The surest path to the Super Bowl has always been simple: win your division. For nearly a decade, the Kansas City Chiefs have made that look routine, winning the division nine times. But this season feels different. The AFC West suddenly shows signs of real parity.
At the halfway point, Kansas City finds itself in unfamiliar territory, sitting in third place in the division and eighth in the AFC. While winning the division remains possible, it’s starting to look less probable. For the first time in a long time, the conversation around Kansas City includes the word “wild card,” which, barring something unforeseen, appears to be the likely pathway to the playoffs.
From the outset, this season just hasn’t carried the same rhythm fans have come to expect. Injuries, inconsistency, and offensive imbalance have led to a slower start than usual. And with a critical divisional matchup against the 8–2 Denver Broncos looming, the Chiefs’ margin for error is thinner than ever.
K.C.'s path back to playoff form depends on rediscovering balance and dominance on both sides of the ball.
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Much of the optimism early in the year centered on the [returns of Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy](https://arrowheadaddict.com/this-is-the-wr-group-the-chiefs-were-chasing-ever-since-tyreek-hill-01k7g596w8m5), whose speed and versatility were expected to reignite the offense. Yet, despite flashes, the run game has lagged behind expectations, keeping the Chiefs from achieving the offensive balance that defines their best teams. They just haven’t generated the type of explosive run plays to give the offense the balance it needs.
The hope is that Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s elevation will provide a more explosive rushing presence. Meanwhile, Brashard Smith has earned more touches and brings some juice to the perimeter. They will also be happy to have Josh Simmons’ return, giving the offensive line a much-needed boost.
Defensively, [Jaylen Watson has played well this season](https://arrowheadaddict.com/jaylen-watson-is-pricing-himself-out-of-chiefs-kingdom-01k9bh0vx3qq) and has put Brett Veach in a tough position heading into the offseason. Chamarri Conner, after early struggles, appears to have stabilized in coverage to some degree. Bryan Cook continues to provide steady physicality, and Trent McDuffie has arguably been the defense’s best player this season, excelling both outside and in the slot.
The emergence of Nohl Williams has given the Chiefs more flexibility in sub-packages, while Drue Tranquill and Leo Chenal remain tone-setters in the middle. Still, Nick Bolton has had occasional issues in coverage, and the defensive front hasn’t been its usual dominant self.
Chris Jones hasn’t produced the same level of disruption as in years past, and while George Karlaftis continues to flash impact plays, he still could afford to be a better finisher. Ultimately, if the defense is going to play the way it needs to for the Chiefs to garner success in the second half of the season, the defensive front has to play better. It’s just that simple.
The remaining schedule doesn’t offer much relief. The Chiefs still have to face the Broncos twice, along with the Cowboys, Texans, and Colts—all teams either competing for playoff spots or capable of playing spoiler.
Still, as long as Patrick Mahomes is under center, Kansas City will have a chance in every game. The formula for a turnaround isn’t complicated: stay healthy, regain offensive rhythm, generate some explosive plays in the run game, and rediscover the defensive dominance that fueled their championship runs.
The Chiefs may be in unfamiliar territory, but they’re far from finished. Especially if 15 is still under center.