The Chiefs’ road to playoffs: 6 wins, 3 big home games, zero margin for error
The Kansas City Chiefs are on the brink, but they pulled off a win on Sunday and are still in the race. Here’s how they can rescue their season.
The Kansas City Chiefs are facing a rare midseason reality check. The defending AFC champions, led by Patrick Mahomes, are 6–5 and currently sitting outside the playoff picture. Considering the Chiefs reached the Super Bowl in the last three consecutive seasons, being on the bubble is both shocking and high-stakes.
But if anyone can climb back, it’s this team. With Mahomes at the helm and a home-heavy schedule in key matchups coming up, Kansas City still has a path to the postseason, but it’s narrow, and the margin for error is thin.
Why the Chiefs are on the bubble
Kansas City’s inconsistencies have caught up to them. Despite their talent and firepower, the Chiefs have lost winnable games, struggled in close contests, and fallen behind in division tiebreakers (currently trailing Houston for playoff seeding).
Even their Week 12 overtime win over the Indianapolis Colts wasn’t exactly a clean performance. Mahomes threw for 352 yards but failed to score a touchdown, was sacked four times, and picked off once. It was a win, but a win that highlighted just how thin the Chiefs’ playoff cushion is.
Remaining schedule: The road back
Kansas City has three of their final six games against teams with winning records, and three more within their own division. The stakes could not be higher.
- Week 13: Thu, Nov 27 @ Dallas Cowboys
- Week 14: Sun, Dec 7 vs Denver Broncos
- Week 15: Sun, Dec 14 @ Las Vegas Raiders
- Week 16: Sun, Dec 21 vs Los Angeles Chargers
- Week 17: Thu, Dec 25 @ Denver Broncos
- Week 18: Sun, Jan 4, 2026 vs Cincinnati Bengals
The good news is that all three games against winning teams are at home, where the Chiefs are 5–1 this season. Protecting their Arrowhead advantage will be critical.
What must happen for the Chiefs to reach the postseason
1. Mahomes needs to rediscover efficiency
He’s still the league’s top playmaker, but Kansas City needs clean drives, fewer turnovers, and explosive scoring to survive this playoff chase.
2. Offensive line must hold up
Too many sacks have slowed down drives and cost them points. The Chiefs cannot afford another injury or breakdown in pass protection.
3. Defense needs to step up
The Chiefs’ defense has been inconsistent, allowing too many big plays to opponents. Timely stops and turnovers are essential against tough opponents down the stretch.
4. Win the division matchups
The AFC West will decide the Chiefs’ fate. Winning their games against the Broncos, Raiders, and Chargers is non-negotiable.
The Chiefs’ playoff path won’t be easy, but it is possible. If they finish strong at home and win the tough divisional games, they could sneak in as a Wild Card. Lose just one or two key games, though, and their Super Bowl streak is over.
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