Kansas City Chiefs 2026 outlook: four reasons the dynasty isn't dead

Last season, the Kansas City Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014. For a franchise that has won three of the last seven Super Bowls, that hurts.

While their recent form suggests the dynasty may be over, there is optimism at Arrowhead that 2026 could be the year the Chiefs get back on top.

Here are four reasons the Chiefs could return to the NFL summit next season.

1. Mahomes is ahead of schedule in his recovery

Three months after tearing his ACL and LCL, the two-time MVP appeared in a Chiefs’ video in what represents a quiet but significant checkpoint on the road back to Week 1.

Recent footage suggests he's on track, and for a team built entirely around his arm, that's the most important news of the offseason.

2. Kelce is back

The retirement rumours were gathering steam, but after signing a three-year deal worth $54.375 million, Kelce is staying put.

"Chiefs Kingdom, let's go, baby," he said. "Excited to put on a Chiefs uniform in front of you guys again."

At 36, the numbers aren't what they were, but the chemistry Kelce has with Mahomes means he still has plenty to offer.

3. Eric Bieniemy returned as Chiefs OC

Kansas City's running game in 2025 was a disaster. They ranked 22nd in the league with only 4.2 yards per carry, and the passing attack wasn't clicking.

Reid's fix? Bring back the coordinator who was on the sideline for two of their recent Super Bowl wins.

Earlier today on Good Morning Football - available to Game Pass subscribers on DAZN - former NFL player Isaac Rochell raved about the return of the OC.

"Bieniemy is such a big piece of this offense, and sideline, and culture," he said. "He changes the whole energy."

Bieniemy isn't treating it like a step backwards either. "I'm fired up about this opportunity ... It's time to get back in the saddle."

Mahomes, in particular, is happy to see Bieniemy back in the building.

4. The addition of Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker

In February, Walker racked up 135 yards on the Patriots' defense and walked away with the Super Bowl MVP,  becoming the first running back to win the award since Terrell Davis in 1997.

His explosive run rate was second-best in the NFL last season, and now he takes his services to Kansas City.

"They know how to win," Walker said upon joining. "We're going to hit the ground running and bring that trophy back to Arrowhead."

Are the Chiefs all the way back?

In a word, no. It's way too soon to make such a bold claim. Much work remains.

Mahomes' knee, Kelce's age and the rebuilt secondary are all very real concerns, any one of which could scupper the Chiefs' chances of hanging with the best teams in the league.

But make no mistake. The Chiefs aren't rebuilding, they’re reloading, and if the likes of CB Mansoor Delane, DT Peter Woods, and EDGE R Mason Thomas hit early, the dynasty could be revived.