Chiefs still face concerns despite Patrick Mahomes' return

There's a lot of excitement about the Kansas City Chiefs being back with their highlight-reel-ready quarterback Patrick Mahomes. But it doesn't mean the Chiefs are going back to the big game.

The Chiefs fell short in 2025, not even making it to the playoffs. That kind of thing sticks with you. It's not a given that they'll turn this around in a jiffy.

The NFL experts at Yahoo Sports have released their tally of the best NFL teams going into the new season. They rank all 32 franchises, noting, "it's never too early to get ready for the start of another NFL season."

Chiefs warned about having 'questions' going into the new season

Kansas City isn't super high on this list. They're No. 12. That means 11 teams above them have a better chance, in Yahoo's view, of getting to the big game. It's not where they're used to being placed, for sure.

"Putting the Chiefs at No. 12 is uncomfortable. They could be far better than that," Yahoo admits. "Patrick Mahomes has never been more motivated, and that's a good reason to fear ranking Kansas City too low."

They add, "But suddenly there are questions. There's no bankable player in the Chiefs' offense aside from Mahomes. KC's defense has to be much better and is relying on rookies to fill key roles."

So, it's definitely the case that the Chiefs have lingering questions going into the new season. They'll have to really rebound in a division that's only getting better to claim back their territory.