going to miss the playoffs again as Mahomes won’t have enough help from his supporting cast. The Chiefs are amazingly the only team without a 1,000-yard rusher or receiver in the past three seasons. Rashee Rice can’t stay on the field, Xavier Worthy hasn’t turned all-world speed into production and Travis Kelce doesn’t have much left in the tank. Chris Jones is on the decline and the defense lost most of its starting secondary. It all adds up to another disappointing season in Kansas City and the need to reinvent themselves in 2027.”
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Chiefs Have Made Enough Changes to Buy Into Improvement From 2025
Injuries are certainly a legitimate concern for Kansas City. You can say that for any team, but it’s especially true for the Chiefs since they’ve had such a significant number of them as of late. Mahomes is coming off a major knee operation, Rice and Worthy missed both had offseason surgery, and there as been multiple ailments along the offensive line.
However, I can’t buy that talent is the problem. In 2024 with Rice out, Worthy developed into the Chiefs’ No. 1 receiver as a rookie, helping K.C. get to the Super Bowl. Kelce may not quite be in his prime anymore, but is still better than most tight ends in the league — ranking fourth at the position in receiving yards last season.
Jones is still a monster in the middle of the defensive line, but has had very little help over the past couple of years. The Chiefs addressed that issue by drafting Peter Woods and R Mason Thomas in this year’s draft. Jones led all defensive tackles in pass rush win late last season at 17.4%, per ESPN analytics.
Finally, the Chiefs’ prize free agent signing during the offseason was running back Kenneth Walker III. They may not have had a 1,000-yard rusher in a long time, but Walker has achieved that feat twice. K.C. is expected to commit to the run more than it has in recent years, especially with Mahomes returning from injury.
NFL Analyst Gives Tired Reasoning for Chiefs Missing Playoffs in 2026