The Kansas City Chiefs' chase for the playoffs is over after a disheartening loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. A loss that eliminated the franchise from contention and put the future of quarterback Patrick Mahomes in question. His ACL tear has obviously ruled him out for the rest of the season and put his 2026 campaign into question.
Although things are bleak in Kansas City, one upside of dealing with this nightmare is that head coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach have the freedom to fully evaluate their roster without the pressure of winning. If anything, the Chiefs dropping more games earns a better draft spot to bring in a much-needed playmaker or pass rusher.
One obvious area of improvement is at the running back position, as all signs point to Isiah Pacheco not returning. Putting more mileage on the aging Kareem Hunt's body might not be a good idea without a potential playoff berth in the cards. With that in mind, Kansas City should turn to rookie RB Brashard Smith to start the rest of the season.
It's Time for Chiefs to Unleash Brashard Smith
Chiefs fans haven't seen much of Smith this season, as his usage has been limited. He's played only 143 offensive snaps in 14 outings (10.2 per game), with only 12 opportunities coming in the last three weeks. Of course, the lack of playing time means his production hasn't been great, converting 32 carries into 95 rushing yards without a touchdown. Although his receiving stats are decent (19 catches for 161 yards), he hasn't been targeted since Week 12.
Kansas City likely knows it is turning the page away from Pacheco and must now determine the future of Smith. Hunt is different in the fact that the former star isn't going to be looking for a starting role at this stage of his career. There is value in bringing him back as a punishing short-yardage weapon or a backup.
Perhaps Smith has the potential to be an RB1, or maybe he's nothing more than an asset for the passing game. Either way, the Chiefs won't know what they have in him if they continue sheltering his opportunities, further illustrating why it's important to showcase him in the next three weeks. After all, two of those games are against the Las Vegas Raiders and Tennessee Titans, who are allowing 118.9 (17th) and 123.6 rushing yards (19th) per game, respectively.
The other game is against the Denver Broncos, who are tied for allowing the third-most touchdown receptions to RBs this season, with four. In other words, Smith couldn't have asked for a better slate of games.
Perhaps with the pressure gone and the Chiefs able to play freely, Smith will give the front office a surprise boost and put together an impressive end to the season that forces him back into the backfield conversation for 2026.