Chiefs handed thought-provoking spot in latest power rankings

The Kansas City Chiefs have had a good start to their offseason, with the franchise filling several needs, while also gently hitting the reset button on the roster.

Andy Reid and Brett Veach are tasked with getting this team back into the postseason, and have made some nice moves, most notably Kenneth Walker and Khyiris Tonga, as both sides of the ball got upgrades.

If the Chiefs are just healthy in 2026, a return to the postseason feels like a formality for most, and I tend to agree.

But how bullish can we be on the Chiefs? Sports Illustrated's Conor Orr, in his latest power rankings, has Kansas City at No. 5.

“I’ve written a lot already about Kenneth Walker III and the Chiefs, and why I like giving Patrick Mahomes a scheme-averse game-breaker who can gain the tough yardage on the ground and remove stress from the quarterback’s shoulders,” Orr wrote.

“But it’s worth noting that safety Alohi Gilman and DT Khyiris Tonga are also fantastic signings in the hands of the capable Steve Spagnuolo. This defense has been in desperate need of an ideological turnaround, and these pieces can be pivotal in that process.”

More: Analyst makes startling revelation on Bills' 2026 roster

Chiefs rising high

Having the Chiefs at No. 5 for some could be seen as a little high, given the uncertain nature of Patrick Mahomes' recovery.

But if we delve a little deeper into Orr's rankings, something jumps out at me.

The Denver Broncos are the only AFC team ahead of the Chiefs, meaning Kansas City is the second-best team in the AFC. That's quite something.

Of course, this is based on projections and what the free-agent signings can do, but the faith in the Chiefs hasn't been shaken after last year's horror show.

It was a down season in 2025 for Kansas City, but there are still many to believe it was more of a blip on the radar than a developing trend.

Time will tell who is right.

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