On paper, the Kansas City Chiefs had one of the best run defenses in the league in 2026. Number-wise, giving up just 1,797 total rushing yards and 4.0 yards per carry wasn't half bad. That's just over 105 yards per game, which ranked ninth in the league.
However, situational splits might tell a different story. Per Team Ranking, Kansas City allowed a third-down conversion percentage of 43.56%, the fourth-worst mark in the league. They failed to finish plays and, unlike in most of the Steve Spagnuolo era, the Chiefs' defense crumbled late in games.
The Chiefs' revamped defensive line will be tested in 2026. With Khyiris Tonga's arrival and Omarr Norman-Lott's return to full strength, they'll need to be much more efficient this time around. That's especially true if you consider FanSided's Mike Phillips' latest prediction, as he thinks Broncos and Chargers running backs RJ Harvey and Omarion Hampton will break out this coming season.
The Chiefs will face three strong rushing attacks in the AFC West
When looking at breakout candidates in the AFC West, Phillips pointed to two promising running backs in the division. "[JK] Dobbins is back in Denver, but Harvey has had more usage at mini camps, which could hint at a bigger role for the speedy young back out of UCF," wrote Phillips.
"A fractured ankle in Week 5 cost Hampton a lot of his rookie season, but he flashed when he was on the field, averaging 4.4 yards per carry and catching 32 passes out of the backfield," wrote Phillips on Hampton. "The Chargers kept Keaton Mitchell and Kimani Vidal around as backups but didn't add a starter ahead of Hampton, signaling their intentions to make him their top running back in 2026.
While he appointed WR Tre Tucker as the Las Vegas Raiders' breakout candidate, they have another budding star at the position in Ashton Jeanty, not to mention a savvy offensive playcaller in Klint Kubiak.
With Kubiak at the helm, the Seattle Seahawks ran for the tenth-most yards (2,096), the ninth-most touchdowns (19), and the seventh-most first downs (125). The Raiders also added an elite center in Tyler Linderbaum. He's outstanding at climbing and opening up rushing lanes for the running game.
The Chargers' offensive line should be better now that they're healthier, and Sean Payton's teams have always boasted strong ground attacks. That's where a stout run-stopper like Tonga will be paramount to keep divisional opposition in check.
The Chiefs spent most of their offseason resources on rebuilding their defense. They were clearly no longer the championship-caliber unit that helped this team get out of so many late-game pickles and made it almost impossible to beat in close, late-game situations.
The AFC West is no longer the cakewalk it used to be for most of the Patrick Mahomes era. And while the Chiefs should still love their chances against anyone, they'll have to do a much better job in the trenches in 2026. Football has evolved a lot throughout the years, but one thing remains true: Whoever controls the line of scrimmage controls the game.
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