Chiefs Face 10.5-Win Test as Mahomes Returns From 2025 ACL Tear

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 30

Kansas City enters 2026 under pressure after a 6-11 collapse ended its playoff streak, with Patrick Mahomes trying to return from the ACL tear that ended his 2025 season in Week 15.
That slide was driven by a 1-9 record in one-score games, road problems and a six-game losing streak, leaving bettors to judge whether last year was bad luck or the start of decline.
The Chiefs reloaded around Mahomes by signing Kenneth Walker III, extending Travis Kelce and Mahomes through 2033, and adding secondary depth including Alohi Gilman, Kader Kohou and Kaiir Elam.
Those moves came with turnover: Trent McDuffie was traded to the Rams, Bryan Cook left for Cincinnati, and other departures included Isiah Pacheco and Marquise 'Hollywood' Brown.
Sportsbooks still set Kansas City's win total at 10.5, but the outlook is clouded by Mahomes' recovery, roster changes and a tougher AFC West with the Chargers and Broncos seen as improved.