The Kansas City Chiefs lead the AFC at 5-1, but the road back to the Super Bowl is harder than the record suggests. Patrick Mahomes returned from a torn ACL, the offense has stumbled, and the conference has several strong contenders. Here is why the path is tough.
Where They Are Coming From
The Chiefs last reached the Super Bowl in the 2024 season, falling to the Eagles. In 2025 they went 6-11 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014, and Mahomes tore his left ACL in December. Their 2026 start is a clear rebound, with a 31-10 win over Denver in Week 1 and a 5-0 run before Sunday’s loss.
A Warning Sign in Seattle
On Sunday Night Football, Kansas City lost 20-3 at Seattle. Scoring only three points showed that the offense, even with Mahomes and running back Kenneth Walker III, can still be shut down. It was their first loss of the season and a reminder that the margin for error is thin.
A Crowded AFC
Buffalo is also 5-1, while Cleveland, Denver and Pittsburgh are 5-2 and Jacksonville and Cincinnati are 4-2. The Chiefs visit Denver on November 1 (US time) and Buffalo on November 26, two games that could decide the top seed. Our look at the Bills’ Super Bowl case shows how serious that rival is.
The NFC Waits
Even if Kansas City wins the AFC, a strong NFC field awaits. Minnesota is 6-0 and San Francisco is 6-1. Reaching the Super Bowl is only part of the job, and winning it would mean beating one of those teams.
The Verdict
The Chiefs still have the top seed and one of the league’s best quarterbacks, so counting them out would be a mistake. But the combination of a quarterback coming off a major injury, an uneven offense and a deep conference makes the road tough. We covered the bigger picture in our piece on the Chiefs’ dynasty challenge. Standings change weekly, so check the latest results.
Sources: NFL.com, FOX Sports, ESPN, NFL Playoff Pass.