League: NFL Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Rankings

Kansas City Chiefs fall outside top 10 in ESPN preseason power rankings

4 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 4, 2026, 11:00 AM

Last updated Sep 4, 2026

Kansas City Chiefs fall outside top 10 in ESPN preseason power rankings

Summary

The Kansas City Chiefs open the 2026 season ranked outside the top 10 according to the latest ESPN preseason power rankings. This position marks a departure for a roster that has consistently remained among the league’s top contenders in recent years. Analysts point to lingering questions regarding offensive consistency and the need for a supporting cast to match the play of quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Despite the lower ranking, the team retains a focus on defensive discipline and established coaching staff experience to remain competitive within a difficult AFC. Travis Kelce enters the season needing 45 receiving yards to surpass Jason Witten for the second-most yards by a tight end in NFL history. The team aims to establish its form during the season opener against the Broncos.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•The Kansas City Chiefs are excluded from the top 10 in the latest ESPN preseason power rankings.
•Patrick Mahomes is expected to start Week 1 following knee surgery.
•Travis Kelce needs 45 receiving yards to move into second place on the all-time tight end list.
•The Chiefs face the Broncos in the team's upcoming season opener.

Latest Updates

11:00 AMYahoo Sports — Kansas City Chiefs to face player No. 6 of the 'NFL Top 100' in 2026
11:00 AMYahoo Sports — Kansas City Chiefs to face player No. 7 of the 'NFL Top 100' in 2026
11:00 AMYahoo Sports — Kansas City Chiefs to face player No. 10 of the 'NFL Top 100' in 2026
10:16 AMYahoo Sports — Kansas City Chiefs Not in the Top 10 on ESPN’s NFL Power Rankings

What they're saying

"
The Kansas City Chiefs enter the 2026 NFL season outside the top 10 in the latest preseason power rankings, an unfamiliar position for a franchise that has spent years among football’s most consistent contenders. The ranking reflects growing questions about whether Kansas City can quickly return to its dominant form after an offseason filled with […] The post Kansas City Chiefs Not in the Top 10 on ESPN’s NFL Power Rankings appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
— Yahoo Sports

"
Kansas City Chiefs to face player No. 6, San Francisco 49ers Running Back Christian McCaffrey, from the 'NFL Top 100' in 2026 | @EdEastonJr
— Yahoo Sports