This Kansas City Chiefs along with signal-caller Patrick Mahomes find themselves in uncharted ground.
Following missing out on an NFL championship three-peat in February, they dropped their opening two contests of the 2025 campaign.
This marks the initial occasion they have made an 0-2 record dating back to 2014 – prior to selecting Mahomes and earning multiple Super Bowl wins under coach Andy Reid.
There are now major questions over Kansas City's postseason hopes – as after 1970, just 10.1% of teams that started an 0-2 beginning eventually make the playoffs.
Mahomes has welcomed this adversity, stating: "When facing setbacks, it's about responding with it. I'm excited to the next few weeks and determine who wants competition, and the way we can return and really get after it."
What Has Wrong With Kansas City?
Kansas City came into 2025 having claimed a record 17 straight wins in one-score games – when the difference was one possession or fewer.
But the Chiefs have misplaced that knack, falling 27-21 to open the season to their divisional rivals, and 20-17 in last Sunday's Super Bowl replay with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Poor discipline and a lack critical personnel have also been factors for Kansas City's slow beginning.
A key offensive weapon is serving a multi-game ban while another suffered a dislocated joint on the team's first drive in Week 1.
Health issues additionally affected the defensive personnel, causing more complications with their initial performance.
Which Adjustments Have They Require?
Arguably the most important position to address is offensive tackle, specifically on the quarterback's weak side.
Following the QB was sacked repeatedly in the Super Bowl, management remedied that drafting a new lineman in the first-round draft pick.
They also brought in an experienced lineman previously with another NFL franchise.
The team also needs solutions regarding their run game – as after serving as a key ball-carrier last season, the quarterback now the team's top runner.
This puts him under increased danger of injury, an scenario which coaches want to prevent.
Did the Chiefs Lowered Expectations?
One key receiver returned to training recently and could return in Sunday's nationally televised matchup.
Kansas City will face another challenging opponent next week, they're already needing to make up ground within their AFC West.
"This team are going each matchup knowing rest ahead knowing that each is a critical victory, because the Chargers went two games up on them," commented a observer.
"But the Chiefs excel in big moments when others are starting to question them."
Should the Chiefs fail to secure another straight division title, they can make the play-offs by earning sufficient wins to clinch an alternate berth.
"The NFL features that parity," stated a separate analyst. "When you finish last, they get to pick first in the draft."
"But when you've having Patrick Mahomes at the helm plus Andy Reid, among the greatest head coaches league history, I think you always have a chance."
"I just think perhaps the definition shifted regarding achievement might look to be this season."
