Chiefs Ranked Low in Power Rankings Due to Mahomes' Injury

Kansas City's ranking hinges on quarterback's recovery timeline

Mar. 22, 2026 at 9:55pm

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The Kansas City Chiefs have had a productive offseason, adding running back Kenneth Walker III and addressing defensive needs. However, their ranking in the latest NFL power rankings by CBS Sports' Pete Prisco is low at 18th, primarily due to uncertainty surrounding quarterback Patrick Mahomes' recovery from a torn ACL. Prisco noted that if Mahomes is healthy for Week 1, the Chiefs will likely be ranked higher, as his value is crucial to the team's success.

Why it matters

The Chiefs' ranking in the power rankings is a reflection of the importance of Patrick Mahomes to the team's overall performance. As one of the league's elite quarterbacks, Mahomes' health and availability will be a key factor in determining the Chiefs' success in the upcoming season.

The details

The Chiefs have made several offseason moves, including adding running back Kenneth Walker III and addressing defensive needs with the departure of Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. However, the team's ranking in the latest power rankings by CBS Sports' Pete Prisco is low at 18th, primarily due to the uncertainty surrounding Mahomes' recovery from a torn ACL. Prisco noted that if Mahomes is healthy for Week 1, the Chiefs will likely be ranked higher, as his value is crucial to the team's success.

  • The Chiefs' offseason moves have taken place in the months leading up to the 2023 NFL season.

The players

Patrick Mahomes

The star quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, who is recovering from a torn ACL injury.

Kenneth Walker III

The running back recently added to the Chiefs' roster to help revamp their run game.

Trent McDuffie

A former Chiefs cornerback who has since departed the team.

Jaylen Watson

Another former Chiefs cornerback who has left the team.

Pete Prisco

A CBS Sports analyst who ranked the Chiefs 18th in his latest NFL power rankings.

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What they’re saying

“The big story is the rehab timetable for quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his torn ACL. When he is ready, he will have a new back in Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III to help the run game. If Mahomes is healthy, they will be higher on this list when the season starts.”

— Pete Prisco, CBS Sports Analyst

What’s next

As the offseason progresses, the Chiefs' ranking in the power rankings is likely to change, especially as more information becomes available about Mahomes' recovery timeline.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' low ranking in the power rankings is a clear indication of how crucial Patrick Mahomes is to the team's success. If Mahomes is healthy and ready to go by Week 1, the Chiefs are expected to climb the rankings, as his presence is vital to the team's overall performance.