Chiefs Offense in 2026: What Needs Fixing After a Tough 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs’ 2025 season ended in disappointment with a 6-11 record, missing the playoffs for the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era. While injuries and close-game misfortune played major roles, the offense drew heavy scrutiny from fans. A deeper look at the numbers reveals it wasn’t as broken as it seemed—but improvements are clearly needed heading into 2026.
Early Promise Derailed by Injuries and Bad Luck
One moment symbolized the season’s frustration: In Week 15, Rashee Rice ran open on a slant route only to take a devastating hit from Chargers safety Tony Jefferson, dropping the pass and later missing time with concussion symptoms. The Chiefs lost that game 16-13 and never recovered.
Through Week 13—before losing both starting tackles to season-ending injuries—the Chiefs’ offense ranked among the NFL’s best:
- 2nd in EPA per drive
- 5th in touchdown drive percentage
- 2nd in scoring drive percentage
- 1st in average drive distance
- 8th in yards per play
- 2nd in overall offensive EPA
But the final five weeks told a different story after Mahomes suffered a season-ending knee injury:
- 31st in EPA per drive
- 32nd in touchdown drive percentage
- 32nd in yards per play
- 31st in overall offensive EPA
The Chiefs also went an astonishing 1-9 in one-score games, one of the worst marks in recent NFL history. Coach Andy Reid believes the offense needs tweaks, not an overhaul, especially with Eric Bieniemy returning as offensive coordinator.
Passing Game: Regaining Quick Decisions and Explosiveness
Mahomes started 2025 as the MVP favorite, posting elite numbers early with the quickest time to throw of his career (2.79 seconds). As the season progressed, however, he held the ball longer and targeted his first read less often.
The Chiefs struggled against man coverage and ranked just 19th in play-action EPA despite moderate usage. A healthy offensive line—featuring Josh Simmons, Kingsley Suamataia, Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, and Jaylon Moore—should help restore protection and quick-rhythm passing in 2026.
Running Game: Adding Explosiveness
Kareem Hunt excelled in short-yardage situations, but the backfield lacked big-play ability. The Chiefs had only one 20+ yard run from a running back all season—one of the lowest totals in recent years.
Despite respectable efficiency (11th in designed-rush EPA), the run game didn’t command respect from defenses. Expect Kansas City to add speed via the draft and free agency while potentially retaining Hunt on a team-friendly deal.
Reasons for Optimism Heading into 2026
Statistically, the 2025 offense wasn’t far removed from the 2024 unit that went 15-2:
- 2024: 10th in offensive EPA
- 2025: 13th in offensive EPA
- Similar rankings in throw and rush EPA
With Mahomes healthy, Bieniemy bringing fresh ideas, and targeted additions at running back and wide receiver, the Chiefs have the foundation to bounce back. As Mahomes said, everyone is motivated to return to the playoffs next January.
