The Kansas City Chiefs are in unfamiliar territory - and not in a good way. At 6-7, Patrick Mahomes and company are staring down the real possibility of missing the playoffs for the first time since Mahomes became the full-time starter back in 2018.
That’s six straight seasons of postseason football, five Super Bowl appearances, and three Lombardi Trophies. But in 2025, the road looks bumpier than ever.
This isn’t just a blip on the radar anymore. The Chiefs’ 20-10 loss to the Houston Texans in Week 14 was more than just another L in the standings - it was a gut check. The offense has struggled to find rhythm, the defense has had its lapses, and even Mahomes, as generationally talented as he is, can only do so much when the machine around him isn’t firing on all cylinders.
Still, Mahomes isn’t throwing in the towel. After the loss, he made it clear: this team isn’t quitting.
“We know the chances are getting lower and lower,” Mahomes said, “but I know the guys on this team are going to give everything they have, every opportunity we get.”
That kind of leadership is why Mahomes remains the heartbeat of the franchise - and why any talk of him leaving Kansas City feels almost sacrilegious. Yet, that’s exactly what stirred the pot this week when Rich Paul, LeBron James’ longtime agent and one of the most influential voices in sports business, floated a bold idea on the “Game Over” podcast.
“You know where I want to see Mahomes? Dallas,” Paul said. “I think if they were to do that, I would call Jerry and tell him, ‘buy another helicopter, Jerry.’”
Paul was quick to clarify he wasn’t telling Mahomes to leave, nor was he suggesting the Hunt family let him go. But in the hypothetical world of blockbuster trades, he painted a picture: Mahomes in a Cowboys uniform, under the bright lights of AT&T Stadium, with the marketing muscle of Adidas, Oakley, and even the NFL itself backing the move.
“You know who else would love for him to be in Dallas? Adidas.
You know who else? Oakley.
RG (Roger Goodell) would like it. Jerry would definitely (like it),” Paul added.
It’s the kind of wild, headline-grabbing idea that gets fans talking - but let’s be clear: Mahomes isn’t going anywhere. Not now.
Not while he’s still the face of the franchise and the centerpiece of Kansas City’s football identity. Still, the fact that such a scenario is even being discussed speaks to the current tension surrounding the Chiefs’ season.
And the margin for error? It’s razor-thin.
With the AFC West crown already out of reach - snapping a nine-year run of division dominance - the Chiefs are now fighting for their playoff lives. Next up: a Week 15 showdown against the 9-4 Los Angeles Chargers.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET at Arrowhead Stadium, and it’s as close to a must-win as it gets.
The Chargers are coming off a dramatic 22-19 overtime win against the Eagles, and they’ll be looking to keep their momentum rolling. For the Chiefs, it’s not just about keeping pace - it’s about survival.
After the Chargers, Kansas City closes out the regular season against the Titans, Broncos, and Raiders. Win out, and there’s still a shot at sneaking into the postseason. But drop even one more game, and that window could slam shut.
So here we are: Patrick Mahomes, the reigning king of postseason football, fighting to keep his team’s season alive. The dynasty talk may be quieting for now, but don’t count out No. 15 just yet. The climb is steep, but if anyone can defy the odds, it’s Mahomes.