2025 NFL Season Preview - Kansas City Chiefs
Football

2025 NFL Season Preview – Kansas City Chiefs

August 3, 2025
Devon Gallant

Kansas City Chiefs 2025 Outlook

Welcome back to our 2025 NFL Team Preview Series, where we’ll dive deep into all 32 franchises ahead of the upcoming season. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a fantasy football manager, or just looking to get up to speed before kickoff, this series breaks down everything you need to know about each team’s trajectory.

For every team, we’ll cover:

  • Coaching Staff & Philosophy – Who’s leading the charge, and what kind of system are they running?
  • Offseason Recap – Key free-agent moves, trades, and draft picks that reshaped the roster.
  • Schedule Breakdown – Matchups to watch, tough stretches, and projected win-loss record.

From Super Bowl contenders to rebuilding rosters, we’ll assess where each team stands and what lies ahead in 2025.

Kansas City Chiefs

Coaching Staff & Philosophy: Stability with a Minor Shuffle

The Kansas City Chiefs maintain remarkable stability in their coaching hierarchy, a testament to their sustained success. Andy Reid remains the Head Coach, continuing to lead one of the NFL’s most dynamic offences. Matt Nagy is still the Offensive Coordinator, and Steve Spagnuolo once again leads the defence as the Defensive Coordinator. This continuity is a significant advantage, allowing their star players to operate within well-established systems.

The most notable change on the staff came in June 2025, when long-time assistant special teams coach Andy Hill retired after five seasons with the team, which included four Super Bowl appearances and two championships. His role will be filled by Porter Ellett, who was promoted to Assistant Special Teams Coach under Dave Toub. Additionally, former Chiefs linebackers coach Mark DeLeone returns to the organization as the assistant running backs coach, replacing Ellett in that role. These are minor adjustments to a staff that largely remains intact and aligned with the “Chiefs Way.”

Andy Reid’s offensive philosophy continues to be characterized by innovation, strategic receiving routes, and the ability to exploit opponent’s weaknesses. With Patrick Mahomes at the helm, the Chiefs run a high-tempo, often unpredictable, offence that thrives on taking advantage of mismatches. Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive philosophy is built on aggressive pressure, varied blitz packages, and forcing turnovers, often playing with a bend-don’t-break mentality that tightens up in critical moments. The stability in leadership, coupled with their championship pedigree, means the Chiefs will once again be a well-coached and formidable opponent.

2025 Offseason Recap: Securing Key Talent and Strategic Additions

The Kansas City Chiefs’ 2025 offseason focused on retaining core talent, making shrewd free-agent additions, and bolstering their roster through the draft, all while navigating their ongoing pursuit of another Lombardi Trophy.

Key Extensions & Re-signings:

  • Trey Smith (OG): Signed a record-setting four-year, $94 million extension with $70 million guaranteed in July 2025, making him the highest-paid guard in the NFL. This secures a crucial part of their offensive line for the long term.
  • George Karlaftis (DE): Agreed to a massive four-year, $93 million contract extension with $62 million guaranteed in July 2025, tying him to Kansas City through the 2030 season. This is a huge commitment to one of their young, emerging pass rushers. 
  • Kristian Fulton (CB): Signed for two years, $20 million with $15 million guaranteed with the Chiefs in March 2025, adding a capable veteran cornerback.
  • Jaylon Moore (OT): Signed a two-year, $30 million deal with over $20 million guaranteed with the Chiefs in March 2025, signaling an investment in him as a potential starting left tackle.
  • Marquise “Hollywood” Brown (WR): Re-signed for one year with the Chiefs for up to $11 million in March 2025 after a shoulder injury limited his 2024 campaign. Crucially, Brown is reported to be 100% healthy for 2025, providing a much-needed deep threat and experienced receiver.
  • Kareem Hunt (RB): Signed a one-year deal worth up to $2.5 million with the Chiefs in March 2025, bringing back a familiar face to the backfield for depth. 
  • James Winchester (LS): The long-time long snapper was re-signed by the Chiefs to a one-year, $1.65 million deal that’s fully guaranteed in June 2025, ensuring continuity on special teams.

Notable Departures:

  • Carson Wentz (QB): Remained unsigned and is a free agent as of July 2025. He is not currently on the Chiefs’ roster.
  • D.J. Humphries (T): Signed with the San Francisco 49ers in April 2025 after being a free agent.
  • Joe Thuney (OG): Traded to the Chicago Bears in March 2025 in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round selection. This was a significant move, as Thuney was an All-Pro guard.
  • Willie Gay Jr. (LB): Signed a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins in March 2025.
  • DeAndre Hopkins (WR): Signed a one-year deal worth up to $6 million with the Baltimore Ravens in March 2025.
  • Justin Reid (S): Signed a three-year, $31.5 million contract with the New Orleans Saints on March 14, 2025.
  • Samaje Perine (RB): Signed a two-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals on March 13, 2025, marking his return to his former team.
  • Tershawn Wharton (DT): Signed a three-year, $45.05 million contract with the Carolina Panthers in March 2025.
  • Justin Watson (WR): Signed a two-year, $5 million contract with the Houston Texans in March 2025.

Wide Receiver Outlook: The wide receiver room was a focal point of the Chiefs’ offseason, marked by both strategic additions and significant uncertainty surrounding one of their key players so we are going to take a quick look at all the moving pieces entering this coming season.

  • Rashee Rice’s Legal Situation: The most pressing issue. Following his involvement in a multi-vehicle crash in March 2024, Rashee Rice was recently sentenced to 30 days in jail and five years of probation. While his legal process is concluding, the NFL is widely expected to issue a multi-game suspension under its personal conduct policy. Speculation from league insiders suggests a suspension could range from 8 to 10 games, potentially impacting a significant portion of the 2025 season. Furthermore, Rice is also working his way back from a season-ending knee injury suffered in 2024, adding another layer of uncertainty to his immediate availability and impact.
  • Marquise “Hollywood” Brown’s Return to Health: Crucially, Marquise Brown, who re-signed with the Chiefs, is reported to be 100% healthy for the 2025 season after a shoulder injury limited him to just two regular-season games in 2024. His deep-threat ability and experience will be vital, especially if Rice misses time, providing Mahomes with a veteran presence.
  • Xavier Worthy’s Breakout Opportunity: The speedy rookie from the 2024 draft, Xavier Worthy, is now presented with a prime opportunity to step into a larger role. With Rice’s potential absence and Brown’s return to form, Worthy’s explosive playmaking ability and developing rapport with Patrick Mahomes could lead to a significant breakout season. The Chiefs will lean heavily on his speed to stretch defences.
  • Jalen Royals’ Potential: The Chiefs also drafted Jalen Royals in the fourth round, adding another promising young receiver who could carve out a role, especially given the current dynamics of the receiver room.

Offseason Summary: The Chiefs’ offseason strategy was clear: solidify the foundation around Patrick Mahomes and continue to build through the draft. The extensions for Trey Smith and George Karlaftis were paramount, ensuring two young stars remain with the team for the foreseeable future. The decision to trade Joe Thuney was bold but appears to be part of a larger plan to manage the cap and integrate new talent. The departures of key veterans like Justin Reid, Samaje Perine, Tershawn Wharton, and Justin Watson will test the Chiefs’ depth, but the team appears confident in their existing players and their draft class. The dynamic nature of their wide receiver corps, with the uncertainty surrounding Rashee Rice juxtaposed with the health of Marquise Brown and the breakout potential of Xavier Worthy, will be a major storyline. The Chiefs are still operating with a “Super Bowl or bust” mentality, and their offseason moves reflect a team determined to remain at the pinnacle of the NFL.

2025 NFL Draft Class: Bolstering the Trenches and Adding Playmakers

The Kansas City Chiefs, holding the final pick in the first round as Super Bowl champions, focused on strengthening their offensive and defensive lines, while also adding promising skill position players.

  • Round 1, Pick 32:Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
    • Analysis: With the last pick of the first round, the Chiefs addressed a potential long-term need at offensive tackle. Simmons is a powerful and athletic blocker with the size to be a dominant force. His selection, especially after the trade of Joe Thuney (which suggests some re-shuffling on the line), indicates a commitment to protecting Patrick Mahomes and bolstering the run game. He could potentially compete for a starting tackle spot early on.
  • Round 2, Pick 31 (63 overall):Omarr Norman-Lott, DT, Tennessee
    • Analysis: A disruptive interior defensive lineman who brings quickness and power to the Chiefs’ rotation alongside Chris Jones. With Tershawn Wharton’s departure, Norman-Lott’s development becomes even more crucial. He can penetrate gaps and create pressure, fitting well into Steve Spagnuolo’s aggressive scheme.
  • Round 3, Pick 2 (66 overall, from TEN):Ashton Gillotte, EDGE, Louisville
    • Analysis: An athletic and productive edge rusher who complements George Karlaftis and Charles Omenihu. Gillotte provides another strong presence on the defensive line, crucial for maintaining pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
  • Round 3, Pick 21 (85 overall, from NE):Nohl Williams, CB, California
    • Analysis: A versatile cornerback who can play inside or outside. Williams adds depth and competition to the secondary, an area where the Chiefs always look for young talent.
  • Round 4, Pick 31 (133 overall):Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State
    • Analysis: A speedy and explosive wide receiver. Royals offers vertical threat potential and could quickly become a deep-play option for Patrick Mahomes, providing added firepower to a receiving corps that needs consistent playmakers, especially given current uncertainties.
  • Round 5, Pick 20 (156 overall, from PIT):Jeffrey Bassa, LB, Oregon
    • Analysis: An athletic and instinctive linebacker. Bassa provides depth to the linebacker corps, especially with Willie Gay Jr.’s departure, and is a strong candidate for special teams contributions.
  • Round 7, Pick 12 (228 overall, from NE via DAL/DET):Brashard Smith, RB, SMU
    • Analysis: A versatile and shifty running back who can contribute as a runner and receiver. Smith adds competition to the backfield and could carve out a role as a change-of-pace option, especially with Samaje Perine’s departure.

Key Draft Storyline: Reinforcing Championship Pedigree

The Chiefs’ 2025 draft class was a textbook example of a winning organization continuing to build from a position of strength. The selection of Josh Simmons in the first round solidifies the offensive line, especially after the trade of Joe Thuney. Given the emphasis on protecting Patrick Mahomes, this pick was crucial.

On the defensive side, picks like Omarr Norman-Lott and Ashton Gillotte reinforce the defensive front, ensuring the Chiefs can continue to generate pressure and stop the run, which are hallmarks of Steve Spagnuolo’s defence. Norman-Lott’s importance increased with Tershawn Wharton’s move to Carolina. The addition of Nohl Williams to the secondary adds valuable depth and versatility, especially after the departure of Justin Reid. The Chiefs did not draft a safety in 2025, instead signaling confidence in their existing young talent like Jaden Hicks.

Perhaps the most exciting pick for fantasy football enthusiasts and offensive firepower was Jalen Royals, a deep-threat wide receiver who could immediately benefit from Patrick Mahomes’ ability to extend plays and deliver deep balls, particularly given the current uncertainty in the Chiefs’ receiver room. The drafting of Brashard Smith also gains more significance in the running back room with Samaje Perine’s move to the Bengals as Smith has a real opportunity to supplant Hunt as the team’s third down back with his receiving skillset coming out of college.

Overall, the Chiefs’ 2025 draft was about ensuring sustained success by investing in the trenches and adding high-upside playmakers, maintaining their competitive edge in the AFC.

2025 Schedule Breakdown & Win-Loss Prediction

The Kansas City Chiefs, as perennial contenders, face another challenging but manageable schedule in 2025, featuring high-stakes matchups and a trip to Brazil.

  • Weeks 1–6: Early Tests and a Brazil Trip
    • Week 1: at Los Angeles Chargers (in Brazil)
    • Week 2: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
    • Week 3: at New York Giants (SNF)
    • Week 4: vs. Baltimore Ravens
    • Week 5: at Jacksonville Jaguars (MNF)
    • Week 6: vs. Detroit Lions (SNF)

Outlook: A brutal opening stretch with road games including Brazil, and home contests against top-tier teams like the Eagles, Ravens, and Lions. The Chargers game, despite being divisional, is an early test in a neutral site.

Prediction: 4-2

  • Weeks 7–12: Mid-Season Grind and AFC Challenges
    • Week 7: vs. Las Vegas Raiders
    • Week 8: vs. Washington Commanders (MNF)
    • Week 9: at Buffalo Bills
    • Week 10: BYE
    • Week 11: at Denver Broncos
    • Week 12: vs. Indianapolis Colts

Outlook: A mix of divisional opponents and another high-profile AFC battle against the Bills. The bye week comes at a good time after a challenging first half. Home games against the Raiders, Commanders, and Colts should be winnable.

Prediction: 4-1 (Overall: 8-3)

  • Weeks 13–18: Playoff Seeding Battle
    • Week 13: at Dallas Cowboys (TNF – Thanksgiving)
    • Week 14: vs. Houston Texans (SNF)
    • Week 15: vs. Los Angeles Chargers
    • Week 16: at Tennessee Titans
    • Week 17: vs. Denver Broncos (TNF – Christmas)
    • Week 18: at Las Vegas Raiders 

Outlook: A strong finish to the season with three divisional games, including two at home. The Thanksgiving game against the Cowboys and the Christmas Day game against the Broncos add high-stakes drama. This stretch will determine their playoff seeding.

Prediction: 5-1

Final Record Prediction: 13-4

The Kansas City Chiefs are a perennial Super Bowl contender, and their 2025 roster, highlighted by the extensions for Trey Smith and George Karlaftis, plus the continued brilliance of Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, positions them for another dominant season. While the AFC West is improving, the Chiefs still hold a significant talent and coaching advantage. Their difficult early schedule will test them, but their ability to perform in big games and their continuity should see them secure another division title and a top seed in the AFC playoffs. The major variable remains the wide receiver situation and how they navigate Rashee Rice’s potential absence, along with how their younger safeties and running backs step up.

Final Take: Still the AFC’s Apex Predator

The Kansas City Chiefs enter the 2025 season not as a team in transition, but as a finely tuned machine aiming to reclaim their Super Bowl dominance. The continuity in their coaching staff, particularly with Andy Reid, Matt Nagy, and Steve Spagnuolo, provides a strong foundation. The major contract extensions for Trey Smith and George Karlaftis underscore General Manager Brett Veach’s commitment to retaining their young, foundational talent on both sides of the trenches, ensuring long-term success.

The wide receiver room presents the most significant storyline. While the departures of DeAndre Hopkins and Justin Watson are notable, the larger issue is the looming NFL suspension for Rashee Rice, which could sideline him for a significant portion of the season. This places immediate pressure on Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, now fully healthy, and particularly on second-year speedster Xavier Worthy, who is poised for a breakout. Their ability to step up alongside the ageless Travis Kelce will be paramount to the offense’s early-season success. The departures of veteran safety Justin Reid, running back Samaje Perine, and defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton will test the Chiefs’ depth, but the team appears confident in their existing players and their draft class.

The Chiefs’ 2025 schedule is challenging, featuring a trip to Brazil and high-stakes matchups against AFC powerhouses like the Ravens, Bills, and Jaguars, along with a Super Bowl rematch against the Eagles. However, their proven ability to perform in big games, coupled with their home-field advantage at Arrowhead, suggests they will navigate this schedule effectively.

Overall, the Kansas City Chiefs are well-positioned for another deep playoff run. They’ve secured their future, maintained their coaching continuity, and possess the best quarterback in the league. While the AFC is loaded with talent, the Chiefs remain the team to beat, with their sights firmly set on Super Bowl LX.

-Devon Gallant

Twitter: @DevGallant

Photo: All-Pro Reels. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.