Shock Admission: Chief’s Playoff Dreams Hanging by a Thread, Says Analyst

So here we are, folks — the Kansas City Chiefs, a team that’s had a stranglehold on the AFC West for years, suddenly staring down the barrel of a playoff drought. After that gut-wrenching Week 11 loss to the Denver Broncos, it’s hard not to wonder: have the Chiefs lost their way? I mean, when your own division rivals and wild card contenders have your number — literally beating you on the field — it sparks some serious soul-searching. Is this a mere blip, or are we witnessing the unraveling of what was once an almost unstoppable juggernaut? Buckle up, because the clock’s ticking, and the Chiefs need more than just hope if they want to keep their postseason dreams alive.

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - OCTOBER 19: Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs takes the field prior to the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium on October 19, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. — (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

The Kansas City Chiefs suffered a painful loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 11. It was disappointing for Kansas City because of how close the game was, but also because of its implications.

It may be in trouble in their division, and analyst Matt Verderame had a brutal admission about the Chiefs’ playoff hopes.

“For the first time in a decade, the Chiefs won’t win the AFC West. And for the first time in 2014, it’s very possible they miss the playoffs entirely. They’re the epitome of a talented team with no direction,” Verderame wrote on X.

For the first time in a decade, the Chiefs won't win the AFC West.

And for the first time in 2014, it's very possible they miss the playoff entirely. They're the epitome of a talented team with no direction.

— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) November 17, 2025

The Chiefs are behind the Broncos and the Los Angeles Chargers in the division, and are competing with several teams for an AFC wild card. At this point, they are clinging to a chance of reaching the playoffs, hoping they can make the most of that situation.

The three current wild cards are the Chargers, Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars. Each of those teams has defeated the Chiefs, which isn’t good news for Kansas City regarding potential tiebreakers.

The Chiefs are having trouble on both offense and defense, and there are questions about how to right the ship. Some fans feel a big shakeup is needed, while others believe that only tiny adjustments are necessary.

They have time to get on track, starting in Week 12 against the Indianapolis Colts, but right now, the Chiefs aren’t the fearsome and intimidating team they once were.

The post Analyst Has Brutal Admission About Chiefs’ Playoff Hopes appeared first on The Cold Wire.