Getty Coming off a strong finish to his rookie year, expectations are high for Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy in 2025.
Over the course of the 2024-25 season, the Kansas City Chiefs‘ offense failed to find its true footing. That ultimately got exposed in Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles, but things might be different this time around.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes should have a full complement of weapons at his disposal. Not only that, but some internal improvement from a high-round NFL Draft pick is reasonable to expect.
NFL Media’s Bucky Brooks, a former Chief, seems to be banking on it. He included Kansas City receiver Xavier Worthy in his 2025 NFL All-Breakout Team.
Brooks: Pro Bowl Season on the Table for Xavier Worthy
Brooks is buying Worthy’s late-season production as a “springboard” for better things. That doesn’t just mean a nice sophomore season, either. Brooks isn’t ruling out a Pro Bowl year for the former Texas Longhorns standout.
“The former first-rounder could use the 2024 postseason as a springboard to a breakout campaign, and potentially Pro Bowl accolades, should he emerge as the No. 1 option in the Chiefs’ passing game,” Brooks wrote. “Worthy’s impressive performance in Super Bowl LIX (eight catches for 157 yards and a pair of scores) and the AFC Championship Game (six grabs for 85 yards and a TD) showed Andy Reid and Co. that he is capable of anchoring the passing attack in big moments. Moreover, that strong postseason from the NFL’s fastest man suggests Worthy could add another dimension to the offense — much like when Tyreek Hill was on the roster — as a world-class sprinter taking over the leading role.”
A quick glance at Worthy’s first-year production doesn’t inspire a ton of confidence. Don’t get it twisted: 59 receptions for 638 yards and 6 touchdowns is nothing to scoff at. Simultaneously, though, it’s nothing to write home about. As is always the case, context is key and helps shed more light on what turned into a solid effort from Worthy.
Week 11’s outing against the Buffalo Bills seemed to be a turning point for Worthy. From that point on, he hauled in 39 passes for 392 yards and 3 touchdowns. That stretch of seven games also saw him rush for 67 yards and a touchdown. Increased playing time (73% of available snaps) and increased trust saw him blossom into a premier target. In three of those games, he had nine or more targets on offense.
Furthermore, Worthy absolutely needed to respond. According to Pro Football Focus, he posted grades of 43.3 and 47.0 in Weeks 9 and 10. He then proceeded to average a 67.1 grade to close out his season. That, combined with his breakout in the playoffs, adds validity to Brooks’ prediction.
