The Kansas City Chiefs are trying to recover from the brutal loss in Super Bowl LIX, and it looks like wide receiver Rashee Rice is prepared to take the lead.
The Chiefs still have one of the best rosters in the league, even though several analysts predicted a reversal for the defending AFC champs. One major reason for optimism is the expected return of Rice, who missed most of last season with a knee injury suffered in Week 4 of 2024.
Marquise Brown and Rashee Rice show love on IG
As the team gathers for Organized Team Activities (OTAs) ahead of the 2025 season, a brief but telling exchange on social media caught fans’ attention. Marquise “Hollywood” Brown posted on Instagram, saying:
“Hope these voices in my head go quiet .”
Rice replied with a confident and brotherly message: “My Bloody!.” While short, the interaction suggests a sense of unity and mutual encouragement within the Chiefs’ wide receiver room.
Still looking for a Tyreek Hill replacement
Kansas City has struggled to find a consistent replacement for Tyreek Hill since trading him in 2022, but Rice showed early signs that he could fill that role. Drafted in the second round in 2023, he had a standout rookie season with 79 receptions, 938 yards, and seven touchdowns.
In just four games before his 2024 injury, he had already racked up 288 yards and two scores on 24 catches, showing signs of even greater progress.
Rice has proven to be a dependable and physical target, despite not being as quick as Hill. The Chiefs may now have one of the league’s most explosive receiving tandems thanks to the signing of rookie Xavier Worthy, who set an NFL Combine record by blazing the 40-yard dash in 4.21 seconds.
Worthy already made his mark in the Super Bowl loss to the Eagles with 157 yards and two touchdowns on eight catches.
From weeks 1-9, Xavier Worthy averaged nearly 14 yards per target. In the weeks that followed, it dropped to 6.5 yards. The Chiefs focused on exploiting underneath routes and scheming him against slower defenders in space. pic.twitter.com/DnmNNNKDtD
— Daniel Harms (@InHarmsWay19) June 10, 2025
With Rice on the mend and sending a strong signal of readiness and leadership, Kansas City’s offense could be even more dangerous in 2025. The Chiefs may have stumbled on the biggest stage, but their receivers, led by a motivated Rice, are clearly focused on bouncing back.
What do they need to become the biggest team again?
The Kansas City Chiefs remain strong contenders heading into the 2025 season, but several key changes could help them stay ahead. Solidifying the wide receiver area is crucial, and the potential Rashee Rice’s return and rookie Xavier Worthy’s speed would offer promise, but the team needs consistency and better chemistry with Patrick Mahomes.
Improving offensive line depth and protection will also be key, along with developing a more reliable run game to support Isaiah Pacheco. On defense, adding depth to the pass rush and bolstering the interior line would strengthen their front. Special teams can improve through cleaner execution and identifying a reliable return specialist.
Finally, cutting down on penalties and mental errors will be essential, especially in high-stakes moments. With these adjustments, the Chiefs can reinforce their championship foundation and stay at the top of the league.
