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Chiefs Miss Playoffs as Mahomes Injured, Future Uncertain

1/10/2026

24 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Kansas City Chiefs finished the 2025 season 6-11 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL in Week 15, ending his season.
This season marks a shift as Mahomes, Tom Brady, and Peyton Manning are absent from playoffs for the first time since 1998.
Mahomes aims to recover for the 2026 season.
The Chiefs hold the No. 9 overall draft pick.

History

Historical Context

The 1998 NFL playoffs, which began on January 2, 1999, featured a notable absence of star quarterbacks like John Elway and Brett Favre. The Denver Broncos, led by Elway, won Super Bowl XXXIII, marking the last season until 2025 without Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, or Patrick Mahomes in the playoffs. This shift in quarterback dominance may influence future team strategies, especially for the Chiefs, who hold the No. 9 draft pick.

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Story summary

The Kansas City Chiefs finished the 2025 season 6-11 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL in Week 15, ending his season.
This season marks a shift as Mahomes, Tom Brady, and Peyton Manning are absent from playoffs for the first time since 1998.
Mahomes aims to recover for the 2026 season.
The Chiefs hold the No. 9 overall draft pick.

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