Five Keys to a Successful Season for the Chiefs in 2025
After falling just short in last year’s Super Bowl, the Kansas City Chiefs enter 2025 with a chip on their shoulder. They’ve made four Super Bowl appearances in the last six seasons and are still considered the team to beat in the AFC. Yet, their quest to reclaim the Lombardi Trophy won’t be easy, especially with other contenders like Baltimore, Buffalo, and Cincinnati reloading. To return to the mountaintop, the Chiefs must tighten up in key areas that cost them last February.
Rebuilding Chemistry in the Wide Receiver Room
The Chiefs' receiving corps has the speed and upside to be dangerous, but they need to stay healthy to be successful. Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown are both coming back from injuries and need to regain rhythm with Mahomes. Rookie Xavier Worthy has the potential to be a game-breaker, as we saw from time to time last year, and the team is counting on him to leap in his second season. If that trio can stay healthy and consistent, the sky's the limit for this offense.
Travis Kelce Staying Healthy and Productive
Travis Kelce remains the heartbeat of the Chiefs' offense, even at 35 years old. While he wasn’t as dominant during the regular season, his playoff production showed he can still be elite when it counts. Keeping him healthy for the full season, especially for the playoffs, is essential with so many young receivers around him. His leadership and ability to convert in critical moments are irreplaceable in tight games.
Offensive Line Continuity Post-Thuney
The offseason trade of Joe Thuney to the Bears left a notable gap at left guard. While Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith continue to anchor the interior, someone needs to step up to fill Thuney’s shoes. The Chiefs also need improved discipline from their tackles, who struggled with penalties throughout 2024 and got dominated in the Super Bowl. Protecting Mahomes will always be the top priority, and doing it with fewer breakdowns is key.
Secondary Growth Under McDuffie’s Lead
With L’Jarius Sneed traded to Tennessee last offseason, Trent McDuffie became the leader of the secondary last season. He had a breakout in 2024 and showed the versatility to line up inside or outside. The development of Jaylen Watson and the impact of Kristian Fulton will determine how deep this unit can go. If they hold up against the AFC’s elite quarterbacks, Kansas City’s defense could be even better than last year’s top-five group.
Improving Efficiency in the Run Game
The Chiefs need more than just volume on the ground; they need efficiency. Isaiah Pacheco managed only 3.7 yards per carry in seven games last year, and Kareem Hunt was mostly effective in short-yardage situations. As a group, the backs struggled to create chunk plays or control tempo late in games. If they can become more consistent on early downs, the run game will take pressure off Mahomes and help close out games.
The Chiefs have the foundation to make another title run. Mahomes, Reid, and Spagnuolo remain the league’s most battle-tested trio. However, after last season’s Super Bowl disappointment, there’s no margin for error. Staying healthy, building chemistry, and executing in these five areas will decide whether 2025 ends in redemption or another near-miss. The talent is there; now it’s about finishing.
