Week 9 marks the halfway point of the 2026 NFL regular season. The Kansas City Chiefs will take on the New York Jets, but before we get to that game, let’s look at who’s trending up (the Bulls) and down (the Bears) for the Chiefs through eight weeks:
Bulls
Running back Emmett Johnson: The absolute star of the loss to the Denver Broncos, Emmett introduced himself to the NFL as a complementary back and as a kick returner. He’s elusive, explosive, and high energy. He can catch the football and break big plays.
From here forward, he should be sharing touches with Ken Walker (maybe put them both on the field at the same time)— and could be that dude at kick returns if they let him.
Wide receiver Rashee Rice: Rashee needs some good news this week. I’m sure that making this list will make up for what he’s got going on. Anyway, I do think the arrow is pointing back up for the current #1 wide receiver on the roster. The Broncos defended him pretty well (in both games), but this is still a 1,000-yard-type guy if he’s ever on the field for a full season again. Patrick Mahomes needs a reliable target who can get YAC—Rice is still perfect for that role, and he’s likely as hungry as he’s ever been. I wouldn’t be shocked if Rice has over 100 yds this week and/or next.
Edge rusher R Mason Thomas: I am going to keep buying R Mason Thomas stock, because you just get the feeling it’s about to take off. The rookie leads the team in pressure rate and is second in sacks (yes, with one…). His snap share has declined the last two games— and the pass rush struggled in both (losses). RMT might be a guy who gets QB sacks in bunches, and the team needs him. Watch to see if he’s back to a bigger role this weekend.
Others trending in the right direction: Mansoor Delane, George Karlaftis, Kahlil Benson, Cyrus Allen, Nohl Williams, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Ashton Gillotte, Andrew Armstrong, Chris Roland-Wallace
Bears
Wide receiver Xavier Worthy: I still believe in this guy, but my hope for a breakout season is dwindling. He has elite ability, but execution and awareness have been… suboptimal. The fact that the Chiefs are (allegedly) aggressive in the wide receiver market isn’t a good sign for how they think of their recent 1st-round pick. At what point do they give up and make him a jet-sweep/tunnel-screen gadget guy only?
Kicker Harrison Butker: It’s hard to pinpoint why a historically great (and clutch) kicker is suddenly costing his team every week. But it’s easy to see that it’s happening. Butker has missed more kicks than any other active kicker—and he’s been paid more than most. His contract makes it tough to cut him, but bringing in other kickers (however controversial) might lead to a change at some point.
Offensive line coach Andy Heck: Along with head coach Andy Reid, the other Andy bears some responsibility for the struggles up front. Not only have they struggled to build enough depth to get through a season, but they also have fielded a group that gets penalized far more than is reasonable. On top of that, there are these mysterious issues that have led to a benching and a winding path to the Reserve/Injured list.
Not to mention the best center in the NFL having a bad snap or two nearly every game. Oh, and apparently, protection was also to blame for the short-yardage failures and even the missed field goal (according to Andy). The big uglies continue to be a problem that seems beyond the Chiefs’ ability to solve— even after it has cost them dearly in multiple Super Bowls.
Others trending in the wrong direction: Jaylon Moore, Jack Cochrane, Harrison Butker, Nikko Remigio, Creed Humphrey, Kingsley Suamataia, Chris Jones
Value (sleeper) picks:
Jacob De Jesus: Chiefs Twitter thought it was funny that he was signed in the midst of wide receiver trade talks. He’s not the answer at wide receiver, but he could be an elite punt returner if given a chance…
Ben VanSumeren: Given the short-yardage struggles, it’s time to get behind a fullback.
Justin Fields: Given the goal-line struggles, it’s past time to get Fields behind Trey Smith and Creed as needed for a push.
