The Kansas City Chiefs' struggles come as a surprise to many in the NFL community. The combination of Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid has been untouchable since it began.
The reality of the NFL is that if you aren't actively improving, you're falling behind. We're so used to dynasties that the Chiefs' dominance over the league seems brief. However, if there is one thing that Mahomes has shown us, it's that as soon as you count them out, you're quickly reminded who the Chiefs are.
There's no doubt the Chiefs' backs are against the wall following the loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving. As a result, the matchup on Sunday Night Football between the Houston Texans and Kansas City is a must-win for the Chiefs.
Here is more on the Chiefs' chance to make the 2025 postseason heading into Week 14.
MORE: Predicting the 2025 NFL playoff picture heading into Week 14
Chiefs playoff picture
The loss in Dallas on Thanksgiving moves the Chiefs to 6-6, which did not move Kansas City in the playoff standings. The Chiefs will head into Week 14 with the No. 10 spot in the AFC, and likely need to win out to have a shot at the playoffs.
Heading into Week 14, the Chiefs have a 33% chance to make the playoffs according to Next Gen Stats.
| Rank | Team | Record |
| 1 | New England Patriots | 11-2 |
| 2 | Denver Broncos | 10-2 |
| 3 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 8-4 |
| 4 | Baltimore Ravens | 6-6 |
| 5 | Los Angeles Chargers | 8-4 |
| 6 | Indianapolis Colts | 8-4 |
| 7 | Buffalo Bills | 8-4 |
| 8 | Houston Texans | 7-5 |
| 9 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 6-6 |
| 10 | Kansas City Chiefs | 6-6 |
| 11 | Miami Dolphins | 5-7 |
| 12 | Cincinnati Bengals | 4-8 |
| 13 | New York Jets | 3-9 |
| 14 | Cleveland Browns | 3-9 |
| 15 | Las Vegas Raiders | 2-10 |
| 16 | Tennessee Titans | 1-11 |
AFC West standings
While the chances are slim, the Chiefs still have a shot to win their division. While other factors would need to happen, it starts with the Chiefs winning the remainder of their games. This begins with the daunting task of taking on the Houston Texans defense on SNF.
| Team | Record |
| Denver Broncos | 10-2 |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 8-4 |
| Kansas City Chiefs | 6-6 |
| Las Vegas Raiders | 2-10 |
MORE WEEK 14 NFL:
Chiefs remaining schedule
The Chiefs' remaining opponents include two key games against strong divisional teams and two matchups where Kansas City is heavily favored.
The Tennessee Titans and the Las Vegas Raiders are two more winnable games for the Chiefs. However, the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers are as close to must-win games as the Chiefs have had.
If Kansas City can win all remaining games, there's a strong chance of qualifying for the playoffs. Although a loss won't necessarily eliminate the Chiefs, additional losses will increase their dependence on help from other teams in the league.
| Week | Opponent |
| 15 | vs. Chargers |
| 16 | at Titans |
| 17 | vs. Broncos |
| 18 | at Raiders |