The Kansas City Chiefs are heading deeper into the summer with a surprising lack of league-wide attention. One down season from the franchise has given pundits permission to kill a dynasty that clearly hasn't reached its end. The Chiefs remain very much alive, but it is far more enjoyable to focus on other potential contenders than to give the league's most accomplished franchise over the last decade its due.
A large part of this is looking at the offseason moves and understanding how the stage has been set for a return to form. With this in mind, let's look at four underrated advantages that the Chiefs have heading into 2026 that will put the franchise back on top and prove that the level of offseason hype was lower than the team's actual ceiling.
The four offseason improvements should propel the Chiefs back into being Super Bowl bound
1. Improvement in the trenches
As great as Patrick Mahomes might be, the legend can only do so much if there isn't viable help in the trenches. Kansas City realized that this offseason and reinforced both sides of the ball. Defensively, you have the signing of Khyiris Tonga and the draft pick of Peter Woods. Both of these additions offer far more help than Chris Jones has had in recent seasons, offering a clear spark to the middle of the KC's defensive line.
Looking at the offensive line, it is exciting to see Jawaan Taylor depart the franchise and take the frustrating penalties with him. Josh Simmons is heading into year two, and the biggest hurdle for the current line has been cleared with health returning. The level of improvement made on both lines is simply being overlooked, as it's clear that Brett Veach has set up both sides of the ball to take a leap.
2. Coordinator advantage
Steve Spagnuolo doesn't get enough praise for what his defense accomplished in Kansas City's three straight trips to the Super Bowl. Even last season, as the offense fell apart and injuries ravaged the roster, Spagnuolo didn't fold and consistently kept things close, finding ways to create pressure and continue to show why he is one of the league's most accomplished coordinators.
Not only is Spagnuolo returning, but Eric Bieniemy and the Chiefs are reunited, offering a much-needed presence to push the roster and get the best out of current offensive pieces. Bieniemy brings a level of accountability and energy the roster has clearly lacked since his departure. No question, the Chiefs are going to have a clear coordinator advantage on one or both sides of the ball each and every week.
3. Patrick Mahomes has to do far less
Mahomes is going to see his numbers take a positive leap this season, and that is based on the fact that the offense is going to take a huge burden off his shoulders to do everything. The additions of Emmett Johnson and Kenneth Walker III change life for the offense. Having true balance in the offensive attack is going to allow Mahomes to play more freely in a way fans haven't seen over the last three seasons.
No longer is Mahomes going to be pressed to create with his legs and take the level of punishment he has in years past. Having to do less for the offense is going to result in a boom in the quarterback's productivity and make the offense far better.
4. Underdog mentality
The Chiefs are at their best when the media is doubting the franchise and focusing on new contenders. Part of what has fueled the dynastic run is a consistent lack of respect due to the boring greatness of Kansas City. This has changed after two years of the team being picked as the AFC favorites due to making three straight Super Bowls. One off year and pundits are again ready to bury a team that isn't going to leave easily.
It hands the roster a legitimate reason to embrace an underdog role that hasn't been realistic over the last few seasons. As cliché as it might seem, it remains an elite motivator that offers the 2026 roster a clear advantage.
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