The Kansas City Chiefs, perennial AFC powerhouses, have had a rocky start to their 2025 preseason, dropping both of their opening games against the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks. For elite teams like the Chiefs, Ravens, Eagles, Bills, and Rams-squads that have been consistently competitive for multiple seasons with minimal roster upheaval-the preseason is less about wins and more about evaluating young talent and rookies vying for a spot on the 53-man roster.
Despite fielding several starters in both losses, the Chiefs aren’t hitting the panic button. With Patrick Mahomes at the helm, Kansas City has been the AFC’s team to beat, evidenced by their three consecutive Super Bowl appearances and seven straight AFC Championship games.Still, head coach Andy Reid might be feeling a twinge of concern.
The offense hasn’t recaptured its explosive form from a few years ago, and training camp and preseason performances suggest the team will once again lean heavily on Steve Spagnuolo’s and Chris Jones stout defense, which has been the cornerstone of their success over the past two seasons. A surprising stat underscores this shift about Chiefs and Mahomes offense: in his last 17 starts, Mahomes has posted numbers that trail those of current Browns starter Joe Flacco over the same span.
Chiefs Starters Set to Shine in Preseason Finale Against Bears
With the regular season looming, the Chiefs are gearing up for their final preseason game at home against the Chicago Bears on Friday August 22, 2025. Coach Reid has confirmed that starters on both sides of the ball, barring those sidelined by injuries, will take the field to open the game. While the result of this matchup may not carry much weight, the team’s performance is critical.
Kansas City faces a grueling opening month, starting with a historic Week 1 clash against their division rival, the Los Angeles Chargers, in São Paulo, Brazil, on September 5-the second NFL game ever played in the country. Week 2 brings a chance for redemption against the Philadelphia Eagles, who dominated the Chiefs 40-22 in Super Bowl LIX, thwarting their three-peat dreams.
The challenges continue with a Sunday night road game against a revamped New York Giants, bolstered by rookie standout Abdul Carter on defense, followed by a home showdown with Lamar Jackson’s Baltimore Ravens. Despite Kansas City’s 5-1 record against Jackson in regular season and playoff matchups, the Ravens’ dynamic offense, powered by Jackson and Derrick Henry, paired with a formidable defense, makes them a tough out.
Revamped Offense Fuel Chiefs’ 2025 Hopes
A victory in the preseason finale could provide a much-needed morale boost as the Chiefs brace for a demanding regular season, featuring eight standalone games and a league-leading seven primetime matchups. Matching or surpassing their 15-2 regular-season record from 2024 would be a monumental achievement.
So, coming off their best regular-season performance, the Chiefs’ offense looks poised for a rebound. The return of wide receiver Rashee Rice from injury and a healthy Hollywood Brown, who missed nearly all of last season, should add firepower to Mahomes’ arsenal. Plus what might be Travis Kelce last dance in the NFL.
Meanwhile, Steve Spagnuolo’s defense, which has been the team’s bedrock, returns largely intact for 2025. This continuity bodes well for Kansas City, who remain the NFL’s most polarizing franchise-beloved by Chiefs Kingdom and loathed by rivals, a status not seen since the Brady-led Patriots dynasty.
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