ESPN projected all 32 teams from 2027 to 2029 based on roster, quarterback, coaching and front office scores, and the Kansas City Chiefs landed at No. 11.
While the 2025 season wasn’t one of destiny for the Kansas City Chiefs, the organization’s outlook remains bright for at least the next few seasons.
The Chiefs hadn’t missed the playoffs since 2014 prior to last year and seemingly nothing went right for a team that has dominated the league for a decade. Obviously, the season-ending injury to star quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw a wrench into things at the end of the season, but the team wasn’t playing well before that.
Drops from receivers, weak running game beyond short distances, inability to be clutch, inconsistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks and poor special teams execution led to just six wins for a team that has averaged 12 wins per season over the last 10 years.
But don’t mistake this little bump in the road for a trend of poor play to come for Kansas City, as the team improved a lot in the offseason to fix some of their biggest problems from 2025.
The Chiefs will have Mahomes back from injury and brought in a stud running back that excels in what plagued the running game last season – explosive runs. Kenneth Walker III is fresh off winning the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player with the Seattle Seahawks and projects to have a strong first season in Kansas City.
There may be some concern on the defensive end after losing the top two cornerbacks on the roster to the Los Angeles Rams but bringing in Mansoor Delane will be huge and the defense improved on the front line as well.
ESPN staff created power rankings based on projections for all 32 teams for 2027 to 2029 and the Chiefs landed at No. 11. Rankings were based on roster (minus the quarterback), quarterback, coaching and front office – the Chiefs had an overall score of 83.2.
“How far can a team with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback really fall?” Ben Solak wrote Monday. “Questions abound regarding GM Brett Veach's recent drafting and head coach Andy Reid's antiquated scheme, but the Chiefs will always be Super Bowl contenders so long as No. 15 is healthy and under center. Such is the benefit of employing a generational talent.”
While the offense is revamped, Louis Riddick is still concerned with the receiving room. Rashee Rice is out of jail and barring more trouble off the field, he should have a better season than he did a year ago, but Xavier Worthy is banged up again and tight end Travis Kelce is more than likely done after this season.
Riddick hopes fifth-round pick Cyrus Allen can become a primary target, and with how well he performed in training camp and earning the most targets on the team in his preseason debut, he could have a solid role during his rookie season. Jalen Royals was mentioned as another receiver who could develop a decent role.
Seth Walder predicted that Mahomes will throw for 5,000 yards in one of those seasons if the passing game can find its groove again; nobody has thrown for 5,000 yards since Mahomes did in 2022.
The 2026 season should be much better than the 2025 season, but even if the Chiefs aren’t nearly as dominant as they usually are, they could return to that status over the next few years.
