Midseason grades and awards for the Kansas City Chiefs

These articles assess the Kansas City Chiefs’ players and units through midseason grades and by awarding standout performances on offense, defense and special teams. These assessments occured during the team's bye week, offering a moment to evaluate before the season progresses.

It is evident that Josh Simmons has impressed as a rookie, despite a temporary absence. Kingsley Suamataia earns recognition as the most improved player, having successfully transitioned to left guard while providing strong support in protecting Patrick Mahomes. On defense, Trent McDuffie continues to profile as a key player, while the Chiefs hope to get back on track against the Broncos.

Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Josh Simmons (71) jogs next to Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia (76) during warm-ups at Chiefs Training Camp on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025 in St. Joseph. By Dominick Williams

NO. 1: CHIEFS’ BYE-WEEK AWARDS: TOP ROOKIE, MOST IMPROVED PLAYER REVEALED

The Kansas City Chiefs enter their Week 10 bye at 5-4 — rather different from recent midseason breaks, when they often sat atop the AFC standings. | Published November 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Pete Sweeney

Kansas City Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during an NFL Week 9 game at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025. By Bryan M. Bennett

NO. 2: CHIEFS BYE-WEEK AWARDS SHIFT TO OFFENSE: WHO’S THEIR TOP OFFENSIVE PLAYER & MVP?

With the Chiefs enjoying a well-earned bye week, our KC Star reporters and columnists have been handing out awards for the first half of the 2025 NFL season. | Published November 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Blair Kerkhoff

NO. 3: CHIEFS’ BYE-WEEK AWARDS: OUR PICKS FOR TOP PLAYERS ON DEFENSE AND SPECIAL TEAMS

The NFL is halfway through its 18-week season, and the Chiefs players are getting some rest on their bye week. Because the Chiefs have time off and we’re at the midway point, The Star’s Chiefs coverage team is handing out some bye-week awards. | Published November 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Pete Grathoff

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) congratulates wide receiver Marquise Brown (5) after he scored a touchdown in the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, October 12, 2025, in Kansas City. By Tammy Ljungblad

NO. 4: THE CHIEFS’ MIDTERM PLAYER GRADES ARE IN. HERE’S HOW THE OFFENSE STACKS UP

The Chiefs have some catching up to do. | Published November 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sam McDowell

NO. 5: IT’S TIME FOR CHIEFS MIDTERM PLAYER GRADES. HERE’S HOW THE DEFENSE STACKS UP

Halfway through the 2025 season, the Chiefs defense is on pace for a franchise-first. The good kind. In the last half-century, the Chiefs have never finished as a top-10 defense in yards allowed in three consecutive seasons. | Published November 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sam McDowell

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.