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Chiefs' play-off drought marks end of an era
The Kansas City Chiefs will miss the NFL play-offs for the first time in 11 years after a late-season loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, a three-time Super Bowl winner, left the game with a knee injury, symbolizing the team's struggles in a turbulent season.
Mahomes injury adds to Chiefs' woes
Mahomes suffered a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee during the fourth quarter of the Chiefs' defeat. The 30-year-old underwent surgery and could miss the start of the 2026 season. The injury compounds Kansas City's challenges, including the potential retirement of 36-year-old tight end Travis Kelce and the aging roster that has played more games than any other team in recent years.
"The Chiefs have played more football than any other team. You add up all those play-off games, it's like playing an extra season, so you get injuries, you get fatigue," said NFL pundit Phoebe Schecter.
Play-off picture remains unpredictable
The Chiefs' early exit leaves this year's Super Bowl race wide open, with no clear favorite emerging. The Philadelphia Eagles, who denied Kansas City a third consecutive Super Bowl title in February, have also struggled recently. Other traditional contenders, including the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens, face elimination risks.
The Buffalo Bills, long thwarted by the Chiefs in the play-offs, now see an opportunity. "I'll tell you who's really grateful the Chiefs are out-the Buffalo Bills," said Ben Volin, senior NFL writer at the Boston Globe. "The Chiefs have been their nemesis for the last five years. Now they don't have to face them in the play-offs, and maybe the path is wide open for the Bills to finally get to the Super Bowl."
Surprise teams rise as season defies expectations
The Denver Broncos (12-2) lead the AFC, ending a nine-year play-off drought, while the New England Patriots (11-3) and Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4) have rebounded from last season's struggles. The Patriots, absent from the post-season for three years, are back under first-year head coach Mike Vrabel.
"I wouldn't say he is the only reason the Patriots have had a remarkable turnaround, but it starts at the top, with Mike Vrabel and the direction he's setting this franchise in," Volin added.
In the NFC, the Chicago Bears (10-4) are poised to end a four-year play-off absence under second-year quarterback Caleb Williams and rookie head coach Ben Johnson. The Los Angeles Rams (11-3), 2022 Super Bowl winners, remain atop the conference, but the Seattle Seahawks (11-3) and San Francisco 49ers (10-4) are surging.
Historic absence of NFL legends
For the first time since 1998, neither Mahomes, Tom Brady, nor Peyton Manning will feature in the play-offs. The Chiefs' early exit marks a stark shift after five Super Bowl appearances in the past six years. Kansas City's higher draft pick in April could help rebuild the roster, but questions linger about the team's future.
"Do people want to continue playing who maybe thought, 'let's try and get one more Super Bowl'? Or do they decide to retire now?" Schecter said.
Week 16 preview
The final stretch of the regular season kicks off on December 21, with live coverage of Sunday's games available on the BBC Sport website and app, as well as BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra. The The Whole 10 Yards, BBC Sport's weekly NFL program, will analyze the league's biggest stories.
