Football analyst Connor Orr dropped his list of 14 Super Bowl contenders for the upcoming season, and the Kansas City Chiefs were nowhere to be found. Let that sink in for a second, because this isn’t just about doubting a team; it’s an outright dismissal of the dynasty that has dominated the AFC for years. It’s wild to see nearly half the league identified as legitimate title contenders, and the Chiefs, the team that was once a default pick, aren’t even in the conversation.
The Dynasty Everyone Wants to Knock Off Is Facing Real Skepticism
It feels like just yesterday everyone was penciling the Chiefs into the AFC Championship, probably beyond. Picking them to win it all became the most boring choice you could make. But after a 6-11 performance last season, things are looking very different for Kansas City. Add in an offseason that saw several key pieces walk away, and suddenly the media isn’t just questioning them anymore; they’re writing them off. This isn’t your average “hot take” artist either. We’re talking about thoughtful football minds here. Orr’s take is just one example, and it’s a shocking one considering what Chiefs fans are used to.
Why the Chiefs Are Getting Written Off for 2026
So, what’s the deal? Orr’s explanation points to a league that feels a lot more wide open now. Sure, Patrick Mahomes is still one of the two best quarterbacks in the NFL, and the Chiefs might still snag 11 or 12 wins this season. But the big question marks are glaring. How do they simply replace the losses of Jaylen Watson and Trent McDuffie? And running back essentially the same offensive line for another year after a tough season? That’s a huge concern.
The biggest offensive “upgrade” was Kenneth Walker III at running back, but even that isn’t swaying the skeptics. Orr pointed out that the addition of Walker III isn’t going to just change the complexion of Kansas City’s offense. He even referenced a failed attempt to create a more diverse, downhill running scheme when Eric Bieniemy was the Chiefs’ OC, all designed to protect Mahomes. It’s a tough spot. And Orr isn’t alone in this thinking. Another analyst, Frank Schwab, ranked the Chiefs as just the 12th-best team in his NFL offseason power rankings. Putting the Chiefs at No. 12? That’s uncomfortable for anyone who’s watched them these past few years.
This isn’t about whether Mahomes can still sling it; it’s about the team around him and whether they can overcome these significant offseason departures and the perceived stagnation of the offensive line. The upcoming season is going to be a massive test for the Chiefs, a chance to prove everyone who’s dismissing them totally wrong.
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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