Chiefs Ranked 19th in Early 2026 Power Rankings

Kansas City faces questions about defense and contract situations as they look to bounce back from a 6-11 season.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Kansas City Chiefs, two seasons removed from back-to-back Super Bowl titles, are ranked 19th in an early 2026 NFL power ranking by NFL.com's Eric Edholm. The ranking comes as the Chiefs face questions about their defense, including the contract status of cornerback Jaylen Watson, and the hefty $27.4 million cap hit for tackle Jawaan Taylor. Despite these issues, the Chiefs are seen as being under less pressure entering the 2026 season compared to recent years.

Why it matters

The Chiefs' ranking outside the top half of the league is a stark contrast to their recent dominance, when they were perennial Super Bowl contenders. This lower ranking suggests the Chiefs may no longer be viewed as an elite team, at least until they can prove 2025's 6-11 season was an aberration and not the start of a downfall.

The details

The Chiefs' ranking of 19th comes from NFL.com's Eric Edholm, who noted the team still has issues to address on the defensive side of the ball, including the contract status of cornerback Jaylen Watson and the hefty $27.4 million cap hit for tackle Jawaan Taylor. Edholm also pointed out that the Chiefs have let defensive backs walk in past offseasons, a trend that could continue. However, the Chiefs are expected to address the pass rush, with GM Brett Veach spending time scouting defensive line prospects at the Senior Bowl.

  • The Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time in 11 years in 2025, finishing with a 6-11 record.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23.

The players

Patrick Mahomes

The Chiefs' star quarterback who has led the team to multiple Super Bowl appearances.

Andy Reid

The Chiefs' head coach who has led the team to consistent success, including a 6-11 season in 2025 which was his first losing record with the team.

Brett Veach

The Chiefs' general manager who is expected to address the team's defensive needs in the upcoming draft.

Jawaan Taylor

The Chiefs' tackle whose $27.4 million cap hit is seen as a pressing issue for the team.

Jaylen Watson

The Chiefs' cornerback whose free agent status is a concern as the team has let defensive backs walk in the past.

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What they’re saying

“With Patrick Mahomes already headlong into his rehab, and the Chiefs angling for Travis Kelce to lace 'em up for one more season, the vibes appear to be slightly back on the upswing in Kansas City.”

— Eric Edholm (NFL.com)

“There are still plenty of issues to iron out beyond that, with tackle Jawaan Taylor's contract (set to cost $27.4 million against the cap) and cornerback Jaylen Watson's free-agent status being pretty pressing ones. The Chiefs have let defensive backs walk in past offseasons and could opt to do so again, but it would leave a void.”

— Eric Edholm (NFL.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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