Offensive Depth Chart

The Chiefs' offense centers on Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, with Gardner Minshew II or Chris Oladokun as backups per USA TODAY and Ourlads[1][2]. Isiah Pacheco starts at RB, backed by Kareem Hunt, Brashard Smith, and Elijah Mitchell, providing versatile rushing options amid injuries.

Wide receivers feature Xavier Worthy as WR1, Hollywood Brown at WR2, and Rashee Rice at WR3, though Rice is on IR[1][4]. The line includes LT Josh Simmons or Esa Pole, LG Kingsley Suamataia, C Creed Humphrey, RG Trey Smith, and RT Jawaan Taylor or Jaylon Moore. TE Travis Kelce remains elite, with Noah Gray and others in support.

Recent developments show offensive line tweaks due to IR for Simmons and Taylor, elevating Wanya Morris and Mike Caliendo. This depth sustains Andy Reid's scheme despite absences.

Defensive Depth Chart

Defense employs a 3-4 base, with George Karlaftis at LDE, Chris Jones at LDT, Derrick Nnadi or Jerry Tillery at RDT, and Mike Danna at RDE[1][2]. Linebackers include Nick Bolton at MLB, Drue Tranquill or Leo Chenal at WLB/SLB, adapting to Chenal's IR status.

The secondary lists Jaylen Watson or Kristian Fulton at LCB, Trent McDuffie at RCB (IR-affected), Bryan Cook at FS, and Jaden Hicks at SS[1][4]. Depth like Chamarri Conner and Nohl Williams provides flexibility against pass-heavy offenses.

Injuries to McDuffie, Chenal, and others have forced rotations, with Jack Cochrane and Cooper McDonald gaining reps. This resilience bolsters Steve Spagnuolo's aggressive schemes late in 2025.

Special Teams and Key Updates

Special teams are stable with Harrison Butker handling kicks, Matt Araiza punting and holding, and James Winchester snapping[1][5]. Return duties go to Nikko Remigio, Brashard Smith, and Tyquan Thornton.

Injury impacts are significant: Mahomes, Rice, McDuffie, Chenal, and others on IR per Ourlads, shifting reliance to backups like Minshew and Fulton[2]. Chiefs.com shows core starters intact where healthy.

These charts, updated as of December 2025, signal Chiefs' playoff readiness, balancing stars and depth for a Super Bowl repeat chase.