Is there time for the Chiefs to get back on track? And how close are they?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Chiefs sit 6-6 and outside playoff picture after three losses in four games.
- Mistakes cost points: penalties, drops and turnovers swing close games.
- Andy Reid vows confidence and urges focus on a few plays to flip season.
As the losses pile up — three in the last four games — and the Chiefs’ playoff chances are reduced by each setback, Andy Reid is summoning the power of positive thinking.
“We’re still in the mix, which is a great thing,” Reid said. “We need to tighten up a couple of things, and we’re right there to put a push on.”
All true. When the Chiefs bring the best version of themselves, as they did during a three-game winning streak in October, they look like the team that hasn’t missed the playoffs in a decade and has played in seven straight AFC Championship Games.
But there’s also the team that sometimes can’t get out of its own way: one that commits costly penalties and turnovers, drops passes, can’t get pressure on the quarterback and loses close games.
It’s why the Chiefs are 6-6 and outside the playoff picture heading into Sunday night’s game against the Houston Texans at home.
“You look at our season, we’re one or two plays off,” Reid said. “We’ve got to take care of that. Whether it’s a penalty at a crucial time, a turnover or having a chance to create a turnover. We’re in position where if we could figure out those two, three plays, you flip this around.”
Mistakes were costly in their 31-28 loss at the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving. The Chiefs were flagged for 10 penalties for 119 yards. Wide receiver Rashee Rice, who led the team in receptions and yards and caught two touchdown passes, had a critical drop in the fourth quarter.
The Chiefs could point to losses at Buffalo and Denver earlier in the month and find plenty of examples of critical errors. But that’s all teams. What’s different is the Chiefs aren’t used to being in this position. Their six losses match their most in a season since 2014.
Reid was reminded that the Chiefs, despite their record, have outscored opponents by 73 points this season, giving them an expected record of 8-4, according to pro-football-reference.com.
“Yeah, so we do have stats, but you need points,” Reid said. “And you need to make sure you take care of business when you’re in the red zone. If you need to score 35, you score 35. If you need to score 20, you score 20.
“You pick a play here or there and that’s the difference in the game.”
The Chiefs rank among the NFL’s top 10 in points, points allowed, yards and yards allowed. But the results don’t reflect a team playing with the league’s best. The Chiefs are 2-5 against teams that would be in the playoffs if the season ended today.
But Reid said he’s confident the Chiefs can win out.
“I believe that,” Reid said. “If you’re coming at me on this, I’m telling you we’re going to go after you every game. You know how we roll. We’re going to try and tickle your tonsils on every play, every game.
“That’s the attitude we’re coming in with, and you let the chips fall where they may.”
This story was originally published December 1, 2025 at 3:18 PM.