Two Key Positions To Determine Chiefs' Success In 2025

The Kansas City Chiefs have seen a lot of people jump off their bandwagon in 2025, with the reworked offensive line a big reason why.

Star guard Joe Thuney is now a Chicago Bear, career backup Jaylon Moore is the starter at left tackle, and Kingsley Suamataia is the new left guard after failing to take his chance at tackle last season.

Plus, rookie Josh Simmons, Kansas City's first-round draft pick, is on the comeback trail from a nasty knee injury. Also, there is Jawaan Taylor at right tackle, who, as we know, has had up-and-down form over the past couple of seasons with a combined 28 penalties.

There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the protection of Patrick Mahomes, and according to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, the Chiefs' 2025 season rests squarely on the offensive line.

"So much to me depends on those two tackle positions," Breer said. "What does Jawaan Taylor look like coming back? I think eventually the plan is to have Josh Simmons at left tackle and Jaylon Moore at right tackle, that'd be my guess in 2026. But can you get a good year out of Jawaan Taylor? Can you get anything out of Simmons coming off of a really bad injury in year one? What does Jaylon Moore look like at left tackle? I think those are the things that are going to determine how far this team goes."