Projected win totals for all 32 NFL teams were released by oddsmakers, and the Kansas City Chiefs' 2026 projection suggests they will return to playoff contention
17:33 ET, 19 Feb 2026
Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs warms up
View 2 Images
The Kansas City Chiefs' 2026 season hinges on Patrick Mahomes' health(Image: Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
There is a shroud of uncertainty around how the Kansas City Chiefs will look next season.
Between Patrick Mahomes’ recovery from a torn ACL, Travis Kelce’s looming retirement decision, and Andy Reid hiring a slew of new coaches to his staff, many believe the Chiefs’ dynasty is hanging on by a thread.
Article continues below
But according to oddsmakers, Kansas City is going nowhere, even if the status of its star players is in doubt.
Article continues below
Projected win totals for all 32 NFL teams were released this week, and the Chiefs find themselves at the top of the list alongside nine others, including the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
READ MORE: 2026 NFL betting lines give telling sign on how next season will play outREAD MORE: Eagles legend confirms NFL retirement decision after loss of much-loved coach
Kansas City’s over-under (O/U) win total for 2026 is set at 10.5, a clear indication that oddsmakers believe they will be right back in playoff and Super Bowl contention despite finishing last season 6-11, the franchise’s worst record since 2012.
That ended a sensational 10-year run of double-digit wins and playoff appearances, including five Super Bowl appearances and three titles. Until last season’s demise, Kansas City was teetering on an unstoppable dynasty.
Now, the Chiefs’ future hinges on how well Mahomes is able to recover from the torn ACL he suffered on Dec. 14 against the Los Angeles Chargers. It’s by far the biggest injury of Mahomes’ career, so the jury is still out on how he will look upon his return.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce walks off the field in Las Vegas
View 2 Images
Travis Kelce has not decided if he is playing in 2026 or retiring from the NFL(Image: Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)
Kelce, meanwhile, must decide whether or not he will return for his 14th NFL season.
The 36-year-old is clearly not the same All-Pro pass-catcher he was in his heyday, and has now logged three straight years with fewer than 1,000 receiving yards – a mark he reached in seven consecutive seasons between 2016 and 2022.
The good news for ‘Chiefs Kingdom’ is that Andy Reid is returning for his 14th season with Kansas City, and as long as ‘Big Red’ is in charge, the Chiefs will have a shot of competing regardless of who is on the roster.
READ MORE: Missouri politician insists Chiefs should be evicted immediately from ArrowheadREAD MORE: New Ravens OC makes Lamar Jackson expectations very clear
The other nine teams with win totals of O/U 10.5 at open are the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks, and San Francisco 49ers.
Article continues below
That interestingly doesn’t include Kansas City’s AFC West rival, the Denver Broncos, who won the division in 2025 and hosted the AFC Championship game.
This information is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be relied upon for financial reasons or to determine a specific course of action. Information should not be used in violation of any law or regulation. Use this information responsibly and at your own risk.
Gambling problem? Click here or call 1-800-522-4700 for help from the National Problem Gambling Helpline.