The Kansas City Chiefs fell just one win short last season of becoming the first NFL team to secure three consecutive Super Bowl titles.
Despite losing to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 59, Kansas City’s historic fifth appearance in the big game in the last six years marked an incredible feat by Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.
Kansas City finished the regular season with a 15-2 record, even though the offense struggled at times to score touchdowns, finishing 22nd in red zone efficiency.
A significant reason behind the offense’s floundering was perhaps the absence of wide receiver Rashee Rice, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 4. He appeared to be quickly becoming the No. 1 receiver for Kansas City and the playmaker the offense had been searching for since trading Tyreek Hill during the 2022 offseason.
Rice appears to be rejuvenated and excited for what lies ahead in 2025.
‘Wide receiver group, we’re going to be explosive this year,’ Rice told KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson. ‘We’re just excited to put on a show to be honest. We know it’s gonna be a show. Only thing in the way right now is time, so we’re just waiting patiently.’
Rice had accumulated a team-high 288 receiving yards on 24 receptions and two touchdowns before his injury. His absence was a significant blow to the offense.
The Chiefs finished 16th in yards per game, marking the first time since Mahomes took over they finished outside of the top ten in that category.
Justin Watson (Texans), Mecole Hardman (Packers) and DeAndre Hopkins (Ravens) all departed in free agency.
Travis Kelce will lace them up for a 13th season, although he will turn 36 later this year. Alongside Rice in the wide receiver room is 2024 first-round pick Xavier Worthy. Additionally, the reigning AFC champs re-signed veterans JuJu Smith-Schuster and Hollywood Brown to one-year contracts.
Rice has been feverishly focused on his recovery as he looks to be a key cog in the offense.
‘It’s a hard process,’ Rice said. ‘If you love the game enough, it’s nothing that can really take you away or discourage you that you can’t get the job done.’
The Chiefs’ offense has the potential to bounce back, and their first opportunity to do so in 2025 will come against the Los Angeles Chargers on Friday, Sept. 5 in Brazil.