What’s Going Wrong in Kansas City? Breaking Down the Chiefs’ Biggest Issues
The Kansas City Chiefs are still a team no one wants to face come January, but let’s be honest - this season hasn’t looked like the dominant runs we’ve grown used to during the Patrick Mahomes era. While they’ve had their share of highs, there are some glaring issues that have kept them from consistently looking like the juggernaut we’ve seen in years past. Let’s dig into three of the biggest problems that have plagued Kansas City this season - and why they’re more than just growing pains.
1. The Run Game Has Flatlined
Kansas City’s ground attack has never been the centerpiece of their offense under Mahomes, but it’s usually been good enough to keep defenses honest. This year? Not so much.
The Chiefs have tried to replicate their usual running back-by-committee approach, leaning on situational backs to fill specific roles. Kareem Hunt has carved out a niche as a reliable short-yardage option, but the explosive plays just aren’t there. In fact, they’ve managed just a single 20+ yard run from a running back all season - a stat that speaks volumes about their lack of burst.
Isiah Pacheco, typically the team’s most dynamic runner, hasn’t looked like himself. Injuries have clearly taken a toll, limiting his ability to hit top speed or make defenders miss in space.
Meanwhile, rookie Brashard Smith hasn’t stepped up as the pass-catching threat the team hoped he’d be. Without a consistent early-down run game, the Chiefs are finding themselves in way too many second-and-long and third-and-long situations - and that’s a recipe for trouble, even with Mahomes under center.
When you're constantly behind the sticks, it forces your quarterback to play hero ball. And while Mahomes has made a career out of doing just that, asking him to pull off miracles every drive is a dangerous game.
2. The Wide Receiver Room Still Has More Questions Than Answers
Coming into the season, there was real optimism that this could be Mahomes’ best receiving corps since the Tyreek Hill era. That hype hit a fever pitch when Rashee Rice returned from suspension and immediately lit up the Raiders with a two-touchdown performance. But that flash hasn’t turned into a fire.
Xavier Worthy, a burner with sky-high potential, hasn’t made the leap in Year 2. Tyquan Thornton and Marquise Brown - both of whom were expected to stretch the field - have struggled to find consistency.
And then there’s Travis Kelce. The future Hall of Famer is still a savvy route-runner and Mahomes’ most trusted target, but at 36, the yards after catch just aren’t coming like they used to.
Even Rice, who’s on pace for over 1,250 receiving yards in a full season, has had his share of costly mistakes. His fourth-down drop against Houston loomed large in a game where every possession mattered.
Against softer defenses like the Raiders and Cowboys, the Chiefs can still move the ball. But when they face elite units - like the Texans - the cracks start to show.
Man coverage has been a problem. Defenders are sticking to receivers, forcing Mahomes to hold the ball longer and make riskier throws.
It’s a formula that’s led to turnovers and stalled drives - not exactly the high-octane offense we’re used to seeing in Kansas City.
3. Even Mahomes Has Had His Missteps
Let’s be clear: Patrick Mahomes is still one of the most gifted quarterbacks in the game. But even the greats have off years, and this season, Mahomes hasn’t been able to bail out the Chiefs the way he usually does.
In four of the team’s seven losses, Mahomes posted a passer rating under 80 - numbers that are far below his usual standard. His struggles against the Bills and Texans were particularly rough, with missed throws, miscommunications, and uncharacteristic decision-making.
The most painful moment? A goal-line pick-six against the Jaguars that flipped what looked like a sure win into a stunning loss.
And when the Chiefs needed him to close out the Broncos, he came up empty, going three-and-out on back-to-back drives in the fourth quarter. That gave Bo Nix and the Denver offense just enough of a window to steal the game late.
For years, Mahomes has masked Kansas City’s flaws - whether it was a shaky O-line, a leaky defense, or an inconsistent run game. But this season, the margin for error has shrunk. The supporting cast isn’t holding up its end of the bargain, and even Mahomes can’t play Superman every Sunday.
The Bottom Line
The Chiefs are still dangerous - any team with Mahomes, Andy Reid, and Chris Jones is going to have a shot in the playoffs. But the formula they’ve relied on for so long is showing some wear and tear. The running game lacks juice, the receiving corps is unreliable, and even Mahomes has looked human at times.
If Kansas City wants to make another deep postseason run, they’ll need to clean up these issues fast. Because right now, the rest of the AFC is catching up - and the Chiefs no longer look untouchable.