Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs stunned many by reaching the Super Bowl last season despite showing signs of inconsistency throughout their campaign. Although the team remained unbeaten for nearly the entire regular season, many of their victories were narrowly secured, and their offense lacked its usual sharpness. Despite this shaky form, they came within one game of achieving a rare three-peat, but an analyst now predicts their playoff streak won’t continue this year.
Statistical Edge That May Not Last
Jason McIntyre, a well-known sports analyst, highlighted some eye-opening statistics to back his forecast. He noted that the Chiefs won twelve close games last year, a remarkable but unlikely repeatable feat.
“They were 12-0 in one-score games last year,”
McIntyre said bluntly. These wins often rely on luck and fine margins rather than a sustainable formula, suggesting the Chiefs might not replicate that success moving forward.
Signs of Aging and Decline in Key Players
McIntyre also pointed out performance concerns, particularly for tight end Travis Kelce, a player usually dominant in the postseason who appeared diminished at crucial moments.
“In the final two games of last year, Travis Kelce looked lost,”
the analyst observed. He referenced Kelce’s low reception numbers in the playoff run, including just two catches for 19 yards against Buffalo and four catches for 39 yards in the Super Bowl. Although hesitant to use harsh terms, McIntyre suggested Kelce’s effectiveness might be waning, saying,
“I don’t want to say he looked washed — that’s a little harsh — but he’s starting to look his age.”
Mahomes’ Optimism Contrasted with the Analyst’s Doubts
Mahomes expressed positive support for Kelce’s durability, stating,
“If this is the last ride, you would never know.”
Still, McIntyre remained unconvinced, emphasizing the possibility that the quest for a three-peat, which ended in failure, might signify a turning point for the Chiefs’ run.
“That [the three-peat chase] was the last ride. They were going for the three-peat. And they failed,”
he said.
Challenging Schedule and Team Weaknesses Ahead
Looking toward the new season, McIntyre highlighted the tough opponents the Chiefs are set to face early on, which could further hinder their playoff chances.
“You open with the Chargers. Then the Eagles, Lamar Jackson, Jared Goff, Jayden Daniels, and a trip to Buffalo,”
he said. “That is a brutal stretch.” Alongside this difficult schedule, the team’s receiving corps remains questionable, and the offensive line continues to evolve without full certainty. Meanwhile, divisional rivals like the Raiders, Broncos, and Chargers appear stronger than before, increasing competition in the AFC West.
Predicted Outcome for the Chiefs Season
Based on these factors, McIntyre does not expect the Chiefs to make the postseason.
“I’m calling for eight or nine wins — and no playoffs,”
he stated, adding,
“I know I’m in the minority, but all the numbers line up.”
He also challenged fans who believe that Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid alone can guarantee success, saying,
“Fine. Take that. But history is not on your side.”
Concerns Over Recurring Post-Super Bowl Performance Decline
McIntyre underlined his warning with a reference to the so-called “Super Bowl loser curse,” recalling the fate of the Eagles after losing the previous title game.
“The Chiefs beat the Eagles in the Super Bowl. What happened to the Eagles the next year? They fell apart,”
he pointed out. This historical pattern adds to the cautious outlook surrounding the Chiefs’ future performance.
Upcoming Challenge for Mahomes, Reid, and the Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes and guided by Andy Reid, face mounting pressure to silence doubters this season. While past success has insulated them from some criticisms, the combination of declining individual performances, tougher competition, and an unforgiving schedule leaves their playoff hopes uncertain. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if this marks the end of their recent dominance or just a temporary setback.