NFL Power Rankings Week 15 Roundup: Chiefs bottom out with seventh loss

The Kansas City Chiefs’ latest loss felt like the nail in the coffin of this 2025 season. After the 20-10 defeat at the hands of the Houston Texans, the collective power rankings pushed the Chiefs down as far as possible for a team led by two-time quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Here’s this week’s sampling:

NFL.com: 20

(Down from 19)

Kansas City isn’t mathematically eliminated from the playoffs — yet — but Sunday felt like a funeral at Arrowhead, with the 20-10 loss to Houston officially ending the Chiefs’ streak of division titles at nine. Patrick Mahomes didn’t have anything close to a vintage game against a terrific Texans defense, but he also didn’t drop two catchable passes with a chance to tie or win the game in the fourth quarter. First came Rashee Rice’s brutal flub on fourth down, giving the ball back to the Texans. Then, after a great defensive stand, Travis Kelce’s bobble ended up as a game-killing Texans interception. There couldn’t have been a more cruel, painful knife twist than that ending — a surefire sign that this offense is broken, even if we’ve known it for a while. We’ve done various pre-eulogies, maybe even retracting a few along the way, but this feels like it. A shocking end to an incredible run.

— Eric Edholm

ESPN: 16

(No change)

Most shocking statistical ranking: Tied for second-most drops

Before the season, the Chiefs believed their collection of pass catchers was the best in quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ career. But following Sunday’s loss, the Chiefs have 24 dropped passes, according to ESPN Research. Tight end Travis Kelce had two drops Sunday night and has a league-leading eight drops this season. Also, Kelce has three drops that resulted in interceptions, tied for the most by any player in a single season in the past 10 years.

— Nate Taylor

The Athletic: 20

(Down from 17)

Worst-case scenario: It’s over

Not just over for this season (although that, too). The Chiefs’ chances of extending their playoff streak to 11 seasons fell to 16 percent with Sunday night’s loss, and perhaps worse, everyone on the offense looked old. Even the young guys. Rashee Rice dropped multiple passes. Travis Kelce bobbled one away to the Texans. Patrick Mahomes had three interceptions and a 19.8 passer rating. Kansas City has lost four of its last five.

— Josh Kendall

Sports Illustrated: 18

(Down from 13)

Tired: The Kansas City Chiefs’ dynasty is over

Wired: The Kansas City Chiefs should fire Andy Reid

Conor: I think Patrick Mahomes just had a really bad football game, played frustrated, passed up a handful of open reads and did all of this against the best defense in the NFL.

— Conor Orr