The last time we saw the Kansas City Chiefs in action, they were being dismantled by the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, a 40-22 defeat that felt more like 140-22. The Chiefs were outplayed in all phases of the game. Still, as the 2025 season is fast approaching, let’s not forget that this is a talented football team that has won nine straight AFC West crowns and has reached the Super Bowl five times in the last six years, winning three times.
Even before the Super Bowl stumble last season, there were concerns about Kansas City’s once-unstoppable offense. For all the greatness of quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs’ 2024 offensive rankings were middle-of-the-pack or worse: 17th in total offense, 14th in passing offense, 22nd in rushing offense and 15th in scoring.
Injuries contributed to the problem, as wide receivers Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown both missed significant time. Both are expected back in 2025 (though Rice faces a possible suspension for off-field issues). Along with an improved offensive line and the addition of some intriguing rookies, the Chiefs’ offense should at least be better than it was last season.
So now the question is: Can the defense hold up its side of the bargain?
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s unit was solid in 2024 — ranked fourth in the NFL in scoring defense, eighth against the run, 18th against the pass and ninth in total defense.
One potential problem, however, is that the Chiefs’ biggest star on that side of the ball, defensive tackle Chris Jones, is not getting any younger.
“Starting to see some decline from Chris Jones,” a rival scout told Athlon Sports. “Hall of Fame kind of player, but the durability is starting to become an issue.”
Those comments were made as part of the exclusive Chiefs scouting report in the Athlon Sports 2025 NFL Preview magazine, available online and at newsstands now.
Jones is a six-time Pro Bowler and has been a first-team All-Pro selection each of the last three years. But the 6-foot-6, 310-pounder turned 31 last week. From 2018-23, Jones averaged more than 11 sacks per season. Jones only missed two games in 2024, but he had just five sacks — his lowest total since his rookie season of 2016.
Even with Jones’ dip in production, Kansas City’s pass rush is in good hands led by defensive end George Karlaftis, who had eight sacks last season and another four in the playoffs. But it’s actually a backup defensive end that the rival scout identified as a potential key contributor.
“Speaking of durability, the Chiefs are crossing their fingers to get a full season out of Charles Omenihu,” the scout said. “When he’s feeling good, he can flat-out play.”
Omenihu, originally drafted by the Texans in 2019, signed with the Chiefs in 2023. He had seven sacks that season, but tore his ACL in the AFC Championship Game and missed Super Bowl LVIII. He started last season on the Physically Unable to Perform list while rehabbing and only appeared in six games. If healthy in 2025, Omenihu could be a big part of the Chiefs’ defense.
