This Chiefs offense is being ignored now but won't be for long

Some things are too easily forgotten.

We understand the Kansas City Chiefs offense has been a faint echo of what it used to be in recent seasons, a dazzling fireworks display replaced by a rather middling showcase since trading away Tyreek Hill. The trade itself is just part of a greater whole, along with a roster beset by injuries and o-line frustrations.

In the two seasons played since Hill was dealt to Miami, the Chiefs' offense has labored trying to move the chains with any real swagger. The offense has become methodical and even predictable. It's actually quite surprising how many games the Chiefs have won with such a mediocre offense, and it's true that Patrick Mahomes has even been partly to blame for the downfield struggles in the passing attack.

Ignore the Chiefs offense at your own peril.

It doesn't help, of course, when a team rotates in four different starters at left tackle in a single season. It also doesn't help to lose Rashee Rice, Isiah Pacheco, Hollywood Brown, and others to injury for long stretches (or the entire season). The lack of chemistry and trust have also forced Mahomes to overthink things at times or become risk-averse.

All of this means that the Chiefs' offense has been written off, or maybe just ignored, coming into the 2025 season. It makes sense, given that K.C.'s offense is down 85 yards/game last year compared to Hill's last season. They're also scoring six points less per game. If you take away a touchdown per contest for any team in the NFL, things are going to feel quite different.

That's why Kyle Odegard and the folks at Pro Football Network likely decided they could overlook the Chiefs for the sake of other offensive units heading into next season. In their latest rankings of the league's top offenses, Kansas City is nowhere to be found.

Some of those teams on the list are obvious entries, so it's hard to argue with most of the teams at the top. In fact, it's not even worth debating which teams deserve or do not deserve to be included. Rather than pouring salt on another roster, we should highlight the sugar on the Chiefs.

Patrick Mahomes is always going to be an MVP candidate, but imagine how much better he's going to look with Xavier Worthy as his trusted deep target after looking to him so often down the stretch last year. Rashee Rice is back and should become the most trusted weapon in the passing attack, while Hollywood Brown adds further dimension as a reliable weapon.

Travis Kelce is slimmed down and motivated and should team with Noah Gray to give the Chiefs a strong intermediate presence. It also helps to have Isiah Pacheco healthy and ready to cash in after a contract season.

The Chiefs will also be looking at contributions from new faces like running backs Elijah Mitchell and Brashard Smith, as well as wide receiver Jalen Royals. JuJu Smith-Schuster is also back for another year in K.C.

Not only are there more weapons this year than before, but the offensive line might finally have its answer at left tackle in Josh Simmons. Jaylon Moore is also now in the fold to provide further competition and depth up front. Joe Thuney's presence will be missed, but Kansas City was able to retain Trey Smith at right guard.

Suffice it to say, if you give Mahomes the time and weapons to make something happen, it's going to happen. He's already worked his magic with mediocre options or limited bookends. The Chiefs offense is being ignored for now, but the resurgence will be a talking point soon enough.xtpro