The Kansas City Chiefs have been written off by some after starting the season with three losses in their first five games. After the performance they put together against the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football, however, those concerns should be wiped away altogether.
Not only did Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs get the job done against a gritty Lions defense, they continued to execute at a level that fans in Kansas City haven't enjoyed in nearly a decade. Following the Hollywood Brown touchdown reception that put the Chiefs up 10 points in the fourth quarter, Jesse Newell of The Athletic shared a statistic that will cause some fans to do a double-take.
Despite all the issues regarding the rushing attack, which remain a concern despite a better showing in Week 6, Kansas City has scored a touchdown on roughly 1/3 of its offensive possessions this season, which is the Chiefs' best mark since the 2018 season.
Oh, and as Newell pointed out, Rashee Rice returns to the lineup next week.
Chiefs' Historic Offensive Execution Sets Stage for Rashee Rice's Return
Rice is thought of so highly within the organization that his presence alone, despite the six-game suspension, was enough to keep Kansas City from having any interest in pursuing a trade for Tyreek Hill before he was lost for the season due to injury.
With the offense humming along as we approach the midway point of the 2025 campaign, incorporating Rice into this passing attack should only open up things even more for the rest of the offense. This should be a frightening proposition for opposing defenses as, theoretically, Mahomes should only improve from here on out.
Given the fact that Mahomes has accounted for 10 total touchdowns (eight passing, two rushing) in his last three games, the percentage of drives that have ended in touchdowns leading up to Rice's return is impressive as he is a proven commodity who has an established rapport with his quarterback.
Rice has accumulated over 100 receptions for over 1,200 yards and nine touchdowns in 20 career games. More than half of those receptions have directly led to first down conversions. This isn't just a matter of Kansas City welcoming a core rotation player back to the fold in Week 7. The Chiefs are adding a legitimate No. 1 receiver, who is going to be fully healthy, to an offense that is already performing at a high level.
Despite its 3-3 record, Kansas City is still very much in the thick of the AFC West race. Now, they have the opportunity to make a run at the division crown with their full arsenal of weapons at Mahomes' disposal.