It feels like it's been ages since the Kansas City Chiefs' last Super Bowl win. In reality, they were one game away from becoming the first team to three-peat in the Super Bowl era just two years ago. But that's what a losing season can do.
Once again, opposing teams and national media are counting Andy Reid's team out as if they didn't have the best quarterback in the game and the greatest offensive play-caller of all time. And now that Eric Bieniemy is back as offensive coordinator and they have overhauled the defense, the sky is the limit.
Some may insist that the Chiefs' dynasty is already over, but this team will never go down without a fight. Considering that, let's take a look at three bold predictions that could define the Chiefs' 2026 season.
3 bold predictions that could make or break the Chiefs' 2026 season
Kenneth Walker III will set new career highs
Kenneth Walker III arrived in Missouri as the team's new workhorse, and that will translate into his highest usage yet. Even with rookie Emmett Johnson looking like the first guy off the bench, Walker won't be in a committee for the first time in a long while.
That will help him break the Chiefs' spell and become the first 1,000-yard rusher on the team since rookie Kareem Hunt in 2017. He has the right guy to help him reach new heights in offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, a true running-game guru.
And with Patrick Mahomes potentially not being as mobile as he was before the injury, at least at first, Walker might be looking at north of 1,200 rushing yards and double-digit touchdowns. He'll be the offense's MVP.
Tyreek Hill will return at one point (but not alone)
Tyreek Hill has endeared himself to the Chiefs and their fans multiple times since his departure. He's still working his way back from a complex knee injury that would've probably forced other players into retirement.
He's adamant about playing this season, and while the Chiefs were right to ignore his pleas in the offseason, they might want him back as a high-upside veteran if the price makes sense further down the road.
Then again, he won't be the only former Chief to return this season. This team has a weakness for former Chiefs who don't pan out elsewhere, so don't be shocked if Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Mecole Hardman, or JuJu Smith-Schuster are also back at some point.
R Mason Thomas will be the team's most impactful rookie
Mansoor Delane was the team's highest selection, and he has all the tools to be an impactful player from the jump. That said, R Mason Thomas will be the biggest difference-maker among the first-year players.
He's lean and dynamic enough to line up at both defensive end and linebacker, something like a poor man's Micah Parsons. That will give Steve Spagnuolo enough positional versatility to find different ways to get him on the field and throw different schemes at opposing offenses.
Also, with Felix Anudike-Uzomah listed as the other starter opposite George Karlaftis, it shouldn't be long before the rookie climbs his way up the ladder and earns himself the DE2 job in Missouri. He's about to prove why he was a first-round-caliber talent and a big steal at No. 40.
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