The Kansas City Chiefs have been to the AFC playoffs for 10 consecutive seasons under Andy Reid. They have won nine straight AFC West titles and three straight AFC championships. They have advanced to the conference championship game in all seven previous seasons Patrick Mahomes has been their starting quarterback.
But with their latest frustrating loss, 17-10 to the Texans in Kansas City on Sunday night, they can no longer catch the first-place Broncos to make it a decade-long dominance of division crowns. At 6-7, the Chiefs are down to only the AFC wild-card path to make the playoffs and avoid the ultimate Super Bowl-losing hangover.
Kansas City had an opening to get closer to postseason position with Indianapolis (8-5) losing. Instead, it was Houston (8-5) that took advantage in Week 14.
Going into Week 15's home game vs. The Chargers (8-4), the Chiefs have dropped into the No. 10 spot in the AFC. The No. 9 Ravens (also 6-7) are ahead of them and the No. 11 Dolphins (also 6-7), thanks to the conference-record tiebreaker. Meanwhile, the Texans (8-5) are the new wild-card team at No. 7, pushing the Colts to No. 8.
In the year of 6-7, the Chiefs are on the brink of being eighty-sixed from the AFC playoff hunt. Here's 6 to 7 reasons for their shocking first dysfunctional disastrous season with Mahomes.
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1. Patrick Mahomes is like totally off
Mahomes was terrible against the Texans' tough defense on Sunday, scrambling around trying to make something happen and making rushed throws. He also didn't get a lot of help from his wide receivers and tight end Travis Kelce hanging on to the ball in tight coverage. His 18-for-35, touchdown-less, 160-yard, three-interception performance won't get it done for anyone.
He's up to a 22-10 TD-to-INT ratio for the season with inconsistent accuracy and decision-making. He's also missing the Mahomes magic in close games and it shows when he's desperate running to make plays. Any good QB can have a bad year. It's just jaw-dropping to know that the GOAT-like Mahomes isn't immune.
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2. Travis Kelce is really for real old
Kelce has had some strong receiving games for Mahomes this season, much has been based on target volume and scoring. Otherwise, the 36-yard-old isn't as quick in the open field and his hands have let him down along with some uncharacteristic mental mistakes. The offseason is shaping up as time for Kelce to make a Swift decision about his future. The Chiefs are now going how Rashee Rice goes as Mahomes' new go-to receiver.
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3. Creed Humphrey is the only reliable o-lineman
The center is still trying to take the Chiefs higher with his elite anchor blocking. But between left tackle Jaylon Moore and left guard Kingsley Sumataia, there's a lot of shakiness. Right guard Trey Smith hasn't been near this best and now is hurt. Right tackle Jawaan Taylor remains an oft-penalized turnstile. Both he and backup tackle Wayna Morris are also injured. The front, save for Humphrey, isn't helping Mahomes or the running game.
MORE: Chiefs offensive line injuries continue with Wanya Morris
4. Harrison Butker leads some not-so special teams
Butker has had trouble on extra points this season and also missed a critical 43-yard field goal attempt early against the Texans. He's not had high kicking volume because of the anemic offense so in relation to limited attempts he's left too many points on teh board for a team that needs every one it can get.
Furthermore, Matt Araiza is a meh punter and the Chiefs have nothing to help spark them with Nikko Remigio in the return game. They are not making the plays in this phase to take pressure off the other two.
MORE: How AFC wild-card race was impacted after Texans best Chiefs at Arrowhead
5. Andy Reid is going back to some sloppy game management
What was that to go for fourth down in the fourth quarter to faciliate the Texans' game-winning TD drive on a short field? What's up with him losing feel for the rhythm and flow of the game with the play-calling? Oh, OK now we get it. Reid has been 67 since March. It's a case of numerology meeting desperate times to get his team going for the first time in a long time when it is usually is plenty self-motivated to execute.
MORE: Andy Reid admits he 'messed up' with fourth-down call in tied game
6. Steve Spagnuolo's defense is struggling to find a pass rush
The Chiefs were able to sack C.J. Stroud three times, but the Texans' offensive line is rather giving there. The Chiefs are up to only 25 on the season, near the bottom of the league. Myles Garrett has 20 alone for the Browns. They have a strong back seven for coverage but the breakdown in pass defense happens when they have to sustain assignments for too long with the lack of pressure. They are making QB too comfortable in the pocket and also allowing them to throw well when on the run.
MORE: Revisting last time Andy Reid missed the playoffs with the Chiefs
7. The Chiefs just aren't looking the Chiefs
Is this really a reason? What does it mean? Does it even make sense?
But does the Chiefs' 2025 season? They've lost their one-score mojo. They were 12-0 through the playoffs last season in such games. They have done a 180 to become 1-6 in those games.
They're 1-5 on the road. They're 3-5 in the conference. They're 1-4 in their last five games going into money time in November and December. They've scored 315 points, which is No. 5 in the AFC and given up only 252 points, which is tied for fourth-fewest in the AFC. They either blow out bad teams or lose nail-biters to good ones.
The Chiefs' woes have come at a time when the AFC West is much tougher with the Broncos and Chargers flexing the past two seasons. Turnarounds by the Patriots, Jaguars and Colts also have made the AFC top-heavier. It may be fair the Chiefs aren't in the weak AFC North, but they wouldn't be leading that division either at 6-7.
So what are the Chiefs' "real" chances to make the playoffs? Who cares? It really feels like it's down to say, 6-7 percent.
MORE: When was the last time the Chiefs didn't win the AFC West?