Former NFL quarterback turned commentator Cody Kessler offered a playful yet pointed assessment of the Kansas City Chiefs’ current situation, declaring, “the Wicked Witch is not dead.” His words came amid mounting questions about whether the team that once defined AFC dominance may be on the verge of collapse after a 5-5 start.
The Chiefs find themselves in unfamiliar territory after falling to third place in the AFC West behind the surging Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Chargers. Consecutive narrow losses have chipped away at confidence and raised legitimate doubts about their ability to hold onto playoff relevance. Their slide has been compounded by an 0-5 record in one-score games, a stark contrast to last season’s near-perfect performance in such situations.
Kansas City Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes, NFL
Oct 12, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) rushes the ball against the Detroit Lions during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Patrick Mahomes remains statistically solid but less surgically precise than in prior years, completing a career-low 64.5 percent of his passes. Travis Kelce, now 36, continues to lead the offense but has struggled to find support around him, while the running game has lacked consistency. Special teams inconsistencies, including seven missed field goals or extra points from Harrison Butker, have also contributed to game-changing misfires.
Still, analysts like Kessler refuse to write the team off completely. He pointed out that with four of their last six opponents owning losing records, Kansas City’s path back into contention remains possible. Their fate may hinge on critical upcoming matchups against the Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys, games that will define whether their problems are temporary or systemic.
NFL Commentator Cody Kessler Drops His Take on Kansas City Chiefs’ Playoff Hopes
Kansas City Chiefs, Travis Kelce, NFL
Oct 19, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) gets into position prior to the snap during the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Kessler recently shared his thoughts about Kansas City’s chance to make the playoffs this season. This can be seen in a video shared by The Arena: Gridiron on X.
“This closing schedule for the Chiefs screams playoffs. The wicked witch is not dead.”@RealSkipBayless and the crew agree that Kansas City is still live to make a playoff run this season. pic.twitter.com/YTeV9GKUJh
— The Arena: Gridiron (@ArenaGridiron) November 17, 2025
Local voices, including Kansas City Star reporters, emphasize that Andy Reid is not panicking, focusing instead on execution, discipline, and red-zone efficiency. The team’s locker room remains united, choosing urgency over despair.
Kansas City Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes, NFL
Oct 6, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Kessler’s observation serves as a reminder that dynasties rarely go quietly. For all their flaws and fatigue, the Chiefs still possess the talent and resilience to rise again, even if, for now, the magic feels fleeting.
Kansas City Chiefs, Travis Kelce, NFL
Oct 12, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) during the second half against the Detroit Lions at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
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