Patrick Mahomes Leads Chiefs' Resurgence Amid AFC West Challenges

A shaky 2-2 start has flagged inconsistency for the Kansas City Chiefs and trimmed their preseason playoff and Super Bowl probabilities amid a tough remaining schedule and an unbeaten Buffalo Bills, leaving the franchise less in control of its destiny. Patrick Mahomes answered with a four-touchdown, 270-yard game in a 37-20 win over Baltimore — the offense’s best outing in nearly two years — buoyed by Xavier Worthy’s return and Matt Nagy’s scheming. Kansas City also emphasized the run (a season-high 32 carries) and more under‑center snaps, which helped reduce reliance on Mahomes’ scrambling. Rookie Brashard Smith has injected energy into the backfield, challenging veterans Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt and contributing on offense and special teams. Those on-field adjustments have nudged betting markets — Kansas City’s Super Bowl odds fell after an 0-2 start but recovered after back-to-back wins — leaving the Chiefs still dangerous but facing clearer questions about consistency and depth.