Kansas City Chiefs 2026 NFL odds, season preview, analysis and predictions
The Kansas City Chiefs are looking to bounce back after missing the playoffs last season for the first time since 2014. Their efforts, of course, hinge on the health of quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The two-time NFL MVP and three-time Super Bowl MVP suffered a torn ACL in Week 15, although Kansas City was already 6-7 heading into that game and, for all intents and purposes, out of postseason contention.
Can Mahomes, Travis Kelce and other members of the old guard combine with a decent amount of younger talent to restore this franchise to its former glory?
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Kansas City Chiefs NFL futures
To win the Super Bowl: +1600
To win the AFC: +770
To win the AFC West: +160
To make the playoffs: -205
Patrick Mahomes to win MVP: +1000
Patrick Mahomes to win Comeback Player of the Year: +185
These are the longest odds you will find with the Chiefs since their dynasty began when Mahomes took over at QB. Those futures prices are understandable, too, given that Kansas City compiled a 6-11 record last season and Mahomes is coming off an ACL tear. Kelce is 36 years old and cornerback Trent McDuffie was traded to the Rams during the offseason.
When healthy, though, Mahomes could still be the best quarterback in football. The Texas Tech product – and his team – can never be discounted.
Kansas City Chiefs squad strengths
Kansas City’s strength is its championship pedigree. Mahomes is still the quarterback, Kelce is still the tight end and Andy Reid is still the head coach. This is a trio that has reached five Super Bowls in the last seven seasons, winning three. Defensive tackle Chris Jones and kicker Harrison Butker were also around for all three Lombardi Trophies and remain two of the best in their business at their respective positions.
Speaking of Super Bowls, the Chiefs signed former Seahawks running back and reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III to replace Isiah Pacheco. With Mahomes, Walker, Kelce and receivers Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy, the offence could return to its former self as long as Mahomes manages to stay on the field all year long.
Kansas City Chiefs squad weaknesses
Depth – or a lack thereof – once again projects to be Kansas City’s weakness. This team had no chance in 2025 the injuries (and not just to Mahomes) began to pile up. If a number of starters go down again in 2026, the story could be similar. The Chiefs at least have a viable backup quarterback now in the form of Justin Fields, but they do not really have anyone behind, Walker in the backfield, no pass-catchers other than Rice, Worthy and Kelce, and nobody to rush the opposing quarterback other than Jones, George Karlaftis and perhaps Peter Woods.
Woods, a defensive tackle, and cornerback Mansoor Delane are rookies who really need to step up. Kansas City tied for the seventh-fewest sacks in the NFL (35) last year, while Delane has big shoes to fill with McDuffie now in Los Angeles.
Kansas City Chiefs 2026 NFL season prediction: To win the AFC West (+160)
What will it take to win the division? Well, the Chiefs have to get past the Broncos, Chargers and Raiders. Denver must prove that 2025 was not a fluke, but quarterback Bo Nix is coming off an injury of his own. Los Angeles has never won anything with Justin Herbert under center. Las Vegas stinks.
As the Super Bowl and AFC odds suggest, these may not be the Chiefs of old. But well into plus money, the value on them restoring order to the AFC West is too enticing to pass up.