Patrick Mahomes is back in the lineup, veteran tight end Travis Kelce is preparing for what might be his final season, and head coach Andy Reid is determined to leave last year’s disappointment behind as the Kansas City Chiefs set their sights on a 2026 comeback. After a disappointing campaign that ended the franchise’s streak of nine straight AFC West titles and seven consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances, the Chiefs are eager to re‑establish themselves as the league’s premier dynasty.
The 2025 season marked the first time since 2014 that Kansas City missed the playoffs. The team, which had reached three of the last five Super Bowls in a six‑year span, fell short of a historic three‑peat when they were defeated by the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans.
The disappointment was compounded by a season‑ending injury to Mahomes in December. The quarterback suffered torn ACL and LCL ligaments, requiring surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process. Doctors cleared him for a return, and he is slated to make his first start of the new season against the Denver Broncos on Monday night.
Reid praised Mahomes’ work ethic during the offseason. "He’s been here seven hours a day, pushing himself within the limits set by the medical staff," Reid told Sky Sports. "We have a physical therapist, Julie, who monitors his progress and sets daily goals.
He meets those goals, and she won’t let him exceed them until he’s ready." Mahomes’ comeback will inevitably draw intense scrutiny. This will be his first major injury layoff and his statistically weakest season since entering the league, so every snap will be examined by analysts and fans alike.
Yet his teammates remain confident. Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones summed it up succinctly: "Pat is the best quarterback in the league – there’s not much more to say about that." Off the field, the Chiefs have taken steps to protect Mahomes and improve the roster. Guard Trey Smith, who signed a four‑year, $94 million extension in July, emphasized the importance of the offensive line in the upcoming matchup against Denver’s formidable defense, which led the NFL with 68 sacks last season. "He’s a field general," Smith said.
"He can extend plays, read defenses, and keep the ball moving. It’s our job to keep him upright until the final whistle." Reid also highlighted the team’s traffic‑light system, which gives Mahomes creative freedom while maintaining strategic discipline.
"We have red lights that tell us when to stop, but we also have a long green light for Mahomes to explore," Reid explained. "We can extend the yellow when needed, but the overall message is that his improvisational talent is trusted, as long as it stays within the framework of the game plan." Travis Kelce, the veteran tight end who delayed retirement to sign a three‑year, $54.7 million extension, will again be Mahomes’ primary target. Though Kelce’s production dipped slightly last season, he still led Kansas City with 851 receiving yards and remains a key component of the offense. Reid praised Kelce’s durability and work ethic, stating, "He acts like he’s going to play forever.
Whether it’s one more year or three, we’ll use him to the fullest because he gives his all every day." Kelce himself credited Mahomes’ determination during his own rehab as a motivating factor to keep playing. On his "New Heights" podcast, Kelce said that watching Mahomes battle back from injury reinforced his desire to stay on the field and continue supporting his quarterback. The Chiefs also bolstered their roster in free agency and the draft. Running back Kenneth Walker III, a Super Bowl champion with the Seattle Seahawks, was signed to add depth to the ground game.
Cornerback L'Jarius Sneed re‑signed, providing veteran stability in the secondary, while the team used its sixth overall pick to select LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane, the highest draft selection since Mahomes himself was taken 10th overall in 2017. Despite the setbacks of 2025, the organization is focused on learning from its mistakes rather than dwelling on them. Smith admitted, "It’s frustrating not to meet our goals.
We’re used to making the AFC Championship or better, so falling short leaves a bad taste. But we’ll use those experiences to get better." Kansas City’s division rivals also improved, with the Denver Broncos, coached by Sean Payton and led by quarterback Bo Nix, posting a 14‑3 record and seizing the AFC West crown. The Chiefs’ 6‑11 finish was their worst since a 2‑14 season in 2012, underscoring the urgency of the upcoming matchup against Denver. Chris Jones reflected on the previous year’s lessons: "We had ups and downs, but it was a wake‑up call for the players and the organization.
We have a lot of young talent, and the expectations remain the same – win the AFC West, secure home‑field advantage in the playoffs, and fight for the Super Bowl. It all starts with Monday night against Denver." As the 2026 NFL season approaches, fans can tune in to Sky Sports for live coverage of every game, including the playoffs and Super Bowl LXI scheduled for February 14, 2027. Whether watching on television or streaming via NOW, the Chiefs’ supporters will be eager to see Mahomes, Kelce, and the rest of the squad strive to reclaim their place at the top of the league.