The sentiment around your Kansas City Chiefs has been quite volatile. We went from peak optimism when training camp broke to widespread panic as the team made roster cuts and started preparation for the Denver Broncos. The market doesn’t trust the health or depth of the Chiefs offense, or that the defense will be improved enough.
Expect the volatility to continue late into Monday night’s opener against a tough division opponent. We’ll finally have some concrete evidence on film to review, instead
of just speculation.
Here are a few Chiefs who look to be trending heading into Week 1:
Bulls
Running back Emmett Johnson: Not only did the rookie impress all summer, but he literally took a grown man’s job. When it came time for roster cuts, the Chiefs were confident enough in Johnson’s ability to let veteran Emari Demercado hit the waiver wire. As the season wears on, NFL teams need to be able to rely on a number of running backs — injuries happen, gameplans vary, roles evolve. It’s no longer a stretch to say that the former Cornhusker is likely to get the bulk of the carries if Kenneth Walker were to get injured.
What we’ll be watching for on Monday night and going forward: is there a significant role for the rookie (and can he capitalize) even when Walker is healthy and productive?
Sack Nation: If there were ever a time in recent years to be optimistic about the Chiefs being able to field a competent pass rush, it’s right now. Defensive tackle Chris Jones and defnensive ends George Karlaftis and R Mason Thomas might be a formidable trio, combining the unique traits of Jones on the inside with some actual speed rush from Thomas on the outside. Even more encouraging is the prospect of some actual depth with defensive tackle Peter Woods and defensive ends Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Ashton Gillotte, and maybe Jack Pyburn. To win in the NFL, you need to throw waves of pass rushers at opposing offenses, and the Chiefs finally have the chance to do just that.
Defensive back L’Jarius Sneed: The coaches have spoken glowingly about the reclamation project, and he seems confident in his return to Arrowhead and the Nickel (slot cornerback) position. All signs point to a significant role for No. 38, who showed a wide range of skills in his previous stint in KC. He’s a pesky, physical playmaker who was once able to matchup on a team’s best wide receiver. It’s no sure thing that he’s still playing at a high level— but if he is even 70% of his former self, he can help lead this young defense in 2026.
Others trending in the right direction this week: Tight end Jake Briningstool, Wide receiver Rashee Rice, Wide receiver Xavier Worthy, Cornerback Nohl Williams, Cornerback Mansoor Delane
Bears
Offensive lineman Kahlil Benson: It’s a big deal when an undrafted tryout player makes the 53-man roster of a contending team. So, we shouldn’t be too hard on the big guy — he’s accomplished a rare feat just being here. The fact that he may be the starter at left tackle in the opener is insane. But, the Broncos are a very difficult matchup for an experienced left tackle. Denver will throw one of the NFL’s best speed rushers, Nik Bonitto, at the rookie— which is a little terrifying. If it goes poorly, it could shake a young player’s confidence. Let’s hope for Mahomes’s sake that Benson gets plenty of help on Monday night.
Left tackle Josh Simmons: We shouldn’t speculate about a player’s character or their love of the game; we simply don’t have enough reliable information to draw a conclusion.
But, there is always plenty of speculation about player injuries, especially when the team is vague with public comments. Back injuries can be very tricky for offensive linemen, and we just don’t know where he is in his recovery. Stack that on top of the mysteriously extended absence last season, and it’s easy to see why many people are doubting the talented tackle. The team needs him to be available on a consistent basis this season, but neither the Chiefs nor Simmons are publicly projecting confidence that the investment is going to pay off.
Kicker Harrison Butker: It must be a brutal job to be an NFL kicker. Maybe not as physically brutal as other positions, but certainly more stressful and requires more mental toughness than most. Miss a handful of kicks over a 17-game season, and you go from being the best, most clutch kicker in the league to the most overpaid and frustrating players on the field. If the Chiefs are going to run the ball more this season, they might rely more heavily on their kicker to win close games. Every miss is going to matter this season, and Butker just doesn’t feel as automatic as he did a couple of years ago.
Others trending in the wrong direction this week: Returner Nikko Remigio, Quarterback Justin Fields, Tight end Noah Gray
Value (Sleeper) Picks
Running back/ returner Brashard Smith: What if the release of Demercado was in part because Brashard Smith has improved enough to be the third-down back? Dave Toub also called Smith the most improved player on the team over the past year; what if he’s able to overtake Remigio on kick and punt returns? I’d buy stock in Brashard, on returns, third downs, screens, and maybe even some gadget plays.
Wide receiver Cyrus Allen: Was he just a camp sensation, or does he have staying power? Based on what we saw in the draft and offseason process, he’s got the traits: strong hands, great route running ability, enough speed, body control, and aggression to be a starter in this league for a long time. The preseason game production wasn’t good, but there were moments that gave us hope that Allen could be great. It may take a while for him to get opportunities in the regular season, but if he’s on the field Monday night and makes a couple of plays, we’ll know he’s ahead of schedule.
