Arrowhead Pride
Where Does Every NFL Defense Rank for 2025? | The Ringer
14. Chiefs
We mostly know what we’re getting with this group. The Chiefs have finished from seventh to 14th in defensive DVOA in each of the past three seasons. And they’re mostly running it back in 2025. Kansas City lost safety Justin Reid, along with a couple of defensive linemen, in free agency. But they’ll still count on defensive tackle Chris Jones to wreck games, and Trent McDuffie remains one of the NFL’s better defensive backs. It seems like a safe bet to count on Steve Spagnuolo to get the most out of the talent he has here.
2025 NFL season: Ranking all 32 teams by watchability | ESPN
The Chiefs were not very fun to watch last season, as was exhaustively covered. Kansas City ranked 28th in explosive pass rate and 30th in explosive rush rate. The Raiders were the only other team in the bottom five in both areas. Kansas City was also fourth in explosive pass rate surrendered and third in explosive run rate surrendered. The 49ers were the only other team in the top five in both of those areas. The Chiefs drew blood from the stone of every drive with barely-there third-down conversions chased by just-enough fourth-down conversions, over and over and over again. Their 6.5 plays per drive led the league.
Even Patrick Mahomes‘ magic was not enough to make those games enjoyable to view. But this season should be better if Rashee Rice is back to full strength after his suspension. If Xavier Worthy takes the next step as a deep threat. If Marquise Brown is healthy. And if Travis Kelce can turn back the clock and recover some explosiveness. Just four big “ifs” for the Chiefs to be watchable again.
Kansas City Chiefs
Beyond starter Isiah Pacheco, the Chiefs’ depth at running back is a mess. Veteran Kareem Hunt, 30, is more of a role player as a short-yardage specialist who isn’t likely to help create the big plays. Carson Steele and Elijah Mitchell have yet to prove much in camp, and rookie Brashard Smith is playing as a hybrid receiver/running back after playing wideout earlier in his college career.
Kansas City brought in former Commanders running back Michael Wiley recently, but the position remains unsettled, and the team still appears to be searching for upgrades. — Jesse Newell, Chiefs beat writer
1 Trade Each NFL Team Should Propose Before The 2025 Season | Bleacher Report
Kansas City Chiefs: CB Joshua Williams to Tennessee Titans for 2026 sixth-round pick
The Chiefs have been the class of the AFC for over half a decade for several reasons. While quarterback Patrick Mahomes is clearly the catalyst behind the dynasty, the team also has consistently fielded...
