Since becoming the Kansas City Chiefs’ starting quarterback in 2018, Patrick Mahomes has ruled the AFC. He’s led the team to the AFC Championship game each year, hosting it six times and making it to the Super Bowl five times. Yet, after a tough 22-19 loss to the Denver Broncos, the Chiefs face a challenging road ahead.
With a record of 5-5, Kansas City sits ninth in the AFC. This ties Mahomes with his highest number of losses in a single season and marks the worst start he’s had through ten games. What’s particularly frustrating is that all five losses have come in close games. Last season, the Chiefs were undefeated in such tight matchups.
“It sucks,” Mahomes said after the recent game. He emphasized the need to harness that frustration and use it as motivation going forward. He admitted they’ve shown flashes of good play but need to find more consistency.
The Chiefs need to improve quickly. They’re tied with the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens, but the Texans currently hold a higher position due to a better conference record. Complicating matters further, three teams ahead of them—the Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Chargers, and Jacksonville Jaguars—have already beaten Kansas City this season.
This was also the first time in Mahomes’ career that he’s been more than three games behind a division leader. Traditionally, the Chiefs have dominated the AFC West, winning it in seven straight seasons. Now, they face a tough schedule, ranking as the 12th hardest remaining in the league, with upcoming games against contenders like the Indianapolis Colts.
Despite these challenges, Mahomes and the Chiefs have the experience to turn things around. However, their struggles this season are surprising for a team consistently seen as a playoff favorite.
Reactions from fans have varied widely, with many expressing disappointment on social media. Some wonder if this marks the end of an era in the AFC West, while others are curious if the Chiefs can reinvent themselves as underdogs.
As NFL analyst Chris Collinsworth noted, “Every great team faces adversity. It’s how they respond that defines their legacy.” Only time will tell how this season unfolds for Mahomes and the Chiefs, but it’s a pivotal moment in their journey.
For more insights on NFL standings and team performances, check out [ESPN’s NFL section](https://www.espn.com/nfl standings).
