Chiefs 2025 Report Card: First part of Kansas City’s season shows offense emerging and Steve Spagnuolo masking a key problem
Our grades for the Kansas City Chiefs six games into the 2025 season.
It’s hard (and sad) to believe, but we are a third of the way through the 2025 NFL regular season.
The first six games have been a rollercoaster ride for the Kansas City Chiefs. Their wide receiver corps took a hit right off the bat, with Rashee Rice missing that entire span with a suspension, and Xavier Worthy getting hurt on the third play from scrimmage in Week 1, costing him essentially the first three games.
The Chiefs started 0-2 as the offense carried over their inconsistencies from 2024 and the defense struggled to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. However, both units settled in and gelled, getting the team to 2-2. Kansas City then had a setback with a heartbreaking loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, but bounced back this past week with a huge win over the Detroit Lions.
The next third of the season looks much more promising. Rice is set to return this week against the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Chiefs’ offense is becoming what we thought it would be back in training camp. Like with every team, not everything is perfect, but Kansas City is still among the elite teams of the league. Here is our evaluation of the Chiefs’ season thus far.
Offensive superlatives
MVP: QB Patrick Mahomes
No surprise here. Outside of a pick-six that he threw against the Jaguars in Week 5, Mahomes has played like a league MVP candidate. Mahomes has thrown for 1,515 yards, 11 touchdowns, and just two interceptions on the season. He is also the Chiefs’ leading rusher with 222 yards and four TDs.
Mahomes has gotten back to pushing the ball downfield, and is spreading it around to multiple pass catchers. He was doing it all for K.C.’s offense during the first few games of the season, but has finally gotten some help over the last three weeks from both his receivers and offensive line.
Glue guy: WR Hollywood Brown
The Chiefs desperately needed someone to step up in Rice and Worthy’s absence, and Brown did just that. He leads the team in receptions with 30, and is tied for the most receiving TDs with three. Brown has established trust with Mahomes, and has consistently come through in clutch situations. Even with Rice and Worthy back, Brown should remain a big factor in the offense.
Biggest surprise: WR Tyquan Thornton
Thornton has stepped up for K.C. in an area it desperately needed a boost in — explosive plays. He is averaging a whopping 20.9 yards per reception this season, and is tied for the team lead with three receiving TDs. Thornton has at least one catch of over 30 yards in four games this season. The Chiefs’ offense now has another weapon in its suddenly deep arsenal.
Biggest disappointment: RB Isiah Pacheco
Expectations were high for Pacheco entering the season with him being back to full health and in a contract year. Unfortunately, he just isn’t evolving, still struggling with patience and vision. Pacheco is averaging a mediocre 4.2 yards per carry, and hasn’t ripped off any big runs. He has been better in recent weeks, but isn’t making a good enough case to be retained after this year.
Turning point of the last six weeks: Explosion vs. Ravens
Kansas City’s offense finally went off in Week 4 against Baltimore. Its point total of 37 were the most it has posted since Week 3 of the 2023 season. The Chiefs scored on seven on nine possessions against the Ravens, cashing in for four TDs. They have remained productive and explosive ever since, which has ultimately helped turn their season around.
Offense overall grade: B
Defensive superlatives
MVP: LB Nick Bolton
Bolton is a polarizing player among Chiefs fans, but you don’t want to see what K.C.’s defense would look like without him. He has made several splash plays this season during crucial moments. Bolton has recorded 53 total tackles (four for loss), two passes defensed, and one forced fumble. He has his struggles, particularly in coverage, but is the QB of the defense.
Glue guy: DT Chris Jones
Usually Jones is in the MVP category. Perhaps he will end up there by season’s end, but he hasn’t quite been the difference maker he usually is up to this point. Like last year, Jones is seeing a lot of double-teams because most other Chiefs defensive linemen just aren’t a threat. Jones has racked up eight total tackles, one sack, and seven QB hits so far.
Biggest surprise: CB Nohl Williams
Williams has played more than expected due to cornerback Kristian Fulton being injured for most of the season, and has blown away expectations. Williams has been thrown into the fire against top tier WRs such as A.J. Brown, Malik Nabers, and Amon-Ra St. Brown, and has more than held his own. Even when Fulton returns, Williams should remain a key piece of K.C.’s secondary.
Biggest disappointment: DL Charles Omenihu
The Chiefs opted for continuity along the defensive line by re-signing Omenihu during the offseason. Perhaps he isn’t the same player as before his ACL tear in 2023, but he just hasn’t made enough of an impact this season. With Jones constantly double-teamed, Omenihu gets plenty of one-on-ones, but isn’t taking advantage nearly enough.
Turning point of the last six weeks: Week 2 vs. Eagles
The Chiefs’ defense looked shockingly awful in Week 1’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. However, it rebounded in a huge way the following week against Philadelphia, surrendering just 216 yards of total offense. Ever since that game, the K.C. defense has been its usual solid self. It is still struggling to generate pressure without blitzing, but ranks in the top half of the league in yards and points allowed.
Defense overall grade: B+
2025 draft class superlatives
Overachiever: OT Josh Simmons
The Chiefs weren’t even certain if Simmons would be healthy enough to start the season coming off a knee injury that ended his collegiate career. However, he was a full-go by Day 1 of training camp. Many expected Simmons to have to earn the starting left tackle job over Jaylon Moore, but he locked down the role without any competition right off the bat. Simmons has had a few rookie hiccups, but is already one of the better OTs in the league, and will only continue to get better.
Underachiever: WR Jalen Royals
This isn’t all Royals’ fault, as he missed the first three games of the season with a knee injury. However, in the three games that he has been active, he is still yet to record a single catch. With Rice now back and so many other Chiefs WRs playing so well, it’s hard to envision Royals making much of an impact during his rookie season.
Rookie we need to see more from: DT Omarr Norman-Lott
Many would put RB Brashard Smith here, but I think it’s a given that his role will continue to increase as the season progresses, because it already has in recent weeks. The Chiefs need a boost along their defensive line, and Norman-Lott could provide that. He’s had trouble staying healthy so far, but if he can put his injury woes behind him, he needs plenty of playing time to develop. The veteran defensive linemen outside of Jones just aren’t getting the job done.
Draft class overall grade: C+
Coaching report card
Grade: A-
The Chiefs’ veteran coaching staff has weathered the storm of a tough schedule and numerous key injuries. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is doing a masterful job of masking the pass rush and continuing to develop young defensive backs. Head coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy have the offense executing efficiently and explosively. As a whole, K.C.’s coaching staff has dug the team out of an early hole, and all its goals for the season are still very much attainable.
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