Dec 25, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Patrick Mahomes watches the action from a suite during the third quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Why Chiefs Could Be Beginning Mid-Dynasty Slump

Originally posted on Kansas City Chiefs on SI
By Jared Feinberg | Last updated Feb 1, 2026 12:00 PM ET

As the Kansas City Chiefs begin their process of potentially retooling their roster, they face a similar predicament that the New England Patriots faced earlier this century.

From 2001 to 2004, it was all the Patriots, winners of three of four Super Bowls in that span of seasons, led by the great Bill Belichick and the young Tom Brady. However, after that phenomenal stretch, the Patriots would remain consistent threats for the Lombardi Trophy, but went winless in that regard for nine years, despite two more appearances between 2005 and 2013.

Now, after the last seven years of AFC and total league dominance, the Chiefs, still incredibly talented, found themselves out of the playoffs at 6-11, and franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes was done for the year with a torn ACL. Could the Chiefs be in the midst of a mid-dynasty slump?

The Chiefs face tougher odds in the years to come

Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Despite two more Super Bowl appearances before their next world title, the Patriots had to battle against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Indianapolis Colts, and San Diego Chargers before finally getting over the hump in 2014, where they began their second stretch of dominance in the 2010s. Kansas City may face a similar situation in the AFC. The league around them is getting better, even if they do have the greatest quarterback in the world, Mahomes, when healthy.

Teams such as the Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, and Los Angeles Chargers will only get better this offseason, while the Patriots could be hoisting their seventh Lombardi Trophy after this coming week.

Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

No matter what the Chiefs do this offseason, a trip back to the Super Bowl feels unlikely in a loaded conference and AFC West division. It could be a while before they return, thanks to widespread parity throughout the NFL. While this is no doubt a great sign of the ample talent across the sport, it’s not great news for Kansas City.

However, a mid-dynasty slump didn’t faze the Patriots, and it certainly should faze the Chiefs. They have a terrific structure from the top levels of the organization to the coaching staff, along with the cornerstones to maintain sustained success. Mahomes is as gifted as any quarterback we have witnessed, single-handedly leading the franchise to another spot in a future Super Bowl.

Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Last season was the ultimate down year for the franchise, but they can learn lessons for sustained success from their rivals in the AFC East. As long as No. 15 continues to be the echelon of the position, Kansas City always has a chance.

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This article first appeared on Kansas City Chiefs on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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