10 predictions for 2026 NFL season: Division winners, trades | ESPN
The Chiefs will miss the playoffs again
Two things I think are equally true. First, the Chiefs got better this offseason. Second, it isn’t going to be enough.
Kansas City’s roster is once again quite shaky. The Chiefs did a commendable job of building around their tentpole players (Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Chris Jones) for a while. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s uncanny ability to turn middle-round defensive backs into viable starters allowed them to endure the departures of Charvarius Ward, L’Jarius Sneed and Tyrann Mathieu. Offensive linemen were acquired — Joe Thuney and Orlando Brown Jr. — then quickly replaced.
But the well eventually runs dry. Jawaan Taylor was supposed to be a cornerstone at right tackle. Safety Chamarri Conner was supposed to be another Spagnuolo success story. Felix Anudike-Uzomah would bring much-needed juice on the edge. Wide receiver Hollywood Brown would alleviate the lost effect of Tyreek Hill. Contenders with pricey rosters must be constantly innovating in scheme and finding low-salaried contributors in both the draft and free agency. General manager Brett Veach failed to do his part, while coach Andy Reid’s offense grew stale.
The Chiefs will miss the playoffs again
Two things I think are equally true. First, the Chiefs got better this offseason. Second, it isn’t going to be enough.
Kansas City’s roster is once again quite shaky. The Chiefs did a commendable job of building around their tentpole players (Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Chris Jones) for a while. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s uncanny ability to turn middle-round defensive backs into viable starters allowed them to endure the departures of Charvarius Ward, L’Jarius Sneed and Tyrann Mathieu. Offensive linemen were acquired — Joe Thuney and Orlando Brown Jr. — then quickly replaced.
But the well eventually runs dry. Jawaan Taylor was supposed to be a cornerstone at right tackle. Safety Chamarri Conner was supposed to be another Spagnuolo success story. Felix Anudike-Uzomah would bring much-needed juice on the edge. Wide receiver Hollywood Brown would alleviate the lost effect of Tyreek Hill. Contenders with pricey rosters must be constantly innovating in scheme and finding low-salaried contributors in both the draft and free agency. General manager Brett Veach failed to do his part, while coach Andy Reid’s offense grew stale.
2 months ago
