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The Chiefs franchise and signal-caller Patrick Mahomes find themselves in uncharted ground.

After missing out on a Super Bowl third straight title in February, the team dropped the first two games this 2025 campaign.

It is the first time they have made an 0-2 record since 2014 – before they drafted Mahomes and earning multiple Super Bowl victories under head coach Andy Reid.

Now arise major concerns regarding the Chiefs' play-off hopes – since after 1970, only 10.1% of teams that started an 0-2 beginning have gone on to make the post-season.

The quarterback has embraced this adversity, saying: "Whenever you hit adversity, what matters is responding positively. I'm excited for upcoming games to see which players embrace to be challenged, and the way we can return and really compete aggressively."

What's Gone Wrong With the Chiefs?

The team came into 2025 boasting a record 17 straight wins during one-score matchups – where the difference was eight points or fewer.

However they have misplaced that ability, falling 27-21 to open the season against the Los Angeles Chargers, and 20-17 in the recent Super Bowl replay versus Philadelphia.

Questionable discipline along with absences of key players have also been factors in the team's winless beginning.

One receiver is serving a multi-game ban and another suffered a dislocated joint on the team's initial possession of the season.

Health issues have also affected defense personnel, creating more challenges with their initial results.

What Changes Have the Chiefs Needed?

Perhaps the most important position to address is offensive tackle, specifically for the quarterback's weak side.

After the QB was sacked six times in the Super Bowl, management addressed that drafting a rookie lineman with their top selection.

Additionally, they signed an experienced lineman previously with a different professional team.

Kansas City also needs an answer regarding their rushing attack – because after serving as their third-leading rusher in 2024, Mahomes now the team's rushing leader.

That places him at greater danger of injury, a situation which coaches would prefer to prevent.

Have They Lowered Expectations?

One key receiver returned to training this week so may return in Sunday's nationally televised matchup.

Kansas City will host another challenging team soon, and are already needing to make up ground within their AFC West.

"This team are going each matchup and the others coming up understanding that each represents a critical victory, because a rival went ahead by two wins on them," commented an analyst.

"However they rise to big moments when others are starting to question them."

If they miss out on another consecutive division crown, they can make the postseason with enough victories for a wildcard spot.

"There's that parity," stated another pundit. "If a team ends up at the bottom, then you get to pick first in the draft."

"Yet with got Patrick Mahomes at the helm and a legendary coach, one of the most incredible managers league ever, I think there's always remain hopeful."

"I just think maybe the definition shifted for what success might look like for them."