ClutchPoints
The Kansas City Chiefs are in the midst of a dynasty. They’ve won three Super Bowls and appeared in five over the last seven years. However, they had a down season last year that has some wondering if the dynasty is coming to an end. The team led by Patrick Mahomes missed the playoffs altogether, and they’ve lost a lot of key contributors over the years. The 2026 season will be somewhat of a make-or-break year for the Chiefs. So, how does each position group rate out in Kansas City?
Players: Patrick Mahomes, Justin Fields
Rating: 10
Patrick Mahomes is recovering from a torn ACL. The injury puts his future more into question than ever before. Even so, Mahomes still has a case as the best player in the entire NFL, and he seems likely to be ready for Week 1. The two-time MVP has 35,939 passing yards and 267 passing touchdowns throughout his career. Even if he isn’t ready to go at the start of the season, Justin Fields has plenty of starting experience and is one of the best rushing quarterbacks in NFL history.
Players: Kenneth Walker, Emari Demercado, Emmett Johnson, Brashard Smith
Rating: 7
During the Chiefs’ recent three Super Bowl victories, the team was much more known for their aerial attack than their running game. While Mahomes’ presence on the roster means that shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, the Chiefs should have more offensive balance this season. They were able to pluck Kenneth Walker away from the Seattle Seahawks, fresh off the ball carrier winning Super Bowl MVP. Players leaving their team after winning that award is a rarity, so Chiefs fans should be super excited. The backfield as a whole will look different this year, as Emari Demercado was added in free agency, too, and Emmett Johnson was selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Players: Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Tyquan Thornton, Cyrus Allen
Rating: 6
While Rashee Rice has had his fair share of off-the-field issues, he has all of the potential in the world on the gridiron. Rice will be Mahomes’ top target this year, but he also has a great speed threat/gadget weapon in Xavier Worthy. The team’s depth at receiver is suspect, but that hasn’t mattered much in Kansas City in the past because Mahomes can make so much happen regardless of who he is throwing to.
Players: Travis Kelce, Noah Grey
Rating: 8
Travis Kelce contemplated retirement before returning to the Chiefs for what may be his last dance. In the twilight of his career, Kelce isn’t quite the athlete he once was. He is arguably the best tight end ever and still finds a way to always get open, though. The team has had some tight end replacement plans in place for a while now, too.
Players: Trey Smith, Creed Humphrey, Kingsley Suamataia, Josh Simmons, Jaylen Moore
Rating: 8
When the Chiefs have fallen short...
