Chiefs begin AFC ascension in latest offseason power rankings

The Kansas City Chiefs' offseason has seen a handful of key pieces move on, and the franchise has brought in what they think will be quality players for Andy Reid in 2026.

The big one has been Kenneth Walker.

The Seattle Seahawks running back won Super Bowl MVP, and now he brings his talents to the AFC and will be a driving force in helping the Chiefs climb the AFC mountain again.

But compared to other teams, where do the Chiefs sit in Eric Edholm's power rankings for NFL.com?

He has them at No. 14, up five spots from their last ranking.

"So much depends on Patrick Mahomes' ability to return to full strength after a torn ACL -- and to do so by his Week 1 goal -- but the Chiefs are starting to act like a team that expects to contend again," Shook wrote.

"It wouldn't be shocking at all to see the Chiefs use one of their two first-round picks (Nos. 9 and 29) on a cornerback. We'll wait to see how they address that need, but Andy Reid's team was destined to move up from the end-of-season rankings one way or another, even if it still has unfinished business."

More: Ravens urged to sign All-Pro WR for Lamar Jackson

Can Chiefs bounce back in 2026?

Well, it is hard to believe the franchise will fail as spectacularly as it did last season, again, right?

Patrick Mahomes coming back from an ACL is a question mark, as we know players are rarely themselves their first year back post a big injury. So, a lot will likely depend on No. 15.

But at least he's got a stud running back to ease the pressure on him, plus Travis Kelce is returning, so that will give Mahomes his security blanket.

Yes, last year wasn't good, so the bar hasn't been set too high for the Chiefs to come back better than they were.

Is Kansas City set to once again be the AFC's top dog? You wouldn't put it past them.

More NFL news:

• Analyst wants Raiders to sign 4-Time Pro Bowl QB
• Chargers urged to sign 22-TD WR for Justin Herbert
• Ravens not looking good in walk back of Maxx Crosby trade
• ESPN predicts Steelers' incredible two-decade-long streak to end in 2026
• Chiefs' free agency approach leads to potential AFC nightmare
• Steelers predicted for 2026 bounce back after free agency
• ESPN questions Bills' $29 million free agency signing