Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs Have a Major Issue That Could Derail 2025

Less than eight months ago, it looked like the Kansas City Chiefs were on their way to an unprecedented third straight Super Bowl championship, one that would make them an undisputed dynasty. Instead, they got blown out in Super Bowl LIX by the Philadelphia Eagles, and now their whole operation looks a little wobbly.

They fell to 0-2 on the season after losing on Sunday in a rematch of the big game against Philly. This is the first time since 2014 they have been 0-2, and statistically, the odds are a little against them when it comes to merely making the playoffs.

There is a sense that the Chiefs will be fine when it comes to their chances of reaching the postseason and that they simply need to weather this current rough patch. But as far as contending for their fourth world championship in the last seven seasons, they’re in real trouble.

While Kansas City is fifth in the NFL in yards per rushing attempt, that stat is likely misleading. Analyst Chris Simms said that not only is its running game grounded, but its passing game has problems as well.

“It’s been tough,” Simms said. “It doesn’t look great. Mahomes is the second leading rusher for the second week in a row. Yes, he’s making mistakes, too, but there’s not a lot of help out here right now. There’s nowhere to go. They can’t run the football. They haven’t been able to. That’s concerning. Protection mistakes and then no separation from anybody down the field. There’s nobody here game-planning or scared of Kansas City right now, and Mahomes has too much on his plate.”

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Through two games, Mahomes has run for 123 yards and two touchdowns, which is certainly impressive, especially given that he isn’t Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen. But the rest of the team has 96 rushing yards, and that is a red flag.

Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City’s starting running back, is averaging just 3.1 yards per carry, and his backup, Kareem Rush, is at 3.6 yards per rush attempt. Having a team’s starting QB lead it in rushing yards and yards per rush attempt simply isn’t sustainable.

On the other hand, perhaps it’s just a matter of time before Kansas City gets itself off the mat. Rashee Rice, who may be its best threat at the wide receiver position, has served two games of his six-game suspension, and Xavier Worthy returned to action on Sunday after leaving Week 1’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers due to a shoulder ailment.

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The Chiefs’ schedule won’t get that much easier moving forward. After visiting the New York Giants this weekend, they will face the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4, the Detroit Lions in Week 6, the Washington Commanders in Week 8 and the Buffalo Bills in Week 9.

After that, they will have their bye week before visiting the Denver Broncos on Nov. 16.

For more on the Chiefs and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.