Heading into the 2025 NFL season, despite losing key players and navigating yet another round of adjustments, the Kansas City Chiefs are still regarded as the class of the West. Last year, the Chiefs endured significant injuries that sidelined several impact players.
Despite missing contributors from their 2024 Super Bowl-winning roster, they still finished with a dominant 15-2 record, capturing yet another AFC West crown. That marked their ninth straight division title and reinforced their ability to remain competitive no matter who’s on the field.
While this offseason presented additional challenges-such as the departure of safety Justin Reid, defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton, and the surprising trade of All-Pro guard Joe Thuney-general manager Brett Veach once again worked the board with poise and precision. Through a mixture of free agent signings and promising draft picks, Kansas City looks poised to extend its dominance.
Reinforcements step in as KC builds around Mahomes
Despite the changes, Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame believes the Chiefs are still the most complete team in the division.
“The Chiefs have won the AFC West nine times in a row, and have enjoyed three consecutive AFC titles along with two Super Bowl trophies in that span. While they lost a few pieces this offseason, nothing happened to move them out of the penthouse in this division,” Verderame wrote.
As always, it all starts with Patrick Mahomes. Even in a season where Mahomes endured more sacks than ever before, Kansas City still found ways to win, adapt, and survive playoff pressure. The team has placed a strong emphasis on bolstering the left side of the offensive line, an area that proved vulnerable at times last season.
“The Chiefs have questions to answer on the left side of the offensive line with Moore and second-year man Kingsley Suamataia (along with first-round pick Josh Simmons potentially stepping in when healthy), but the rest of the roster is loaded up for another championship run,” Verderame added.
Simmons, a highly-touted prospect, could be the key to solidifying the offensive line if he can stay healthy. In the meantime, Suamataia and veteran Donovan Smith provide experience and depth. If the line holds firm, Mahomes-who has made a habit of turning pressure into highlight reels-will have the tools to thrive.
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