Could Kansas City Kingdom Faltering After Losing Opening?

The Kansas City Chiefs along with signal-caller Patrick Mahomes are currently in uncharted territory.

Following being denied an NFL championship three-peat in February, the team dropped their opening two games of the 2025 campaign.

It is the initial occasion they have started 0-2 record dating back to 2014 – before they drafted Mahomes and earning three Super Bowl wins under coach Andy Reid.

There are now major concerns regarding Kansas City's postseason hopes – since after the NFL merger, just 10.1% clubs that started an 0-2 start eventually reach the playoffs.

Mahomes has embraced this adversity, saying: "Whenever facing adversity, it's about how you deal with it. I look forward for the next few weeks to see who wants competition, and the way we can get back and truly compete aggressively."

What Has Awry With Kansas City?

The team came into 2025 having claimed an NFL-record 17 straight victories in one-score matchups – when the winning margin is eight points or less.

However they have misplaced that ability, falling 27-21 in week one against the Los Angeles Chargers, then 20-17 in last Sunday's Super Bowl rematch with Philadelphia.

Poor decision-making along with absences of key players are additional reasons in Kansas City's winless beginning.

One receiver must complete a six-game suspension while another dislocated joint on the team's initial possession of the season.

Injuries additionally affected the defensive unit, creating further complications for their early performance.

What Changes Do They Needed?

Arguably the important position on defence involves pass protection, particularly for the blind side.

After Mahomes was sacked six times during last Super Bowl, management addressed that by selecting a new lineman with their top draft pick.

They also brought in an experienced player previously with another NFL team.

The team also needs an answer regarding their rushing attack – as after serving as their third-leading ball-carrier in 2024, Mahomes now the team's rushing leader.

This puts him at greater risk physically, a situation that coaches would prefer to prevent.

Have the Chiefs Adjust Expectations?

An important offensive player returned to training recently and could return this weekend's prime-time game.

Kansas City then host another challenging opponent next week, and are now playing catch-up in the division.

"The Chiefs enter into this game knowing rest ahead knowing that each is a must-win, because the Chargers jumped ahead by two wins in the standings," noted an analyst.

"However the Chiefs excel in big moments when everyone's starting to question them."

If the Chiefs fail to secure another straight division title, it's still possible to still reach the play-offs with enough wins for an alternate berth.

"The NFL features that parity," added another analyst. "If you finish last, then you get to select early next year."

"But when you've having a superstar leading and Andy Reid, among the most incredible head coaches in NFL ever, in my view you always have a chance."

"It's just that believe maybe the definition has moved regarding success might look like this season."