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After the Kansas City Chiefs took a step back from their usual perch at the top of the AFC last year, one of the major questions looming over start of the 2026 season is if the NFL's recent dynasty can reignite itself?
While the Chiefs ability to contend hinges on the health of Patrick Mahomes, there are also a couple other factors that may lead to Kansas City at least significantly improving on their 6-11 record from 2025.
Patrick Mahomes is expected to be all clear and ready for training camp
Most importantly, Mahomes, currently seven months removed from tearing his ACL, is expected to be ready to be under center on Sept. 14 when the Chiefs kickoff the season hosting the rival Denver Broncos on "Monday Night Football." He's actually reportedly going to even be cleared for the open of training camp.
The Chiefs were only 6-8 with Mahomes in action in 2025, but in looking at his play and final numbers, there's no reason to worry about any type of significant drop off for the 30-year-old legendary quarterback. Mahomes completed 62.7% of his passes for 3,587 yards and tossed 22 touchdowns to 11 interceptions in 14 games, similar statistics to his 2024 production when Kansas City won the AFC and made their third-straight Super Bowl appearance.
Chiefs signed Kenneth Walker III to provide Mahomes the run game help he's needed
But the Chiefs also realized Mahomes is getting older and he can't be expected to mask other issues anymore. Coming off a season in which Kareem Hunt led the team in rushing with just 611 yards, the Chiefs signed the reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III in an effort to bolster their run game and take pressure off of Mahomes' arm.
In comparison, Walker ran for 1,027 yards and scored five touchdowns with the Seattle Seahawks last season. If he can duplicate that production, moving the ball and controlling the clock will become much easier for Kansas City.
Eric Bieniemy's return can't be overlooked
Bieniemy will be calling plays once again, embarking on his second stint with the Chiefs under Andy Reid. With Bieniemy, the Chiefs ranked near the top of the league in offense in each of his final years as offensive coordinator.
But since Bieniemy's departure following the Super Bowl LIV win, Kansas City's offense has failed to rank within the top 15, landing at No. 15 in 2023, No. 18 in 2024 and No. 20 in 2025.
Bieniemy's exit hasn't been the only reason for the decline, but having his mind as part of their strategy should only be a plus for the veterans on the team.
Other teams got better, too
But of course, the rest of the AFC West and conference as a whole changed and improved some, too. And the answers to questions about how much the returning (and recently married) Travis Kelce has left, if the offensive line can protect to the level they need to and if the defense can perform admirably will all impact how much success the Chiefs can have.
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