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[Kansas City Chiefs]

Chiefs face Bills: Week 9 news, injury updates and previews

All eyes in the football universe will be on the upcoming Week 9 matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs (5-3) and the Buffalo Bills (5-2). The latest installment between these two AFC contenders will take place at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York — a now-moribund venue as the team prepares for its move to the new Highmark Stadium next season. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:25 p.m. Arrowhead Time on CBS — locally on KCTV/5.

Last time these franchises met, the 2024 AFC title was on the line. The Chiefs came out firing and built a lead, eventually prevailing for a 32-29 victory that marked the fourth time this iteration of the Bills has fallen to Kansas City in the postseason.

The Bills, however, have beaten the Chiefs in four consecutive regular-season matchups.

Looking to avoid a fifth, the Chiefs will arrive at Highmark after winning five of their last six games — every one of those was decided by at least 13 points.

Here’s our complete coverage :

• Chiefs’ Isiah Pacheco suffers MCL sprain: What can we expect?
• NFL Power Rankings Week 9 Roundup: Chiefs barely move after latest win
• Chiefs’ Clark Hunt: GM Brett Veach ‘is not shy’ about trade deadline
• Chiefs open as 1.5-point favorites over the Bills in Week 9

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/kans...9-scores-game-coverage-injury-updates-preview

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

Chiefs News 10/30: Nick Bolton gets good report from MRI

The latest​

Chiefs’ Nick Bolton gets good report from MRI | ESPN

Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton got banged up Monday night, but an MRI revealed no structural issues to his knee. It could be a situation where he’s limited early in the practice week but gets to the field Sunday

— Jeremy Fowler

Reasons why Bills should play WR Gabe Davis against Chiefs | Sports Illustrated

With the state of the Bills’ wide receiver position going from bad to worse in recent weeks, the team activated fan favorite Gabe Davis from the practice squad injured list. And it’s time for the Bills to sign the 26-year-old to the 53-man roster and play him this Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.

“I’m down for whatever,” said Davis to a swath of reporters following Wednesday’s practice. “That’s an upstairs decision. I just got to go out there and keep working.”

After watching the Bills’ passing game struggle through through a 5-2 start, the inconsistencies across many areas of the team’s aerial attack have been concerning. And there’s nowhere to go but up.

Buffalo remains without prized free-agent addition Joshua Palmer, who has missed two straight days of practice to begin Week 9 after being held out of the Bills’ win over the Carolina Panthers this past Sunday due to ankle and knee injuries he sustained in Week 6 against the Atlanta Falcons. In addition, Keon Coleman’s production has been nonexistent in his second professional season, leaving the team with Khalil Shakir as the only viable wide receiver at quarterback Josh Allen’s disposal.

Rivalry between Bills and Chiefs means just a little more | WKBW

The Bills and Chiefs have become the modern-day Celtics vs. Lakers, Yankees vs. Red Sox in terms of how many times their games become “instant classics.”

At the center of it all, of course, is each team’s respective MVP, Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes. A modern-day Magic Johnson vs. Larry Bird, Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier, Sidney Crosby vs. Alex Ovechkin, the list can go on and on.

The two have carved their own pedestal on top of the sports world through incredible games, moments, and plays that have jaws on the floor and made the impossible a reality.

“Anytime you’re playing against a good team and a good quarterback, you have to play at the top of your game in order to win a football game,” Allen told reporters on Wednesday. “Again, not that you’re out there trying not to play your best, but there’s a heightened awareness of who’s on the other side of the football.”

“He’s done so many great things as far as throwing the football, and the way he’s able to extend plays, that stuff is special,” Mahomes said of Allen on Wednesday. “He’s gotten better every year, and I think that’s something I’ve seen from him that I try to do for myself as well. He’s a great football player.”

Cowboys could trade for Chiefs’ cornerback at trade deadline | ESPN

Who could be targeted? Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams. Every Dallas cornerback aside from Trevon Diggs has allowed more than 1.1 yards per coverage snap (average) this season, per NFL Next Gen Stats. And Diggs is now on IR because of a concussion, so the Cowboys could use some reinforcements. Williams is in a contract year and buried on the depth chart in Kansas City. He has played only 775 regular-season coverage snaps in his career but has produced an impressive 0.9 yards per coverage snap in that span. When Diggs returns, and if Williams worked out, the team could keep both on the field with DaRon Bland in the slot.

— Seth Walder

Trade idea sends Chiefs’ fourth-year year underperformer to Commanders | Heavy

[Isiah] Pacheco does not feel like the same kind of angry, aggressive runner he once was earlier in his career.

Although his metrics have not decreased dramatically since 2023, and are actually up slightly on his 2024 performance, it feels like the momentum is starting to shift away from him and towards veteran back, Kareem Hunt, or even seventh round rookie, Brashard Smith.

So in this trade proposal, the Chiefs trade away Pacheco, whose contract is up at the end of the season, to the Washington Commanders.

Fans and media alike have been begging head coach, Andy Reid and co. to let Smith get more touches of the ball and see more time on offense, and in the meantime Kareem Hunt provides very similar efficiency to Pacheco in the run game – 4 yards/carry vs. 4.2 yards/carry.

The team also have Elijah Mitchell; who missed the entirety of the 2024 season with a hamstring injury, but has been very productive earlier in his career, including a 963 yard rushing season in his rookie year for the San Francisco 49ers; and has yet to see the field this season on offense.

Chiefs’ Noah Gray nominated for NFL’s “Salute to Service” award | NFL.com

Now in his fifth season with the Kansas City Chiefs, tight end Noah Gray continues to use his platform to honor, uplift, and connect with U.S. military service members and veterans. His commitment is especially evident through his partnership with Friends in Service of Heroes (FISH), a Kansas City-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting active-duty personnel, reservists, honorably discharged veterans, and their families.

Gray’s relationship with FISH began unexpectedly in late 2021, following a chance meeting with members of the organization at a local bowling alley. That encounter sparked an enduring connection, leading Gray to actively support FISH’s mission in meaningful ways. From helping provide service dogs to offering adaptive equipment that fosters resilience and independence, Gray has played a vital role in enhancing the lives of those who’ve served.

Beyond these efforts, Gray has also stood alongside FISH during emotionally challenging times, including the holiday season, offering support and solidarity to veterans navigating hardship. His ongoing involvement reflects a deep respect for the military community and a genuine desire to make a lasting impact.

Around the NFL​

Cowboys’ Brian Schottenheimer: “Take the stats on offense and shove ’em” | NFL.com

At 3-4-1, Dallas has been good enough to win (and in one instance, tie) shootouts. The Cowboys have also been porous enough defensively to get shredded by the likes of Denver, Carolina and the Russell Wilson-led Giants, with the last being the most damning fact of all.

It’s been evident from the first week of the season: The Cowboys are an offensively driven team, powered by a unit capable of scoring enough to keep them in most games thanks in large part to the excellent play of quarterback Dak Prescott.

That’s understandably not satisfactory for first-year coach Brian Schottenheimer.

“None of us have done good enough. Coaches, players, head coach, none of us have done good enough,” Schottenheimer told reporters on Wednesday. “That’s real. Our scorecard is what it is. That’s not just defensively, that’s offensively. We’re a football team that’s 3-4-1. You can take the stats on offense and shove ’em up your a– as far as I’m concerned.”

Ravens-Dolphins: 3 must-know storylines for Thursday’s primetime game | NFL.com

3. Ravens’ defense might be turning the corner

Starting with a far better performance against the Rams before the bye, the Ravens have shown improved effectiveness defensively. In Weeks 1-5, Baltimore allowed 35.4 points and 408.8 yards per game, with a total of two takeaways. But since then, the Ravens have allowed only 16.5 ppg and 306.5 ypg, with two turnovers forced in the past two games. Roquan Smith was all over the field this past Sunday against his former Chicago team, Nate Wiggins made his biggest play of the season with a key fourth-quarter pick against the Bears and Kyle Hamilton has lifted the entire unit since his return. The biggest worry is the pass rush. The Ravens’ season leaders in pressures are Odafe Oweh, who was traded to the Chargers in Week 5, and Tavius Robinson, who is on injured reserve. Rookie Mike Green had his first sack of the season in Week 8, but the pressure against Chicago was sub-par. Luckily for the Ravens, Tagovailoa has thrown the most interceptions in the NFL this season when not pressured, with seven. If the Ravens can control Miami’s run game and contain Jaylen Waddle — with Tyreek Hill and Darren Waller on IR — they should be in decent shape even if the pressure isn’t consistently fierce.

Lions sign Aidan Hutchinson to 4-year, $180M extension | ESPN

The deal is worth $180 million with $141 million of that guaranteed, his agent Mike McCartney told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Hutchinson’s $45 million average salary trails only the Green Bay Packers’ Micah Parsons ($46.5 million) among non-quarterbacks in the NFL. And the guarantee is the highest among non-QBs, according to Roster Management System.

Hutchinson, 25, is a cornerstone of the Lions’ defense, already establishing himself as one of the top pass rushers in the NFL. He has been able to return to his dominant form in 2025 after his 2024 season was cut short by a fractured tibia and fibula suffered in Week 6.

He has six sacks this season, while his 29 quarterback pressures rank second in the NFL behind only Parsons (33), and his four forced fumbles are tied with Joey Bosa for the league lead.

In case you missed it on Arrowhead Pride​

Why play action is a great fit for the Chiefs’ offense

As we saw in this game, the Chiefs’ pass-catchers still struggle against press coverage. They thrive versus zone, but when opponents jam Kansas City’s smaller wideouts, separation becomes an issue. In particular, Hollywood Brown struggles in those situations — and on Monday, Worthy also lost a contested catch against man coverage on a dig route. At this stage of his career, Kelce isn’t as dominant against man coverage, either.

But using more play-action forces defenses into more base zone looks — or manipulates them with fakes and motion. Getting into 12 personnel or condensed sets can give receivers free releases. You can leak players to the back side as defenders chase the action. This makes their jobs easier — and gives them built-in answers against man coverage.

Here’s the other advantage: Kansas City’s running backs are far better running from under-center alignments. Both Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco are one-cut, north-south runners. Going under center makes their tracks cleaner and enhances that style. Replacing more RPOs with true under-center play action can not only improve the ground game, but also generate more explosive throws over the middle — rather than quick sideline passes.

Social media to make you think​

Well this didn't age well….https://t.co/Y6ItltBPhK

— Soren Petro (@SorenPetro) October 29, 2025

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Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/kans...6/chiefs-news-10-30-nick-bolton-gets-good-mri

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

Dolphins-Raiders Week 8 ‘Thursday Night Football’ discussion

The NFL’s Week 9 kicks off with the (2-6) Miami Dolphins hosting the (2-5) Baltimore Ravens for “Thursday Night Football” on Amazon Prime!

Let’s talk about tonight’s game!

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/kans...ers-week-8-thursday-night-football-discussion

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

Chiefs’ News 10/31: Team faces ‘brutal slate’ in remaining schedule

The latest​

Ranking the five NFL teams with scariest remaining strength of schedule: Chiefs and Colts face brutal slates | CBS Sports

T-2. Chiefs (5-3)

The Chiefs have the second scariest remaining schedule and that’s mostly because they have a brutal November. They’ll be playing four games during the month with a schedule that looks like this: at Bills, bye, at Broncos, Colts, at Cowboys. They get just one home game plus they have to play a Thursday road game on Thanksgiving in Dallas. Although their schedule is difficult, this is the Chiefs we’re talking about, so they seem like a lock for the playoffs, but don’t be surprised if their nine-year run atop the AFC West finally comes to an end.

Remaining strength of schedule: .558
Games left vs. teams above .500: 5 (Bills, Colts, Chargers, Broncos x 2)
Predicted final record: 12-5

Why Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen are the No. 1 TV draw in the NFL | The Athletic

These have not been ordinary games as far as television viewership. Last year’s AFC Championship Game averaged 57.7 million viewers, the most-watched AFC Championship Game on record. Excluding Super Bowls, it was the second most-watched NFL game ever (tracking started in 1988), behind only the 2010 NFC Championship Game between the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints. which averaged 57.9 million viewers.

The Bills-Chiefs game has defined CBS’ NFL coverage in many ways, given the audience for it and the quality of the games. So you can understand why Berson was thrilled to learn from NFL media executives Hans Schroeder and Mike North on a 9 a.m. Zoom meeting with the league on May 14, the day of the NFL schedule release, that CBS had been granted its No. 1 pick.

Bills, Chiefs trade rumors could lead to Kansas City vs. Buffalo deadline showdown | The Sporting News

According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, both teams are in the market for an interior defender, so the Chiefs and Bills could be jockeying for the same players who become available ahead of the trade deadline.

“The Chiefs have sniffed around on a defensive tackle and now are drilling down a little more at running back with Isiah Pacheco banged up,” Breer wrote on Kansas City.

“As the Chiefs’ outlook has been impacted by a recent injury, the Bills’ approach has been, too, with Ed Oliver down until the playoffs,” Breer added on the Bills. “Buffalo’s taking a hard look at what’s out there at defensive tackle, and has also kicked the tires on its options at receiver.”

One thing both teams have in common is a lack of cap space. Kansas City is sitting with just $3 million, while the Bills are working with even less at $1.6 million.

That means we shouldn’t expect a massive move from either team, although the Bills could definitely use one with Oliver, T.J. Sanders, DaQuan Jones and DeWayne Carter all on the shelf.

When it comes to draft picks, the Chiefs only have 12 over the next two years, so they don’t have a lot of ammunition. The Bills, meanwhile, are in slightly better shape with 14 through 2027, including seven in each year.

NFL Week 9 picks, predictions, schedule, odds, fantasy tips | ESPN

What we’re hearing on the Bills: Though the Bills’ offense has reigning MVP Josh Allen, and RB James Cook III is off to an explosive start, questions linger about the recent struggles of the outside passing game. The defense is also dealing with injuries and will have to keep pace with a Chiefs offense that has gotten hot after Rashee Rice’s return. “Anytime you’re playing against a good team and a good quarterback, you have to get to play at the top of your game in order to win a football game,” Allen said. “So, not that you don’t go out there and try to play your best all the time, there is a heightened sense of awareness to that, of understanding who’s on the other side of the football.” — Alaina Getzenberg

Stat to know: This is the 10th matchup between Mahomes and Allen, including the playoffs. Since 1950, no QBs under 30 have faced off more from different divisions. — ESPN Research

Bold prediction: The Bills will record multiple 30-plus-yard gains on crossing routes. They run crossing routes 13% of the time, second most in the NFL, while the Chiefs — despite having a good pass defense — have allowed 0.77 EPA per play against targeted crossing routes (second worst). — [Seth] Walder

Why fourth down has been money for Chiefs — on both sides of the ball | The Star

“Do we have to talk about that?” he said as he knocked on the wooden lectern for good luck.

Spagnuolo doesn’t want to jinx the success. In a season when the Chiefs’ offense has enjoyed fourth-down prosperity — their 14 successful conversions tops the NFL, and their 82.2% success rate ranks third in the league — their fourth-down defense has been even better.

The Chiefs have held opponents to four-of-16 on fourth downs, and that 25% conversion rate tops the NFL. The Chiefs will take a streak of fourth-down stops — seven in a row — into Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills.“

Around the NFL​

Lamar Jackson throws 4 TDs in return as Baltimore rocks Miami, 28-6 | Yahoo! Sports

Lamar Jackson wasn’t all the way back in his return to the lineup. That was fairly easy to tell.

Jackson looked hesitant to scramble and he rarely ran. That happens when you miss four weeks with a hamstring injury. And yet, he still looked like one of the best players in football. His return completely changed the Baltimore Ravens’ outlook on the rest of their season.

As Jackson knocked the rust off he was still the biggest difference-maker in Thursday night’s game. Jackson threw four touchdown passes and the Ravens continued their long climb out of a 1-5 hole with an easy 28-6 win over the Miami Dolphins.

The Ravens (2-5) will play better opponents, but they’ll also have a healthier Jackson leading them. The Ravens found out Thursday night that their quarterback is still one of the best in the NFL and their season is very much alive.

Mike McDaniel shares fans’ frustrations in latest loss, which pushed Dolphins to 2-7: ‘It sucks’ | NFL.com

Following the loss, an embattled McDaniel was asked how he takes fans booing his 2-7 club.

“Yeah, personally, you want to dictate the terms. You want to fix stuff, and yeah, it sucks. That sucks,” he said, via the team’s official transcript. “All of that does. But I think it’s a pretty consistent formula of fans enjoy winning, and so our expectation is that we have to do the work and do the right things for fans to enjoy the experience, and unfortunately, we didn’t do that tonight, so we got to get back to work to give them something to cheer about.”

Like the fans, McDaniel couldn’t always keep his emotions bottled up, and he poured out his frustration several times on the sideline, from a dejected skyward-looking query to a blowup after a false start by right tackle Larry Borom on a would-be fourth-down play.

“That was at self-inflicted wounds,” the coach said of his sideline reaction to the false start. “We have been putting such an emphasis on all things related to our operation and in a critical fourth-and-1, where we were pretty fired up about the defensive look — it was what we were calling the play for. And that’s, flat out, a controllable that our team knows that keeps you from winning. So I was irate at nothing but our self-inflicted wound.”

In case you missed it on Arrowhead Pride​

Don’t forget about the Chiefs’ defense

The Chiefs have held four straight regular-season opponents to 320 or fewer total yards. It’s only the sixth time in the past 20 years the defense has maintained such a streak.

Kansas City has allowed 131 points. Only twice in the last 20 years has the Chiefs’ defense allowed fewer points by this point: 2023 (129) and 2013 (98).

The Chiefs’ 2,222 yards allowed are their fewest through eight games since 1998. The only NFL defenses this decade to allow fewer total yards through eight games were the 2015 Broncos, 2017 Panthers, 2019 49ers, 2021 Bills, 2023 Ravens, 2023 Browns, and 2024 Titans.

I knew they had been playing well. I did not realize they had been playing that well.

Social media to make you think​

For context, the efficiency gap from 1st to 2nd is the same size as the gap from 2nd to 24th. https://t.co/55nRzvbwfF pic.twitter.com/2fIhFCCpp0

— Steven Patton (@PattonAnalytics) October 29, 2025

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Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/kans...team-faces-brutal-slate-in-remaining-schedule

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

Chiefs’ Kareem Hunt on short-yardage situations: ‘It’s wins and losses ’

The Kansas City Chiefs’ 28-7 win over the Washington Commanders on “Monday Night Football” featured two fourth-down conversions by running back Kareem Hunt. The first — during the Chiefs’ opening drive — was wasted by an interception a few plays later. The second, however, was a triumph: a third-quarter fourth-and-goal touchdown.

From two yards out, quarterback Patrick Mahomes dropped back, scrambled from the pocket and found Hunt leaking away from defenders in the end zone. The running back’s touchdown catch gave the Chiefs a 14-7 lead they would not surrender — and was yet another example of a Mahomes staple: a successful out-of-structure play that made a significant difference in a game.

You can see Kareem identify where he needs to go to find open space, then sprinting with his eyes on Pat as soon as he clears the last defender before the window pic.twitter.com/VflkgkSp0P

— Ron Kopp Jr (@RonOnChiefs) October 30, 2025

But Hunt’s role in the play was also significant. After identifying a void where he could be available to Mahomes, he redirected his route. The veteran running back deserves a lot of credit for quick thinking in a high-pressure spot — but to Hunt, it was simply the result of understanding his quarterback.

“He is always keeping his eyes downfield,” Hunt told reporters on Wednesday. “He is always trying to make a play — no matter where he is on the field. He could be one yard away from out of bounds, and he still might throw a deep ball — or anything. He is always trying to make a play.”

The play showcased the chemistry between Mahomes and Hunt — players who have yet to spend an entire season together as starters. Much of it stems from the relationship they built as classmates from the 2017 NFL Draft. Hunt acknowledged how helpful it is to know the type of player Mahomes is from that shared experience of entering the league together.

“He is one of those guys that never quits,” the running back said of Mahomes. “He never gives up on a play. He is always going to try and make something happen. I just know that about him. So if I see him running around, I’m going to try and run around and get in his vision — and be the one he [chooses to] get him out of the situation.”

Making plays in crucial situations seems to be the name of Hunt’s game this season. The Chiefs have converted 14 fourth downs — and Hunt touched the ball on nine of them: seven successful fourth-down carries, plus two receptions that kept drives alive.

When you include third-and-short situations, Hunt has moved the chains on 18 of the 21 short-yardage, late-down scenarios. The 86% conversion rate is only slightly below that of Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback Jalen Hurts (88% in those plays) — and he often receives assistance from his teammates.

But Hunt does it the traditional way.

“The guards up front have been doing a great job for me,” he declared. “I’m going to find a way to fall forward and get those necessary yards to keep the drive going. Those situations are big — it’s wins and losses off short yardage.”

Hunt’s impact may need to expand against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Starting running back Isiah Pacheco has been declared out after suffering an MCL sprain in Week 8’s game.

Without Pacheco, rookie running back Brashard Smith could also see a heavier workload, but seems to have a specific role in the offense. Veteran back Elijah Mitchell could also be an option. After signing with the team last spring, he has been a gameday inactive all year.

“He had a severe injury at one point — a lot of guys wouldn’t even come back from this thing — and he battled back,” said Reid of the fourth-year player, who missed all of 2024. “You could see him just get better every week during camp and then progressing through to now. He takes a lot of the reps with the scout team group. I would tell you we all have confidence in his playing ability.”

Still, it will be worth monitoring the Chiefs’ transactions leading up to Sunday’s game. There are two running backs on the practice squad who have more familiarity with system than Mitchell: Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Carson Steele. Either of these players could be elevated to the active roster for Sunday’s game.

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/kans...ort-yard-situations-represent-wins-and-losses

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

Let’s Argue: The Chiefs’ Jack Cochrane is an awesome player

In our “Let’s Argue” series, our Mark Gunnels considers the hot takes, wacky predictions, and unpopular opinions of Kansas City Chiefs fans from all over the world.

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Jack Cochrane is an awesome special teams player​

Jack Cochrane is an awesome special teams player

— Patrick Lillis (@PatrickLillis1) October 29, 2025

This is clearly sarcasm.

There’s no denying that linebacker Jack Cochrane has been a negative on special teams this year. It feels like he gets called for holding every time the Chiefs have a good return.

But whatever it’s worth, he did get an interception at the end of the win over the Washington Commanders.

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Someone said, “They have only won playing injury-riddled teams”​

I had someone say "They have only won playing injury riddled teams"

— Loren Godsil (@ldg2456) October 29, 2025

It used to be that people would say anything to discredit the New England Patriots. Now they target Kansas City. This is what happens when you’ve been the standard of winning for seven years.

Before the Chiefs, the Patriots had to deal with it. It just comes with the territory when you’re in this position — and I would strongly advise Kansas City fans to embrace it.

If it’s not the injury excuse, then it’s fans complaining about the officials being in the Chiefs’ favor. Here’s the funny thing: there’s never any consistency.

Injuries? Well, how about wide receiver Xavier Worthy missing multiple games? And the absences of wide receiver Rashee Rice and left tackle Josh Simmons — although in their cases, it’s not injury-related.

We might as well face it: people will keep finding new ways to devalue Kansas City. They do it because they’re envious.

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The Chiefs shouldn’t have paid Chris Jones​

Shouldn't have paid Chris Jones (hot take, not my opinion so don't come at me)

— Captain Ron (@ronoldrico) October 29, 2025

This isn’t a hot take.

This is a scorching hot take.

Look… I know a lot of fans just look at raw numbers — and when it comes to defensive linemen, the go-to number is sacks.

A year ago, defensive tackle Chris Jones had only five sacks. Through eight 2025 games, he’s recorded only two.

Yes… those aren’t eye-popping numbers.

But sacks aren’t everything.

Jones is still absorbing double- and triple-teams, which gives the players around him opportunities for one-on-one matchups. As a group, the other players haven’t consistently taken advantage — but defensive end George Karlaftis has 4.5 sacks.

Despite garnering a lot of attention, Jones still consistently pressures opposing quarterbacks. While they may not result in sacks, pressures can — and do — create negative plays. Those can win football games.

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On a scale of 1–10, where are the Chiefs right now?​

On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being best, where are the Chiefs right now at this point of the season?

— Ed Helinski (@MrEd315) October 29, 2025

Good question!

Right now, I would give Kansas City a solid 8.

It’s fun to see the offense operating at a high level again. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes is having fun — and why shouldn’t he be? With Rice back in the fold, the two-time MVP finally has his full complement of pass-catchers at his disposal.

Meanwhile — despite being consistently unable to get pressure with four pass rushers — the defense has been very stingy. With the loss of rookie defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott, I fully expect general manager Brett Veach to make a move before the trade deadline.

If the Chiefs do make a fairly significant move to bolster the line, they instantly go from an 8 to a 9 — with the potential of becoming a 10.

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/kans...986/hot-takes-jack-cochrane-is-awesome-player

 

[Kansas City Chiefs]

The Chiefs’ defense welcomes Mike Pennel’s energy back to locker room

The Kansas City Chiefs gave their defensive line a familiar face this week. On Wednesday, veteran defensive tackle Mike Pennel re-signed with the team after beginning the season with the Cincinnati Bengals.

This marks his third stint in Kansas City.

Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo was happy to see him back with the team.

“The good thing about Mike is he was here before this season,” he said on Thursday. “So I think it’s probably an easier transition for him than going someplace else.”

Pennel first joined the Chiefs midway through the 2019 season and immediately made an impact, helping anchor the defensive front during Kansas City’s run to Super Bowl LIV. He recorded another midseason return in 2023, playing a rotational role on another Super Bowl–winning defense.

That reliability — stemming from his big-game experience — is a significant reason why Spagnuolo trusts him upon his return.

“We’re glad we got him,” he declared. “Mike’s a fun guy to have around — and a good football player — so we’re happy about that.”

Over his 12-year career, Pennel has appeared in 146 regular-season games, totaling 246 tackles, five sacks and three forced fumbles. During his most recent season with the Chiefs in 2024, he appeared in all 17 games and posted 25 tackles (10 solo), three sacks and one forced fumble.

This time around, Pennel joins a defensive line that ranks in the middle of the pack through the first half of the 2025 season. The Chiefs are 15th in total rushing yards allowed (800) and 18th in yards per carry (4.4). Veteran defensive captain Chris Jones once again leads the position group — but with a need for depth along the line, Pennel was the perfect fit.

“Mike brings a veteran presence,” Jones noted. “Good for the locker room, great guy — like one of my brothers. A lot of good things I can say about him. He just brings positive energy, which I think is something that goes underrated in a football locker room. A good, high-energy guy who keeps everyone fun and happy.”

First look at DT Mike Pennel back with the Chiefs. Club waived DE Malik Herring to make space. pic.twitter.com/0nQpxdjP0d

— Matt Derrick (@mattderrick) October 29, 2025

That positive energy has been Pennel’s calling card throughout his time in Kansas City — which meant that when the team released him before the 2025 season, it was a blow to Jones and his teammates. Jones tried to stay in touch anyway.

“Unfortunately, our contact kind of died off a little bit,” he recalled. “Every now and then, we’d contact each other. It’s difficult when you’re in the season and you’re in the midst of things — [and] he’s playing for a different team.”

Now back with the Chiefs, Pennel reunites with a defensive group that thrives on chemistry. His experience, understanding of Spagnuolo’s scheme and reputation in Kansas City’s locker room make him an ideal late-season addition as the team pushes for another playoff run.

“I was very disappointed, but I understand that [GM Brett] Veach always has a plan,” Jones remarked of Pennel’s release. “Luckily, we were able to bring my guy back.”

For Pennel — who has been with seven teams during his career — the feeling is mutual.

“It has been crazy, man,” he said of his journey on Friday. “You know, [it’s] the NFL experience, though. [I’m] just glad to be back. A lot of trips — [and] a lot of stops — but glad to be here.”

A native of Topeka, Kansas — who successfully battled childhood cancer at Kansas City’s Children’s Mercy Hospital — Pennel is beginning his third stint with his home team.

“My family [members are] long-standing Kansas City Chiefs fans,” he said. “Even though we all bleed red, we bleed a little bit of yellow too for K.C. My family’s here, the doctor who cured me and went through chemo [with] is here. It’s always, you know, attached me here. Everyone knows I love K.C.”

Reminded by reporters that the Chiefs won Super Bowls in the two other years he came on board after the season began — 2019 and 2023 — Pennel was surprised.

“I mean, I didn’t know that. You guys knew that? That’s a fact, there?”

Assured that it was, Pennel adopted a playful tone.

“I don’t knoooow,” he said playfully as the room exploded into laughter.

But then he smiled.

“I don’t know,” he added. “You know, however fate has it.”

Source: https://www.arrowheadpride.com/kans...ense-welcomes-mike-pennel-back-to-locker-room