The Kansas City Chiefs are starting to look like themselves again.
After several seasons of Patrick Mahomes carrying an offense that did not always have enough firepower around him, the Chiefs appear to have found another gear in 2026. Kansas City is now 4-0 after surviving a thrilling 30-27 battle against the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Chiefs are the last undefeated team remaining in the AFC.
Most importantly, Patrick Mahomes looks dangerous again.
The Chiefs have spent years being one of the NFL’s toughest teams to beat, but last season showed that even Mahomes could not always overcome an offense that struggled to consistently create explosive plays.
That has changed this season.
Mahomes Is Making the Big Plays Again
Mahomes did not have his most statistically impressive game against Las Vegas, completing 15 of 30 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns.
But the numbers do not tell the entire story.
When Kansas City needed a play late in the game, Mahomes delivered.
With the Raiders taking a 19-17 lead in the fourth quarter, Mahomes stepped up against pressure and connected with Tyquan Thornton for a massive 55 yard completion. That play put Kansas City inside the Raiders’ 2 yard line and set up the go ahead touchdown.
That is the Mahomes we’ve become accustomed to seeing.
He may not dominate every snap, but when the Chiefs need a big play, he continues to find a way to create one.
Mahomes also threw two touchdowns to Thornton, who finished with five catches for 111 yards before leaving the game with an ankle injury.
Kenneth Walker Has Changed the Offense
The biggest difference for Kansas City, however, may be what Mahomes has around him.
Kenneth Walker III has given the Chiefs something they have desperately needed: a legitimate explosive running game.
Walker rushed for 177 yards and two touchdowns against Las Vegas, including a 76 yard run that helped completely change the game.
His ability to create big plays on the ground has taken pressure off Mahomes and forced defenses to respect the running game.
That opens up opportunities for Mahomes to attack downfield.
For years, defenses could sometimes focus heavily on Mahomes and the passing game because Kansas City’s rushing attack was inconsistent. Walker changes that equation.
Now defenses have to worry about both.
Andy Reid Still Has the Formula
Head coach Andy Reid also deserves plenty of credit.
Reid has been one of the NFL’s best offensive minds for decades, and he continues to find ways to put Mahomes in position to succeed.
The Chiefs are not simply relying on their quarterback to make impossible plays every week anymore. They have added balance, created more explosive opportunities and found different ways to attack defenses.
That could make Kansas City even more dangerous as the season progresses.
The Chiefs also showed plenty of toughness against Las Vegas. After the Raiders rallied late to make it a three-point game, Kansas City’s defense held on and Xavier Nwankpa intercepted Kirk Cousins on the final drive to seal the victory.
The Chiefs Are Back in the Conversation
There is still plenty of football left to play, but Kansas City has already sent a message.
The Chiefs are 4-0.
Mahomes is healthy and making big plays.
Walker has transformed the rushing attack.
Reid remains one of the best coaches in the league.
And Kansas City is finding ways to win even when games get uncomfortable.
That last part may be the most important.
The Chiefs did not blow out the Raiders. They were pushed until the final seconds and still found a way to walk out of Las Vegas with a victory.
That’s what elite teams do.
Kansas City is no longer simply hoping to return to the top of the AFC. The Chiefs are showing that the Mahomes era may still have plenty of elite football left in it.
