Return of the Kings?

For the first time with Patrick Mahomes in command, a cloud of doubt hangs over what lies ahead for the Kansas City Chiefs heading into a season, but might they still have what it takes to return to the NFL’s biggest stage?

The Chiefs’ reign over the AFC West finally came to a halt last season, ending a 9-year streak as division champions, also missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade.

Whilst a torn ACL ended franchise quarterback Mahomes’ year and provided a genuine excuse for their late season dip in form, it is worth noting that the Chiefs were already sitting at 6-8 and well outside the playoff picture, which has raised legitimate concern as to whether the Chiefs will be able to return to the playoffs despite Mahomes returning to full health.

The Chiefs’ path back to the postseason will be made considerably more difficult by the strength of the AFC West. The Denver Broncos have emerged as a genuine force, finishing 14-3 in 2025, while the Los Angeles Chargers remain firmly in the playoff conversation.

In what might prove to hamper the Chiefs’ hopes the most this season, they traded All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams, whilst defensive back Jaylen Watson and safety Bryan Cook, key pieces in the team’s back-to-back Super Bowl victories, also left as free agents. In place of these notable losses, the Chiefs targeted replacements via the draft, trading up to select Mansoor Delane (pick 6) with their first-round selection, who shapes as one of the favourites for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

On the offensive side of the ball, all-time great Travis Kelce returns for his 14th (and potentially final) NFL season, while reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III was their marquee signing on a 3-year, $43 million deal, who Chiefs fans are hoping can provide a spark out of the backfield that the team lacked in 2025, with Isaiah Pacheco (now with Detroit) unable to return to his best form after suffering a fractured fibula 2 seasons ago.

Their most significant off-season signing, however, might not have been a player. With Matt Nagy leaving his role as offensive co-ordinator for the New York Giants, the door opened for the team to bring back former offensive co-ordinator Eric Bienemy (2018-22), who was responsible for Kansas City’s most fruitful offensive period with Mahomes under centre. He might just be able to revamp this offense, which certainly lacks depth beyond its top-end talent.

Head coach Andy Reid has declared that his team’s star quarterback will not feature in preseason at all to ensure he has the best possible chance to return to full health in time to be available for Week 1 against Denver.

Kansas City kicks off its preseason at Arrowhead Stadium tonight against the Rams.

Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City faithful seem to think this team has what it takes to avoid rebuilding and remain in contention, one of the league’s most intriguing stories to watch heading into the year. What do you think the 2026-27 season has in store for the Chiefs?