Kansas City’s made some seriously bold moves over the years, and it looks like they are at it again heading into the 2026 season. After trading away their star quarterback Alex Smith for Patrick Mahomes and then Tyreek Hill in his prime, they’ve got three Super Bowl trophies to show for it. Now, the buzz around Arrowhead is all about their upcoming season, and some of the predictions are wild. Get this: the Chiefs are expected to have a 1,000-yard rusher AND receiver for the first time since way back in 2017. Can you believe Mahomes has never had a 1,000-yard rusher during his era? That streak is apparently done.
The Chiefs Are About To Run The Damn Ball, Finally
The biggest shocker coming out of the Chiefs’ camp is the commitment to the run game. After neglecting to develop backs for seasons, the Chiefs went out and signed Kenneth Walker, the best free agent possible, and drafted rookie running back Emmett Johnson, a highly touted player. It’s time to run the damn ball, apparently! Kenneth Walker apparently showed glimpses of what he can do in the playoffs last season, and Johnson has the skills to be a star, giving them a lethal one-two punch. This is what their offensive line, led by center Creed Humphrey and right guard Trey Smith, was built for. Even with some shaky tackle play that might hurt their pass protection, Andy Reid is still savvy enough to scheme open runs. The expectation is that Walker will come close to leading the NFL in rushing yards, and Johnson is set for a super productive rookie year. This offense, with Mahomes coming off an injury, is looking for a much more balanced attack, and it seems like they are going to get it.
Defense Taking A Giant Leap Towards Greatness
It is not just the offense getting hyped either. The Chiefs’ defense is projected to hold opposing teams to under 280 yards from scrimmage per game this season. For reference, that kind of number puts them right up there with the 2025 Denver Broncos and Houston Texans. The additions of young pass rusher R Mason Thomas and blue-chip cornerback Masoor Delane, who many think will be a multi-time All-Pro, along with the return of L’Jarius Sneed and the arrival of Alohi Gillman, mean this defense is ready to take a massive leap. They are going from good to great, no joke. The staff there believes the Chiefs are going to win a ton of one-score games, and it will be that defense slamming the door shut on opponents that makes it happen. That is a unit that could dominate, keeping them in every single game.
You just know these Chiefs are always up to something, trying to stay at the top. But speaking of teams that know how to win, did you catch that Seahawks game? A gritty 13-10 win over the New England Patriots! Sam Darnold was slinging it, and it’s always great to see our guys come out on top. Mike Macdonald is getting this team ready. We are back at it this weekend, and you know we are going to be loud, the 12s always are. Let’s keep that momentum rolling!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Arrowhead Pride.
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