Kansas City Chiefs enter the 2025 season with high expectations amid divisional pressure.
TOI World Desk | Sep 01, 2025, 23:33 IST
Highlight of the story: The Kansas City Chiefs enter the 2025 NFL season aiming to rebound after a Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes remains the league’s top signal-caller, supported by a strengthened offensive line and healthier wide receivers, though Rashee Rice begins the season suspended. With a returning defensive core led by Chris Jones, Trent McDuffie, and Nick Bolton, the Chiefs face tough competition from the Broncos and Chargers in the AFC West but remain a top contender for another deep playoff run.
The Kansas City Chiefs are heading into the 2025 NFL season as one of the league’s most closely watched teams. They carry the legacy of past dominance and face questions about how much further they can extend their dynasty. After losing to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, the Chiefs aim to bounce back and compete for their fourth Lombardi Trophy in just seven seasons with quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid.
A quarterback at his peak
Mahomes remains the league’s top quarterback despite last season’s challenges. His offense struggled with injuries and a weak offensive line, but with a healthier receiving corps and key additions on the line, Mahomes is ready to make another MVP-caliber run. The Chiefs’ first-round pick, Josh Simmons, who missed the 2024 season due to a torn patella, joins second-year offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia to improve protection for Mahomes’ blind side. How well the two adjust will significantly impact the Chiefs’ offensive success.
Wide receiver Rashee Rice will begin the season with a six-game suspension, but Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown is expected to start, giving the Chiefs a more versatile receiving attack. Second-year standout Xavier Worthy will also take on a larger role, ensuring Mahomes has multiple options downfield.
Kansas City’s defense remains a key part of the team’s identity. Chris Jones, Trent McDuffie, and Nick Bolton return as core players in Steve Spagnuolo’s flexible defensive scheme. The unit keeps 13 of its top 15 snap-getters from 2024. This continuity provides the Chiefs with a strong foundation even as they face renewed competition in the AFC West. Despite limited salary cap space, with only $3.1 million available, cornerback McDuffie is unconcerned about his contract status. He is focused on preparing for the season. His attitude reflects the team-first mindset that has marked Kansas City’s roster under Reid and GM Brett Veach.
The Chiefs’ main rivals in the AFC West include the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers. Both teams have improved their talent and are expected to challenge Kansas City more than in previous seasons. CBS Sports projects the Chiefs to win over 11.5 games, showing confidence in Mahomes’ leadership and the team’s overall balance. ESPN estimates a 74.8% chance to make the playoffs and a 46.8% chance to win the division, with a projected 10.3 wins for the season.
Kansas City has reached five of the past seven Super Bowls, including three consecutive appearances. This success showcases Mahomes’ talent and Reid’s coaching skills. Even with some uncertainty about player health and line adjustments, the Chiefs remain the team to beat in the AFC. Mahomes is on track to possibly match Tom Brady’s record of eight consecutive conference championship appearances if the Chiefs continue their deep postseason runs.
The Chiefs open their campaign against the Los Angeles Chargers on Friday, setting the stage for what could be another memorable season. With a blend of veteran leadership, strategic offseason additions, and Mahomes’ extraordinary talent, Kansas City aims to reclaim its spot at the top while navigating an increasingly competitive division.
A quarterback at his peak
Mahomes remains the league’s top quarterback despite last season’s challenges. His offense struggled with injuries and a weak offensive line, but with a healthier receiving corps and key additions on the line, Mahomes is ready to make another MVP-caliber run. The Chiefs’ first-round pick, Josh Simmons, who missed the 2024 season due to a torn patella, joins second-year offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia to improve protection for Mahomes’ blind side. How well the two adjust will significantly impact the Chiefs’ offensive success.
Wide receiver Rashee Rice will begin the season with a six-game suspension, but Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown is expected to start, giving the Chiefs a more versatile receiving attack. Second-year standout Xavier Worthy will also take on a larger role, ensuring Mahomes has multiple options downfield.
Defensive consistency
Kansas City’s defense remains a key part of the team’s identity. Chris Jones, Trent McDuffie, and Nick Bolton return as core players in Steve Spagnuolo’s flexible defensive scheme. The unit keeps 13 of its top 15 snap-getters from 2024. This continuity provides the Chiefs with a strong foundation even as they face renewed competition in the AFC West. Despite limited salary cap space, with only $3.1 million available, cornerback McDuffie is unconcerned about his contract status. He is focused on preparing for the season. His attitude reflects the team-first mindset that has marked Kansas City’s roster under Reid and GM Brett Veach.
Divisional competition
The Chiefs’ main rivals in the AFC West include the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers. Both teams have improved their talent and are expected to challenge Kansas City more than in previous seasons. CBS Sports projects the Chiefs to win over 11.5 games, showing confidence in Mahomes’ leadership and the team’s overall balance. ESPN estimates a 74.8% chance to make the playoffs and a 46.8% chance to win the division, with a projected 10.3 wins for the season.
Dynasty in progress
Kansas City has reached five of the past seven Super Bowls, including three consecutive appearances. This success showcases Mahomes’ talent and Reid’s coaching skills. Even with some uncertainty about player health and line adjustments, the Chiefs remain the team to beat in the AFC. Mahomes is on track to possibly match Tom Brady’s record of eight consecutive conference championship appearances if the Chiefs continue their deep postseason runs.
The Chiefs open their campaign against the Los Angeles Chargers on Friday, setting the stage for what could be another memorable season. With a blend of veteran leadership, strategic offseason additions, and Mahomes’ extraordinary talent, Kansas City aims to reclaim its spot at the top while navigating an increasingly competitive division.