The Kansas City Chiefs are not accustomed to such type of talk. For years, they have been known for wins and have set the benchmark. But there is one thing that breaks the illusion of their dominance: their O-line. They excelled in the Top 5 offences from 2019 to 2022. But, the Chiefs are currently placed 12th in Pro Football Focus’ most recent offensive rankings following a difficult 2024 campaign that revealed problems in the wide receiver group and the O-line. Yes, that’s right. 12th. Behind teams that haven’t played football in February for years.

This isn’t how dynasties are supposed to feel. And Travis Kelce had numbers that would’ve made his 2020 self raise an eyebrow. And yet, despite the media groans and analyst hot takes, Patrick Mahomes isn’t here for pity parties or regression. He’s doubling down on expectations. Especially for Travis Kelce.

So when asked, Chiefs QB was asked about his expectations for Kelce’s role going into 2025, Mahomes gave a straightforward reply, “I expect Travis to be Travis…more than anything, it’s the leadership he brings to the building every day. It’s a big impact to our football team,” he said on Sports Radio 810 WHB. The message? Kelce doesn’t have to start over. But with Kelce entering Year 13—fighting age and retirement rumors, there’s urgency in every snap. He may no longer be the #1 tight end in the league (PFF dropped him to 7th), but that doesn’t mean he’s done wrecking defenses.

Last season’s 823 yards and just three touchdowns were his lowest in nearly a decade. Even in the Eagles’ loss, he mustered just 4 receptions for 39 yards. But Mahomes isn’t buying the fall-off narrative. Not even close. He said at OTAs, “If it’s the last ride, you would never know. – The way he’s talking about football. The way he’s talking about working and trying to be even better this year than he was last year. He doesn’t seem like a guy like it’s his last ride, like he’s tired of the job.”

Kelce, for his part, isn’t mailing it in either. Inspired by Taylor Swift’s relentless energy (yep, this is a real quote), he said back in March: “If she’s out her being the superstar she is, never taking no for an answer, and always working her tail off, I better match that energy for sure.” And insiders are saying he’s treating this like his final season and is clearly training for it, too. Mahomes sees it, respects it, and is clearly ready to go to war with that version of Kelce one more time. But for that, the Chiefs need an O-line ready to fight that war.

Patrick Mahomes sets the bar high after an offensive drop

As for the offense as a whole, Mahomes made his expectations crystal clear: “We have an expectation that we’re going to go out there and score every drive…It takes every single person in the building to have the top offense of the league…we’ve got to go into every practice, film study, etc., trying to get the most out of it.” The Chiefs fell out of the top 10 in the 2025 PFF Offensive Rankings. Not drastically, but enough to raise eyebrows. Injuries piled up, the O-line wobbled, and defenses made Mahomes scramble.

According to PFF’s Kyle Soppe, “Have developed into a ‘it’s not if, but when’ we peak sort of team…We will trust them to get it together at the right time until they don’t.” Not exactly the testimonial you want for a dynasty. Soppe even warned that Kansas City’s ceiling might not have changed, but its urgency has. “The odds of Kansas City finishing much higher than this don’t seem too likely… that’s more because they don’t have the desire to, not because its ceiling is any different than some of the names sitting atop this list.” Ouch. Someone clearly hasn’t spoken to Mahomes.

Still, there is hope in the air because of Xavier Worthy’s flashes, the addition of youngster Jalen Royals, and a more reliable offensive line. Rankings may indicate one thing, but Mahomes is certain that Arrowhead’s standards remain the same. And if there’s one stat that matters most, it’s this: The Chiefs are still the highest-ranked offense in the AFC West. Broncos? 16th. Chargers? 17th. Raiders? At 29th.

So yes, the rankings don’t look pretty. But this is Patrick Mahomes we’re talking about. He doesn’t care about optics. He cares about winning. And if that means pumping up his tight end, wideouts, and O-line every week from here to February, then that’s exactly what he’s going to do.