The Kansas City Chiefs have been pointed to as an obvious team of concern when looking at their group of playmakers. Despite the offseason additions and the now-healthy receiving core, there are still doubters out there. ESPN's Dan Orlovsky took this a step further this week.
"10 teams in the AFC have a better WR core than the Chiefs," Orlovsky said. "Maybe that will change throughout the season, but right now that’s reality for them. Patrick and Andy will have to work magic again." There are a lot of takeaways here, with the most obvious being how underrated Kansas City's group of playmakers is if Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy live up to expectations.
However, there is a fair point here from Orlovsky in the fact that the Chiefs are dealing with zero proven options at the position and laying expectations at the feet of Patrick Mahomes. Even coming off an ACL tear, there seems to be the belief that the quarterback's elite ability to elevate those around him and find ways to win will remain intact.
This is a fair expectation based on a career that is a bit underrated when it comes to just how great Mahomes has been. The flip side of this is pointing out that the AFC is far more talented than in years past, with obvious threats to Kansas City that gained a high level of confidence from the 2025 season's stumble.
Tyquan Thornton, Rice, and Worthy are Mahomes' starting trio at wideout, with each of these playmakers coming with very clear concerns. None of them have a proven resume that leaves reason to believe Orlovsky's take is currently fair, no matter what the expectations are moving forward.
Orlovsky is right to have concerns over Chiefs wide receiver room
It should be noted here as well that the presence of Kenneth Walker III will go a long way in helping to take a level of pressure off the quarterback. The problem remains that Mahomes can only make plays when his pass catchers are able to stay on the field and get open. Both of these traits are a bit in question when it comes to Kansas City's current starters and what recent history suggests.
Mahomes has often shouldered an unfair burden since the departure of Tyreek Hill when it comes to playmaking options. The Chiefs are betting on a leap from their current options, with the expectation that Mahomes is going to figure it out if the franchise doesn't enjoy the expected level of production.
There simply is no way around the fact that Orlovsky's take is fair when you're looking simply at last season and understanding how unreliable Rice has been at staying on the field, and the questions around the health of Worthy. Add in an aging Travis Kelce and backup Noah Gray coming off the worst season of his career, and the pundit makes a fair case that points to the burden that could yet again fall on the shoulders of Mahomes.
With that said, there is hope that Rice can find a way to deliver on expectations, with the receiver being one of the league's elite options when he is able to stay on the field. This version of the pass catcher and Worthy being able to stay healthy would completely change the conversation and take a level of pressure off the Chiefs quarterback.
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