You know that feeling when you're watching a movie and the plot just takes a massive, unexpected turn in the final act? That was basically the entire 2025 Kansas City Chiefs season. For a team that had us all convinced a "three-peat" was inevitable, the final kc chiefs game stats tell a story that's honestly a bit jarring. We went from dreaming of a sixth Super Bowl in seven years to staring at the ninth overall pick in the draft.
It’s wild.
If you just glance at the 6–11 record, you’d think the wheels totally fell off. But football is rarely that simple. Most people get the 2025 stats wrong because they focus on the final record without looking at the "how" and the "why" behind the numbers. The reality is that the Chiefs remained one of the most competitive teams in the league until the literal breaking point.
The Patrick Mahomes ACL Ripple Effect
Let’s be real: everything in Kansas City starts and ends with number 15. Before Patrick Mahomes went down with a season-ending ACL injury against the Chargers in Week 15, he was doing Mahomes things—even if the box scores looked a little more "human" than usual. He finished the year with 3,587 passing yards and 22 touchdowns against 11 interceptions.
His passer rating of 89.6 was actually a career low.
But here’s where the kc chiefs game stats get fascinating. When Mahomes was on the field, the Chiefs were always in it. After he went down, the offense didn't just slow down; it basically evaporated.
The backup situation was a mess. Gardner Minshew stepped in but quickly dealt with a knee injury of his own. That forced the team to turn to Chris Oladokun for the final stretch. The result? In the three games without Mahomes, the Chiefs managed exactly one offensive touchdown. They averaged a measly 11.3 points per game in that span. If you ever needed proof that Mahomes is the most valuable player in the league, regardless of what the MVP voters say, those three weeks were it.
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Why the Defense Deserves an Apology
Honestly, the defense was the only reason this season didn't turn into a total disaster earlier. While the offense was struggling with a "nonexistent" running game and questionable personnel usage, Steve Spagnuolo’s unit was quietly elite. They finished the regular season ranked 6th in the NFL in points allowed, giving up only 19.3 points per game.
Look at these defensive leaders:
- Nick Bolton: 154 total tackles (73 solo)
- Chamarri Conner: 117 tackles and 2 forced fumbles
- Drue Tranquill: 103 tackles
- Chris Jones: 7.0 sacks (still the anchor of that line)
The Chiefs defense was keeping the team in games where the offense was barely breathing. In fact, 9 of the Chiefs' 11 losses were by seven points or less. Think about that for a second. If a couple of plays go the other way—or if the offense finds even 3 more points a game—we’re talking about a playoff team. Instead, the lack of a ground game (Kareem Hunt led the team with just 611 rushing yards) meant the defense was constantly back on the field with zero margin for error.
Travis Kelce and the "Old Man" Narrative
People love to say Travis Kelce is slowing down. They've been saying it for three years. Does he look like the 2020 version of himself? Kinda not. But the kc chiefs game stats show he’s still the most reliable target in red and gold.
Kelce hauled in 76 receptions for 851 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2025. He also extended his streak of catching a pass to 174 consecutive games. That’s a franchise record, blowing past Tony Gonzalez.
The problem wasn't Kelce; it was the lack of a consistent "Robin" to his "Batman." Rashee Rice had some bright spots with 571 yards, and Marquise "Hollywood" Brown added 587, but nobody stepped up as a true #1 threat to take the double-teams off Kelce. Xavier Worthy showed flashes of that elite speed, particularly in the Super Bowl LIX loss to the Eagles (where he had 157 yards and 2 TDs), but during the 2025 regular season, he was held to just 532 yards.
Breaking Down the Key 2025 Totals
- Total Offensive Yards: 5,451 (Average of 5.0 per play)
- Passing Yards: 3,947
- Rushing Yards: 1,812
- Turnover Ratio: -1
- Sacks Allowed: 47 (Mahomes was under fire more than usual)
The Brutal Reality of the AFC West
For years, the Chiefs treated the AFC West like their personal playground. 2025 was a cold shower. They went 1–5 in the division. They were swept by both the Chargers and the Denver Broncos—something that hadn't happened in over a decade.
The loss to the Raiders in Week 18 was the final gut punch. A 14–12 defensive slugfest where the offense couldn't find the end zone. It secured the 3rd place spot in the division and officially sent the Chiefs into the offseason with a lot of questions about their depth and offensive scheme under Matt Nagy.
What This Means for 2026
If you're looking for a silver lining, it’s that the Chiefs aren't "bad"—they're just top-heavy and got hit by the injury bug at the worst possible time. Having the 9th overall pick is a rare opportunity for this front office. Usually, Brett Veach is picking in the 30s. Now, he has the chance to grab a blue-chip tackle or a dominant defensive end to pair with Chris Jones.
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The most important stat of all? Patrick Mahomes' recovery.
Everything about the 2026 season hinges on how that ACL heals. If he’s back to 100% by training camp, the rest of the kc chiefs game stats from 2025 will just look like a weird statistical anomaly—a "gap year" in the middle of a dynasty.
Actionable Next Steps for Chiefs Fans:
- Watch the Draft Capital: Keep an eye on the 9th overall pick; the Chiefs desperately need a left tackle to protect Mahomes' blind side during his comeback.
- Track the Injury Reports: Mahomes’ recovery milestones through the spring will be more important than any free-agent signing.
- Re-evaluate the Run Game: Look for the Chiefs to target a high-volume RB in the mid-rounds of the draft to take the pressure off the passing game.
- Monitor the Salary Cap: With Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith earning All-Pro/Pro Bowl nods, the interior line is elite but expensive; see how Veach balances the books this offseason.