Jean Carniel/Reuters via Imagn Images

ESPN Drops Chiefs in NFL Power Rankings

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Parker Johnson | Last updated Sep 23, 2025 9:42 AM ET

The Kansas City Chiefs got off to an 0-2 start to the 2025 NFL season, but experts were not panicking after their losses to the undefeated Los Angeles Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles.

Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and company have earned plenty of good will with five Super Bowl appearances in the last six years. Last season, Kansas City struggled to pass the eye test at times, but a 15-2 regular season record underlined their ability to win games when they were not at their best.

Heading into Week 3 against the New York Giants, they remained at No. 8 in ESPN's rankings, indicating the belief that a turnaround was only a matter of time for Andy Reid's veteran-laden team.

Although the Chiefs beat the Giants 22-9 on "Sunday Night Football", ESPN's new power rankings on Tuesday signaled that their first win of the season was not enough to cover up the holes that exist in Kansas City.

The Chiefs fell one spot to No. 9 in ESPN's power rankings after improving to 1-2 on the season.

When analyzing the Chiefs' biggest worry on defense, ESPN's Nate Taylor wrote: "The Chiefs have struggled to be consistent at pressuring the quarterback without blitzing, an issue that could plague Steve Spagnuolo's unit all season long."

Of equal concern is their limited offensive production, as Kansas City is averaging just 20.0 points per game. Without playmakers like Rashee Rice (suspension) and Xavier Worthy (injury) on the outside, Mahomes only has three passing touchdowns through three games.

He completed 22 of 37 passes for 224 yards and one touchdown against the Giants.

Back on track pic.twitter.com/Idot0isGf2
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) September 22, 2025

They are the second-highest ranked 1-2 team, trailing the Baltimore Ravens at No. 7. The Chiefs and Ravens will play in Week 4 at Arrowhead Stadium at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday.

Records are not everything at this early stage in the season. Kansas City and Baltimore still ranked ahead of undefeated teams like the San Francisco 49ers (No. 11) and Indianapolis Colts (No. 12).

The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles moved up to No. 1, replacing the Buffalo Bills at the top of the rankings heading into Week 4.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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