Patrick Mahomes is back in action, and the Kansas City Chiefs are eager to translate that return into a renewed push for glory in the 2026 season. After a disappointing 2025 campaign that saw the club miss the playoffs for the first time since 2014 and ended a streak of nine straight AFC West titles and seven consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances, head coach Andy Reid is determined to steer the franchise back to the top of the league.
The Chiefs’ recent history reads like a modern dynasty: three Super Bowl victories in six years, five trips to the championship game, and a reputation for relentless excellence. Yet the 2025 season concluded on a sour note, highlighted by a heartbreaking loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 59 and a season‑ending injury to Mahomes in December. The quarterback suffered tears to both his ACL and LCL, necessitating surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process.
Doctors cleared him for a comeback, and he is slated to make his first start of the year against the Denver Broncos on Monday night. Reid praised Mahomes’ work ethic during the offseason, noting that the star quarterback logged up to seven hours of training each day while adhering to the medical staff’s restrictions. "He’s doing great," Reid told Sky Sports.
"He spent seven hours a day here the whole offseason, pushing himself within the doctor’s guidelines to maximize every aspect of his recovery. We have a physical therapist, Julie, who monitors his progress and sets daily goals. He meets those targets, and she makes sure he doesn’t exceed them." Mahomes returns under a microscope.
After missing an entire season and posting his lowest statistical output since entering the league, every snap will be scrutinized. Yet his teammates remain unwavering in their confidence. 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 Pat." Off the line, guard Trey Smith—who recently secured a four‑year, $94 million extension—will be tasked with keeping the Broncos’ ferocious pass rush at bay.
Denver leads the NFL with 68 sacks, making the upcoming matchup a true test of the Chiefs’ protection schemes. "He’s a field general," Smith told Sky Sports.
"His creativity stretches plays, and we have to hold the line until the very last whistle. Having him back is a massive boost; his leadership is evident from day one, and his talent speaks for itself." Reid’s coaching philosophy continues to revolve around the team’s famed traffic‑light system, which grants Mahomes a wide latitude to improvise while maintaining structure. "We give him a long green light," Reid explained. "There are red lights—things we can’t do—but within reason, we let him go.
Sometimes we extend the yellow a bit, allowing him to be cautious yet still creative." Travis Kelce also remains a pivotal piece of the puzzle. The veteran tight end delayed retirement, signing a three‑year, $54.7 million extension that keeps him in Kansas City for the foreseeable future. Although his numbers dipped slightly last season—he still led the team with 851 receiving yards—Kelce’s presence on the field continues to shape defenses.
"He acts like he’s going to play forever," Reid remarked. "We’ll use him as much as we can, whether it’s one more year or two." Kelce himself credited Mahomes’ determination during his rehab as a major factor in his decision to keep playing. On his "New Heights" podcast, Kelce said the quarterback’s relentless drive inspired him to stay on the field and support his teammate. The Chiefs also bolstered their roster in the offseason.
Running back Kenneth Walker III, fresh off a Super Bowl‑winning season with the Seattle Seahawks, joined the offense, adding depth and a new dimension to the ground game. Cornerback L'Jarius Sneed returned on a new deal, and the team selected LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane with the sixth overall pick—the highest selection since drafting Mahomes at 10th overall in 2017. Despite the optimism, the organization does not shy away from last year’s shortcomings. "It’s definitely frustrating," Smith admitted.
"We didn’t hit any of our goals. We’ve been used to AFC Championship appearances or better, so falling short left a bad taste. It’s a reminder that we have to improve and learn from our losses." The Chiefs’ 6‑11 record in 2025 was their worst since a 2‑14 season in 2012, and they lost control of the AFC West to Sean Payton’s Denver Broncos, who finished 14‑3 and secured the conference’s No. 1 seed.
The loss of the division crown serves as a wake‑up call for Kansas City, whose young talent now faces heightened expectations. Looking ahead, the first test will be the Monday night showdown with the Broncos. "Different teams, same expectations: win the AFC West, host the playoffs, and make it to the Super Bowl," Jones said.
"It starts with that game." As the 2026 NFL season unfolds, fans can catch every moment on Sky Sports, including the playoffs and Super Bowl LXI on February 14, 2027. Whether streaming via NOW or subscribing to Sky Sports, the Chiefs’ quest to reclaim their dominance promises to be a compelling storyline for the entire year.