Predict the 2026 record - your realistic expectations

[Viper]

With Mendoza needing time to adjust, an unproven O line and what I consider average receivers, I’m not really expecting to light it up on offense.

Defensively, we should be at least middle of the pack. That should go a long ways in helping stack wins.

Having said that, we are improved across the board yet still more work to do. I would predict we have 6 wins this year, double what we had last year. If Pete can manage 3 last year, I have faith with a better coaching staff we can do better. If we can beat the teams we’re supposed to plus staying close in the 4th quarter against better talent, we have a punchers chance in some of those.

Personally, at least another year or two to make some real noise if we nail FA and the draft.

[Attyla]

I may be in the minority but I think the Chiefs are significantly on the downswing. I don't think they can rely on Mahomes any longer which is why they brought in Walker. I do like that move but I think you're gonna see more of a game managing QB in Mahomes. Kelce is absolutely cooked and they currently don't have a reliable receiving threat. And as good Reid is, he wore out his welcome in Philly while slipping in the coaching side of things too. You wonder if that's happening here.

Downswing? Maybe, but Mahomes is 30 so in his prime. He can carry a team a long way and he will continue to do so. Do they need pieces? Yep, a legit wideout and a new TE is needed but that can be a quick fix. They don't need an all world TE, just an outlet pass who can block and you can get those every draft. But the kicker is, next year's receiver class is deep as f[raiders_icon]ck and talented so they can fix their receiver issue in one year. As for Reid? I don't think he is wearing out his welcome in KC, but I do think health and age are going to do him in. You don't carry that amount of weight for that long without doing serious damage. He is a very old 68 years old. But they have a very young 66 year old Spagnuolo who can step in and not screw it up. So while I agree they dipped they are just two years removed from winning it all and just one year removed from a 15-2 record. A healthy Mahomes and a couple pieces and they are still an elite team.

[Willmark]

I may be in the minority but I think the Chiefs are significantly on the downswing. I don't think they can rely on Mahomes any longer which is why they brought in Walker. I do like that move but I think you're gonna see more of a game managing QB in Mahomes. Kelce is absolutely cooked and they currently don't have a reliable receiving threat. And as good Reid is, he wore out his welcome in Philly while slipping in the coaching side of things too. You wonder if that's happening here.

I’m with you.

I think there is a lot of factors working against them. Not fall off the cliff but I expect to be no where near what the used to be.

[RickRyb]

Kansas City will NOT win the AFC West this year.

[Attyla]

Kansas City will NOT win the AFC West this year.

Probably not. Mahomes will not be available to start the year in all probability and even when he returns he will be limited. And I am pretty sure being in the AFC championship game will keep Denver at the top of the division. Not really a bold prediction.

That said, I doubt KC is down long. I am actually more concerned with our team. We need to step up and take our next steps and hopefully Kubiak and Mendoza are a deadly combination.

[Rabidraider]

I think Chargers are getting close to a Division title.

I thought they did well in free agency and the draft. Plus Mike McDonald should make Herbert even better.

[SkullCrusher]

Perhaps KC will fall off some, but I wouldn't count on it, sounds like wishful thinking.
They got a solid front office and HC and the QB was hurt which happens.
We were all wishful thinking the year Brady was injured that was it, nope.
Even if this year is another down, this is a team I can totally see bounce back next.

[SuperRaider]

Kansas City will NOT win the AFC West this year.

I would not bet on that; barring last season with Mahomes injured…they have been to quite a few Super Bowl…..still a very good team and I think they will be in the playoffs at least

[raidersince63]

Perhaps KC will fall off some, but I wouldn't count on it, sounds like wishful thinking.
They got a solid front office and HC and the QB was hurt which happens.
We were all wishful thinking the year Brady was injured that was it, nope.
Even if this year is another down, this is a team I can totally see bounce back next.

I dunno, Mahomes probably won't be scrambling as much or running as often, at least early on, and Kelce is obviously not what he once was, and the Chiefs lost a few starters to free agency. They have 6 division games where I can see them possibly going 3-3 or worse, plus they play the Rams, Bills, Seahawks, Colts, Patriots, Bengals, and 49ers. (Seahawks, Bills, Rams, and Bengals are road games)

Don't get me wrong, they will still be a good team but they won't be nearly the team they were in their SB years and if you look at it, the decline really started during the 2024 season.

...and hopefully, their days of easily bitch slapping the Raiders will finally be at an end.

[Jeevo]

Chiefs were going to miss the playoffs before Mahomes was injured and never got it going last year. I wouldn’t be surprised if they bounced back but for the first time in a long time I wouldn’t be too surprised if they didn’t.

[Willmark]

Yeah I don’t get people thinking that the chiefs are going to have some 20 year run like the patriots. Or something close there of.

Reid is the key and last year he was clearly not calling the best game plans. He’s not getting any younger and remains to be seen if he flex in his approach.

Mahomes even if he starts week one won’t be 100%. Kelce is almost done. Their WRs are suspect.

Now they did draft well this year but that remains to be seen.

This doesn’t mean we are overtaking them anytime soon. It also doesn’t mean that they aren’t in some unassailable position.

By default it’s the Donkies to lose as of right now.

[Willmark]

Downswing? Maybe, but Mahomes is 30 so in his prime. He can carry a team a long way and he will continue to do so. Do they need pieces? Yep, a legit wideout and a new TE is needed but that can be a quick fix. They don't need an all world TE, just an outlet pass who can block and you can get those every draft. But the kicker is, next year's receiver class is deep as f[raiders_icon]ck and talented so they can fix their receiver issue in one year. As for Reid? I don't think he is wearing out his welcome in KC, but I do think health and age are going to do him in. You don't carry that amount of weight for that long without doing serious damage. He is a very old 68 years old. But they have a very young 66 year old Spagnuolo who can step in and not screw it up. So while I agree they dipped they are just two years removed from winning it all and just one year removed from a 15-2 record. A healthy Mahomes and a couple pieces and they are still an elite team.

The Chiefs 15-2 record in 2024 was as big of mirage as the Pats 14-3 in 2025.

The amount of luck the 2024 Chiefs had until the SB was insane.

[Attyla]

Yeah I don’t get people thinking that the chiefs are going to have some 20 year run like the patriots. Or something close there of.

Reid is the key and last year he was clearly not calling the best game plans. He’s not getting any younger and remains to be seen if he flex in his approach.

Mahomes even if he starts week one won’t be 100%. Kelce is almost done. Their WRs are suspect.

Now they did draft well this year but that remains to be seen.

This doesn’t mean we are overtaking them anytime soon. It also doesn’t mean that they aren’t in some unassailable position.

By default it’s the Donkies to lose as of right now.

As I said, age and weight is probably Reid's downfall. At 66 he would still have a sharp mind. It is more the physical part of the job. He came in even heavier last year and it does not look like he has lost much of it. Kelce to me is a nonfactor. This is likely his last year and while his production at peak is impossible to replace, the TE's who can catch are not that hard to find. And getting blocking TEs who can catch some are really easy to get. Lot of those guys are day three guys. Where they can really get a leg up is in the draft. Receivers are going to be a hot item in 2027. It will finally get that piece for us and likely for them. Where they are going to suffer is cap space. As of right now, they are going to be dismal. Are they a 20 year dynasty? The odds say no since only one team has been even close to that. But can they bounce back? With the right moves, yes. Are we overtaking them? Hell, recent history says we are not even close. But history is not written based on the past, so who knows.

[Attyla]

The Chiefs 15-2 record in 2024 was as big of mirage as the Pats 14-3 in 2025.

The amount of luck the 2024 Chiefs had until the SB was insane.

Luck plays a part for every team that goes to the dance. But getting 15 wins is not luck. It means they legit won at least 11 games and maybe at tops 4 were due to luck. And the Pats in 2025? That also was not luck. They had a cupcake schedule but Vrabel did an excellent job getting them ready to win. And they have a helluva young QB and the team pulled off some excellent moves in their offseason.

[SkullCrusher]

Yeah I don’t get people thinking that the chiefs are going to have some 20 year run like the patriots. Or something close there of.

Reid is the key and last year he was clearly not calling the best game plans. He’s not getting any younger and remains to be seen if he flex in his approach.

Mahomes even if he starts week one won’t be 100%. Kelce is almost done. Their WRs are suspect.

Now they did draft well this year but that remains to be seen.

This doesn’t mean we are overtaking them anytime soon. It also doesn’t mean that they aren’t in some unassailable position.

By default it’s the Donkies to lose as of right now.

Reid is key, still coaching.
You didn't mention their front office, they seem to do well getting players.
Mahomes will once again be 100% at sometime.
Kelce while once great, teams turnover WR's and TE's during a Franchise QB's career. They'll find replacements at some point.
I just don't see why they would fall off a cliff yet.

As for them curb stomping us, that is more of an us sucking thing, that's what we're here to fix. At least make the match ups very competitive, meaning we'll win our share.

[SkullCrusher]

I dunno, Mahomes probably won't be scrambling as much or running as often, at least early on,

I put wiggle room that perhaps this year they won't be strong.
But he'll be back and most likely they'll make smart moves to, he still has quite a few seasons in him.