NFL proposed 'lengthy suspension' for Chiefs WR Rashee Rice

Pelissero states that it was proposed that the 25-year-old receiver would serve a 10-game suspension during the 2025 season. However, Rice and his agents argued that the proposed ruling was "unprecedented."

There have been conversations to why it has taken so long for the league to discipline Rice for an event that occurred over a year ago, which has many people frustrated.

Regardless, Rice will be suspended for a portion of the upcoming season.

Kansas City's first four games include the Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens. Three of those teams reached the playoffs in 2024. With Rice likely in the picture, the Chiefs are better suited against these teams.

The Chargers obviously have familiarity with the Chiefs as division rivals, but with left tackle Rashawn Slater out for the season, Kansas City should have the advantage in that game. 

The last time the Eagles faced off against the Chiefs, it was a dismantling domination by Philadelphia in the Super Bowl. With Rice and Josh Simmons now part of the equation, Kansas City has a potential counter punch against the Eagles' elite defense. 

Russell Wilson and the Giants have been afterthought heading into this season, but one thing no one can overlook is the pass rush. New York has one of the best defensive lines in the league with Dexter Lawrence, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Brian Burns and Abdul Carter. That combination could be an issue for the Chiefs offensive line, which could still be figuring things out that early in the season. 

Finally, the Baltimore Ravens close out the four-game stretch where Rice could be available. Historically, since Mahomes has been the starter in 2018, the Chiefs are 4-1 against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. The two teams faced off last year in the season opener. In that game, Xavier Worthy scored two touchdowns.

Kansas City's next six games feature the Jacksonville Jaguars, Detroit Lions, Las Vegas Raiders, Washington Commanders, Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos.

That's two 2024 NFC playoff teams, two divisional foes, the Bills — who have beaten the Chiefs the last four times they met in the regular season — a potential explosive Jaguars offense with Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter.

The good news for the Chiefs when Rice is inevitably suspended is that they are more well-equipped to deal with the star wideout's absence, as the wide receiver depth is deeper this season. Worthy, Jalen Royals, Tyquan Thornton and JuJu Smith-Schuster are more-than-serviceable options in the passing game. 

Nonetheless, the Chiefs will be without Rice for a significant portion of the 2025 season and will need Travis Kelce and company to step up in the passing attack.