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The Kansas City Chiefs reach the midpoint of the 2025 season in unfamiliar territory. Their 5-5 record represents their worst start in a decade following a loss to the Denver Broncos. The slip is particularly striking given that Kansas City has reached five of the past six Super Bowls and won three championships since 2019.
Questions about their playoff viability have intensified, though some analysts remain cautious about dismissing them entirely. ESPN’s Peter Schrager expressed confidence in the Chiefs’ ability to recover despite the concerning record. During a segment on Get Up, he outlined why he believes Kansas City remains capable of competing at the highest level.
“I’m not ready to declare this season over, AFC West or the AFC in general. They have all the same players. They have all the healthy guys they need.” Schrager said. “Mahomes with the season on the line, at Arrowhead? I’ll take Mahomes in this game, on one o’clock on Sunday,”
.@PSchrags isn't ready to declare the Chiefs' season over just yet 👀 pic.twitter.com/UdSIHuzeV0
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) November 21, 2025
The puzzling aspect of Kansas City’s struggles centers on close games. The Chiefs went undefeated in such situations last season but are winless in all five this year.
What has shifted are the small details that Kansas City typically executes flawlessly. Last week alone, the team committed 10 penalties, allowed a blocked extra point, and surrendered an 80-yard punt return to Marvin Mims.
Those mistakes represent a departure from the Chiefs’ usual special teams consistency. Schrager acknowledges these cracks exist, yet maintains his belief that Kansas City can regain its footing.
Currently sitting in ninth place in the AFC and third in the AFC West, Kansas City faces steep odds. The Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Chargers, and Jacksonville Jaguars each hold wildcard positions and defeated the Chiefs earlier this season, giving them head-to-head tiebreaker advantages.
Projections place Kansas City at approximately 10 percent to win the division and four percent to claim the Super Bowl. History, however, suggests comebacks remain possible. In 2023, Kansas City finished 11-6 before winning both the division and the Super Bowl championship.
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