Every team in the NFL has a core set of guys that can’t get hurt for them to have success. When teams sustain multiple injuries to their best players, it can ruin a season.
So let’s rank the players most essential to the Kansas City Chiefs‘ success in 2026. Let’s start with an obvious selection:
1. Patrick Mahomes
As long as quarterback Patrick Mahomes is on the team, he will be the most important player on the roster. He’s the engine of the entire passing offense. As the pass-catching talent has deteriorated for the Chiefs,
it’s more on Mahomes to make incredible plays happen to sustain an efficient offense.
The run game will be better in 2026, but it’s still all on Mahomes for the Chiefs to drive the passing offense. We’ll see how capable he is at that post-injury, but how he plays will determine how far the team goes.
2. Josh Simmons
This isn’t a ranking of the best players on the Chiefs, but the most indispensable players. That means other players who play at your position matter too. If the rest of your position group is weak, your top guy becomes more valuable.
That is the case with second-year left tackle Josh Simmons. If you watched the preseason Week 2 game, you’ll understand why Simmons is so valuable. Jaylon Moore, Khalil Benson, and Esa Pole all looked terrible. If two of them have to play in a game, that will be a disaster.
Simmons is a great player, but he needs to stay healthy. If he misses games again, it can sink the season.
3. Chris Jones
Defensive tackle Chris Jones has an argument for two in Year 11, but at least the Chiefs have more depth on the defensive line. The front office added depth at defensive tackle with signing Khyris Tonga and drafting Peter Woods. On the edge, George Karlaftis is good, and rookie R Mason Thomas has flashed in preseason. Even Felix Anudike-Uzomah has looked good in preseason. If a couple young guys pop, the defense will be deeper up front.
Still, Jones is incredibly valuable. Jones needs to be a dominant pass rusher to make this work. He commands so much attention and makes big plays all the time. He’s still a dominant player, and that should continue this year.
4. Creed Humphrey
The argument between center Creed Humphrey and right guard Trey Smith was interesting, but I think Humphrey gets the nod because he is the best player at his position. Humphrey makes a big difference in the run game because he can play in any scheme. Humphrey is the most complete player at his position that we’ve seen in a while. Losing that player would hurt because your backup center won’t have Humphrey’s versatility.
5. Trey Smith
With that being said, Smith is still very valuable to the team, especially in the run game. Smith is one of the best run blockers in the league. He clears space and has enough versatility to play in multiple schemes. With the Chiefs leaning more on the run this year, that should make a player like Smith even better. The offense needs him to clear space to help the run game.
6. Mansoor Delane
Having a rookie at sixth is high, but cornerback Mansoor Delane needs to be really good. He is the No. 6 pick, being counted on to be one of the best cornerbacks in the game. I think he’ll be a good player, and I’m confident he can get there eventually. We’ll see how he plays as a rookie, but I definitely think he’ll be a good player immediately, even if he isn’t a star.
If Delane were to get hurt, you’re putting either L’Jarius Sneed or Kristian Fulton on the field. That is a huge dropoff. The Chiefs won’t be able to play man coverage with either on the field, and that limits the defense. Delane gives them the player who can cover elite receivers in man coverage, and they’ll need that to have a good defense.
7. Kenneth Walker
Running back Kenneth Walker was basically the only addition to improve the offense. The team didn’t add a right tackle and waited until Day 3 to add to the skill positions. Walker was brought in to fix the biggest problem the team has had: a lack of explosive runs in the offense. Walker is one of the best in the league at that, and that will improve the run game.
Kansas City needs Walker to make big plays, but also needs him to stay healthy all season. That has been an issue for Walker. The Chiefs will have to hope Walker stays healthy and can manage him well for 17 games.
8. George Karlaftis
Defensive end George Karlaftis is the second-most veteran defensive lineman and crucial to helping stop the run. If Thomas or Anudike-Uzomah play more, Karlaftis’ run defense will be even more significant. He’ll help provide a power element that will complement those two players well.
9. Kingsley Suamataia
Left guard Kingsley Suamataia took a big step last year, particularly in the run game. His combination of explosiveness and power is big in the run game. He’s athletic enough to cut off blocks on the backside of zone runs but has the strength to move defensive tackles vertically. If the offense is going to be more run-focused this year, the Chiefs will need Suamataia to get even better.
10. Travis Kelce
Even at 37, Kelce is still an important piece of the offense. He’s big in the short areas of the field and can help move the chains. The Chiefs also didn’t add any tight ends to the room; there isn’t quality depth behind him. The Chiefs need Kelce to keep performing well until the organization adds another quality tight end.
