Two shocking words are suddenly circulating around the Kansas City Chiefs.
“Last place.”

But is the dynasty really collapsing — or is the league underestimating Patrick Mahomes again?

Chiefs Facing “Last Place” Prediction After Free Agency Shake-Up

KANSAS CITY — A bold prediction has sent shockwaves through the NFL: the Kansas City Chiefs could finish last in the AFC West.

That’s the warning delivered by sports radio host Adam Schein, who believes the Chiefs may be heading for a difficult season after a turbulent start to free agency.

“I think there’s a shot here that the Chiefs finish in last place,” Schein said on Mad Dog Sports Radio. “I’m just giving you the heads up so you can wrap your brain around it.”

For a franchise that has dominated the NFL for years, the idea of falling to the bottom of the division is almost unthinkable.

But not everyone agrees with the prediction.

Chiefs Still Spending Big

Despite the dramatic headlines, Kansas City has not been standing still.

Over the first two days of free agency, the Chiefs committed $102.5 million in total contracts, including $59.4 million in guaranteed money.

That level of spending ranked 10th in the entire NFL, showing the organization is still actively building around its core.

Meanwhile, the defending AFC West champion Denver Broncos have spent significantly less — committing just $52.6 million in total contracts and $11.35 million guaranteed.

The contrast suggests Kansas City is still aggressively trying to remain competitive.

Patrick Mahomes’ Return Looms Large

Another major factor in the Chiefs’ outlook is the health of superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Mahomes is currently recovering from season-ending knee surgery, but reports indicate he is ahead of schedule and aiming to return for Week 1.

If Mahomes is healthy, the entire conversation about Kansas City’s future could change instantly.

Draft Capital Still Favors Kansas City

The Chiefs also hold valuable draft resources that could reshape the roster quickly.

Kansas City currently owns:

Two picks in the first 29 selections
Three picks in the top 40
Four picks in the top 74

That level of draft capital gives the team significant flexibility to reload key positions.

A Playoff Run Is Still Possible

Rather than predicting a collapse, some analysts believe the Chiefs could still remain competitive in 2026.

If their new additions perform well — particularly running back Kenneth Walker, whose health will be critical to the offense — Kansas City could push for a wild-card playoff spot.

In that scenario, the Chiefs would once again become a dangerous postseason opponent.

History Says Don’t Count Them Out

The biggest argument against the “last place” prediction may be history itself.

Kansas City has not finished last in the AFC West for 13 straight seasons, one of the longest active streaks in the NFL.

That era of success coincides with the leadership of head coach Andy Reid and star tight end Travis Kelce.

Only three teams currently have longer streaks without finishing last:

Pittsburgh Steelers (since 1988)
Green Bay Packers (since 2005)
Indianapolis Colts (since 2011)

In other words, the Chiefs have built a culture that rarely collapses.

Dynasty Doubts… or Another Underdog Story?

Every NFL dynasty eventually faces questions about its future.

For Kansas City, those doubts are arriving earlier than many expected.

But if there’s one lesson the NFL has learned over the past decade, it’s this:

Writing off Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs too early is usually a mistake.