2025 NFL Preview: Kansas City Chiefs Season Outlook, Schedule & Prediction
2025 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS SEASON PREVIEW
It was another AFC Championship Game and Super Bowl appearance for Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024. The Chiefs began the season 9-0, finding ways to win close games in the end. The Chiefs only legitimate loss came agains the Buffalo Bills in Week 11. The team sat starters in the final game of the regular season. Kansas City returned to the Super Bowl before being run off the field by the Philadelphia Eagles.
OFFENSE
The Chiefs’ offense was not the explosive attack that we are used to seeing in 2024.
How can they get back to that? It might be easy with the best quarterback in the league under center.
Patrick Mahomes won the AFC once again and did it with arguably the worst group of skill positions he has had. This season, the Chiefs get back some weapons while adding a few as well.
It begins, as always, with Travis Kelce. The connection between Mahomes and Kelce continues to be strong. Rashee Rice was taking steps toward being the Chiefs new No. 1 receiver but suffered a season-ending injury. He will return to join speedy Xavier Worthy on the outside this season.
The Chiefs will also get back Isiah Pacheco, who missed a majority of the year as well.
Kansas City saw a shakeup along the offensive line when it sent Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears. The left side will now be made up of the likely combination of Jaylon Moore and Josh Simmons. There will be a battle for the left tackle job with the other likely moving to guard.
Creed Humphrey is among the league’s best centers while Trey Smith joins him as an anchor at guard on a lucrative contract.
DEFENSE
It was not a surprise to see the Chief’ defense take a step back from what it was in 2024.
Kansas City lost L’Jarius Sneed in free agency last year and Jaylen Watson missed time with an injury. While Watson is back, his health is a major question mark. He will work opposite Trent McDuffie, giving the Chiefs an elite duo.
Jaden Hicks will have the difficult job of replacing Justin Reid, who signed with New Orleans this offseason.
Along the defensive line, the Chiefs return one of the best in Chris Jones. He is arguably the best tackle in the league. He will be joined by second-round rookie Omarr Norman-Lott.
The edge is stronger than the interior of the line. George Karloftis signed to remain in Kansas City as one of the up-and-coming rushers in the league. Mike Danna is another young player with a high ceiling. In the middle, Nick Bolton and Leo Chenal, along with Drue Tranquill, make up a more-than-capable trio at linebacker.
SCHEDULE
Week 1: vs. Los Angeles Chargers (Friday Night, Sao Paulo)
Week 2: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Week 3: at New York Giants (Sunday Night)
Week 4: vs. Baltimore Ravens
Week 5: at Jacksonville Jaguars (Monday Night)
Week 6: vs. Detroit Lions (Sunday Night)
Week 7: vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Week 8: vs. Washington Commanders (Monday Night)
Week 9: at Buffalo Bills
Week 10: BYE WEEK
Week 11: at Denver Broncos
Week 12: vs. Indianapolis Colts
Week 13: at Dallas Cowboys (Thanksgiving Day)
Week 14: vs. Houston Texans
Week 15: vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Week 16: at Tennessee Titans
Week 17: vs. Denver Broncos (Christmas Day)
Week 18: at Las Vegas Raiders
Record Prediction: 11-6