Chiefs’ Season Unravels Amid Injuries and Struggles
Once AFC powerhouses, the Kansas City Chiefs enter their final game of the season at 6-10, grappling with injuries and the absence of Patrick Mahomes.
- Glenn Catubig
- 3 min read
The Kansas City Chiefs’ dominance of the AFC, highlighted by three Super Bowl titles, has sharply reversed in 2025. Entering the final week of the regular season, the Chiefs sit at 6-10, far from the division lead and battling a season defined by setbacks.
Midseason optimism briefly returned when Kansas City defeated the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12 to reach 6-5, keeping playoff hopes alive. That hope evaporated, however, as the Chiefs lost five straight games, leaving them second-to-last in the AFC West behind only the Las Vegas Raiders.
The most significant blow came in Week 15 when quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending knee injury. The loss of their franchise cornerstone forced Kansas City to rely on backup quarterbacks Gardner Minshew and Chris Oladokun, both far from Mahomes’ caliber.
Despite the challenges on the field, Oladokun has tried to emulate Mahomes’ leadership and composure in media appearances, reflecting on teammates’ futures, including potential retirement decisions for tight end Travis Kelce, and emphasizing the importance of returning talent for “Chiefs Kingdom.”
1. Quarterback Carousel
Since Mahomes’ injury, the Chiefs have struggled to find stability at quarterback. Gardner Minshew initially stepped in but was sidelined by an injury in Week 16 against the Tennessee Titans, thrusting third-stringer Chris Oladokun into the starting role. Oladokun lacks Mahomes’ arm talent and playmaking ability but has attempted to lead with confidence, maintaining a professional approach when speaking to the media. His commentary on Kelce’s potential retirement mirrored Mahomes’ tone and cadence, signaling an effort to preserve continuity within the team culture. The revolving door at quarterback has made offensive consistency nearly impossible, with Kansas City unable to replicate the explosive plays that previously defined its attack. Play-action, deep throws, and rapid tempo all suffered without Mahomes orchestrating the offense. As the season closes, the Chiefs’ quarterback situation remains a major hurdle, highlighting just how dependent the team is on their star signal-caller to sustain competitiveness.
2. Struggles on the Field
The Chiefs’ struggles were evident during a 20-13 loss to the Denver Broncos on Christmas night. The team remained competitive but could not overcome offensive inefficiency, with Oladokun completing only 13 of 22 passes for 66 yards. While he connected on a touchdown pass to running back Brashard Smith, his average of three yards per attempt underscores the limitations of Kansas City’s current quarterback situation. The offense was unable to generate sustained drives or capitalize on scoring opportunities, leaving the defense under constant pressure. Kansas City’s season-long woes illustrate the difficulty of competing without a franchise quarterback. Even a talented supporting cast, including Kelce, could not offset the void left by Mahomes’ absence. The team now faces the Las Vegas Raiders in the season finale, a game that has little at stake beyond pride, as Kansas City seeks to avoid finishing last in the division.
3. Looking Ahead
Beyond the final game, the Chiefs face a pivotal offseason. Decisions surrounding Mahomes’ recovery, Oladokun’s potential development, and the future of key veterans like Travis Kelce will shape the team’s direction. Head coach Andy Reid and his staff must assess roster depth, quarterback contingency plans, and ways to rebuild confidence after a rare losing season in Kansas City. Injuries exposed the team’s reliance on elite talent, and adjustments will be necessary to return to playoff contention. Despite a disappointing campaign, the Chiefs’ culture of resilience and recent history of success provides a foundation to recover. Veteran leadership, draft capital, and free-agent acquisitions could play a key role in restoring the team to its former status. Ultimately, Kansas City’s 2025 season serves as a stark reminder that even dominant teams are vulnerable to injuries and roster instability.