The downward spiral of the 2025 season continued in Week 16, as the Kansas City Chiefs once again showed little sign of offensive life — this time with backup quarterback Gardner Minshew lining up behind center.
But even that didn’t last. Minshew left the game in the second quarter with what was later reported as a possible torn ACL, forcing Kansas City to turn to third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun for the remainder of the afternoon.
The defense showed early signs of resistance — but as the offense
continued to stall, the defenders were gradually worn down, too. By the final whistle, the Tennessee Titans had done enough to secure a 26–9 landslide victory over a battered Kansas City team.
Here are five things we learned from watching the Chiefs team limp closer to the finish line.
1. The rest of the season should be about Travis Kelce
Travis Kelce is the greatest tight end in NFL history. He is a consummate teammate, a franchise pillar and one of the defining figures of this era of Chiefs football. With nothing tangible left to gain, the final two games of the season may be about honoring what could be the closing chapter of his career.
Sure… Kansas City could continue starting Oladokun and see more of what unfolded Sunday. Or it could lean into the moment and do something memorable.
Kelce played quarterback in both high school and college. He’s spoken openly about dreaming of being an NFL quarterback.
Let’s be clear: I don’t mean putting Kelce under center just to hand off the ball. The Chiefs should go no-huddle. Spread the field. Let Kelce call plays. Let him rip it. At this point, who cares? We should make the most of our time with Kelce.
Will the Chiefs beat the Broncos if Kelce starts at quarterback? No.
Will he look polished at the position? Probably not.
Should the Chiefs do it anyway? Absolutely.
Why? Because it’s Christmas. Because it would be fun. And because it would give fans one last joyful memory with No. 87.
2. The Chiefs need a Plan C at quarterback for 2026
Entering Week 16, the final three games looked like a perfect audition for Gardner Minshew — a chance to prove he could serve as a bridge quarterback if Patrick Mahomes isn’t ready by Week 1 of 2026.
It looks like that plan is now off the table. Kansas City needs to figure out what comes next.
And no… it shouldn’t be Oladokun.
Whether it’s signing a veteran free agent such as Marcus Mariota or drafting a mid-round quarterback and handing him the reins early, the Chiefs face a difficult balancing act: finding a competent stopgap without wasting resources if Mahomes is able to return quickly.
3. Running back must become this offense’s top priority
With uncertainty looming at quarterback, the clearest way to stabilize the offense is to overhaul the backfield.
If Mahomes isn’t under center, his replacement is a placeholder. To survive that stretch, the Chiefs need difference-makers behind him.
Sign a proven veteran. Draft a running back within the first four rounds. Commit to it.
4. Major defensive decisions are looming
The Chiefs’ list of roster needs only grows when looking ahead to pending defensive free agents in 2026.
Leo Chenal, Jaylen Watson, Bryan Cook, and Charles Omenihu headline that list.
Of that group, Watson and Chenal should be near the top of Kansas City’s priority list — especially with Trent McDuffie’s extension status still unresolved.
Watson has proven himself as a reliable outside corner who fits Steve Spagnuolo’s physical defensive philosophy.
And the Chiefs sorely missed Chenal’s downhill presence while defending the run on Sunday — to the point where it’s fair to wonder how different the outcome might have been with him on the field.
5. Patrick Mahomes should be the league MVP
Considering the talent deficiencies across the roster, it’s remarkable that the team managed six wins this season.
In hindsight, many of Mahomes’ criticized attempts to do too now much make more sense — because without him, the Kansas City offense is completely toothless.
Injuries and questionable play-calling matter, but Mahomes’ presence has covered up systemic issues that are now impossible to ignore.
The Chiefs’ offense needs to be restructured and rethought from top to bottom. Philosophies need to evolve. Growth is a necessity unless Kansas City wants more of the same in 2026.
