As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Kansas City Chiefs face increasingly harsh skepticism about their ability to return to the playoffs, especially concerning Travis Kelce’s performance. FS1’s Jason McIntyre delivered a startling prediction that the Chiefs will fail to qualify for the postseason, stirring debate among fans and analysts.
Jason McIntyre’s Unconventional 2025 Playoffs Outlook for the Chiefs
Jason McIntyre, co-host of FS1’s The Herd, stunned viewers by forecasting that the Kansas City Chiefs would not only miss the playoffs but also fall behind teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans. This provocative stance follows the Chiefs’ recent Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, a defeat that still looms large in public memory.
McIntyre emphasized a perceived decline in the Chiefs’ offense, especially highlighting concerns over Travis Kelce, one of Kansas City’s star players. Despite a strong history, the co-host expressed doubts based on the offseason’s lack of team innovation.
“It’s tough to stay on top forever without reinventing yourself and I didn’t see the reinvention this offseason…I know it’s crazy, but I don’t have the Chiefs in the playoffs and I’m sticking with it,”
McIntyre declared.
He further joked on-air,
“T-Swift drops new album, as T-Kelce drops out of playoffs,”
—Jason McIntyre, FS1 Co-host.
Backing Up the Bold Claim: Concerns About Chiefs’ Postseason Prospects
The skepticism McIntyre aired about the Chiefs stems largely from their recent Super Bowl defeat and questions surrounding the team’s adjustments and upgrades going into the new season. Critics and fans alike are wrestling with whether Patrick Mahomes and Kelce can maintain their dominance, given rising competition in the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/afc/”>AFC and signs of stagnation.
While the Chiefs have been a dynasty contender for years, whispers about the team’s declining trajectory have grown louder, and McIntyre’s analysis taps into that narrative. He mentioned,
“I’m sorry, I got to stick to it guys. I’ve been on this boat for months. I get it, the wide receiver room should be upgraded…But I got to see it. I don’t see it from Kelce, I didn’t see it in the playoffs.”
Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans Tipped to Surpass Chiefs
Adding to the controversy, McIntyre placed more confidence in the Jaguars and Titans securing playoff berths ahead of Kansas City. This projection raises eyebrows due to both teams’ unresolved issues heading into the season.
The Tennessee Titans will start with rookie quarterback Cam Ward, who has yet to take a single NFL snap. While Ward’s potential is undoubted, his lack of professional experience makes the prediction of Tennessee’s playoff success speculative.
Meanwhile, the Jaguars will be led by first-year head coach Liam Coen and rely on Trevor Lawrence to find consistency at quarterback. Though questions remain about their readiness, McIntyre believes these uncertainties will be overcome.
These predictions sparked strong reactions online. One fan on X commented,
“Certainly one of the worst takes of the decade,”
while another added,
“Those two teams are closer to getting the first pick next year than the playoffs,”
and a third wrote,
Biggest moron on the planet,
targeting McIntyre’s forecast.
Assessing McIntyre’s AFC Playoff Selections Beyond the Chiefs
Aside from the surprising picks of the Jaguars and Titans, McIntyre’s other AFC playoff choices align with general expectations. He included Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, Cincinnati Bengals, and Los Angeles Chargers—teams widely regarded as strong playoff contenders.
His inclusion of the Titans and Jaguars ahead of the Chiefs, however, stands out as the most contentious and difficult to justify, given their current rosters and uncertainties at quarterback.
The Role of Sports Talk Hosts in Fueling NFL Debates
McIntyre’s forecast reflects the role of sports talk personalities in stirring conversation and controversy as the NFL season nears. Bold predictions, whether agreed with or dismissed, help generate fan engagement and debate across social media and traditional outlets.
Despite the fierce backlash, McIntyre’s stake in the ground focuses attention on how the Chiefs will respond after a disappointing Super Bowl and whether Travis Kelce can regain peak form to defy expectations during the 2025 playoffs.
Looking Ahead: What the 2025 Season Could Mean for the Chiefs and Kelce
The Chiefs’ pursuit of another Super Bowl appearance hinges on overcoming last season’s setbacks and addressing critics’ concerns about on-field adjustments, especially among their star players like Travis Kelce. This 2025 playoffs prediction may seem extreme, yet it underscores the seriousness with which fans and analysts are scrutinizing the team’s trajectory.
As the regular season unfolds, all eyes will be on Kansas City to see if they can silence doubters like McIntyre or if the postseason will feature a new set of contenders emerging ahead of them.