Over the past few seasons, the Kansas City Chiefs have become the NFL’s most popular team. With multiple playoff appearances, a two-time MVP-winning quarterback, and three Super Bowl championships, the Chiefs have quickly gained a reputation for excellence.
However, as the 2025 season unfolds, it’s clear that the Chiefs are not the dominant force they once were. Despite high expectations, the team has struggled, unable to secure a spot in the playoffs with three games still remaining in the season. Their inability to win close games and lack of consistency have ultimately derailed their chances.
Facing the Hard Truth
Nick Wright, a longtime Chiefs supporter and analyst, shared his candid thoughts on the Dan Patrick Show. When asked why the Chiefs missed the playoffs this year, he didn’t mince words:
“They deserved to miss it,” Wright said bluntly. “After three straight Super Bowl appearances, five in the last six years, and seven consecutive conference championship games, the additional season of football finally caught up with them. They just weren’t good enough. In fact, they were pretty awful.”
Wright pointed out several key issues contributing to the Chiefs’ downfall. Patrick Mahomes, despite his brilliance in the past, has been unusually inconsistent with deep passes this season, which allowed defenses to tighten their coverage. The expected development of young receivers has not materialized as hoped, and the team has lacked a solid running game, relying almost entirely on Mahomes’ scrambling ability. Additionally, their pass rush has been ineffective, and special teams have been far from reliable.
“We’re talking about a bad team here,” Wright concluded, a harsh reality for fans who just witnessed their third consecutive Super Bowl appearance last season.
Injuries and Struggles Add to the Woes
The Chiefs’ offensive struggles have been compounded by numerous injuries throughout the season, further hindering their ability to compete at a high level. With their playoff hopes dashed, Kansas City now faces a crucial offseason.
If the front office wants to remain competitive for the 2026 season, it’s clear that they’ll need to be aggressive in free agency. In addition, the 2026 NFL Draft presents opportunities to address specific areas of need, though some positions are deeper than others.
While it’s still possible for the Chiefs to finish the season with a winning record, their outlook is uncertain. With Gardner Minshew stepping in as the quarterback and a battered offensive line in front of him, finishing strong might prove to be a tough challenge.
