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Kansas City Chiefs Quarter-Season Awards
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- Kansas City Chiefs Quarter-Season Awards
The Kansas City Chiefs have officially reached the quarter mark of their 2026 season.
Through four games, the Chiefs are off to an undefeated start. They have marquee wins over the Broncos and Raiders to help pad a solid resume. So far this season, Kansas City has looked like the team with three Super Bowls in the last seven years.
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With a bye week coming up, it's time to hand out some quarter-season awards for the Chiefs. Which players are deserving of these honors? Here's a look at the 2026 Chiefs quarter-season award winners.
Offensive MVP: Kenneth Walker III
Sep 27, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III (9) stiff arms Miami Dolphins safety Michael Taaffe (16) during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
The winner here is simple. Walker has been an absolute game-changer for the Kansas City offense. He leads the NFL in rushing with 537 yards and has added six total touchdowns as well.
He's averaging 6.2 yards per carry and also leads the league in broken tackles. He's made a big play or two in every single game this season, helping Kansas City race out to an undefeated start. The Chiefs have been waiting for a back like Walker for years. He's been worth every single penny of his contract thus far.
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Defensive MVP: Drue Tranquill
Sep 27, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis (2) passes the ball against Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill (23) during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
It's hard to find a winner for this award. The Chiefs defense has been up-and-down this season, with no huge standout individual performances. With that being said, Tranquill is a solid choice for this award four games in.
The veteran linebacker has done a little bit of everything for Steve Spagnuolo's defense. He's taken on a bigger role with Leo Chenal gone and played well. Tranquill has 29 total tackles, five tackles for loss, and two passes defended. He's a key cog for this Chiefs defense.
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Rookie of the Year: Kahlil Benson
Sep 27, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Kahlil Benson (70) looks on after a gassed against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
The Chiefs' rookie class has been excellent this year. Mansoor Delane and Emmett Johnson were both contenders for this award. But it has to go to Benson. The undrafted lineman out of Indiana has started all four games at left tackle and looked great.
He's carving open lanes in the run game, which has helped Walker run wild. He's also kept Patrick Mahomes clean. That's a huge deal with Mahomes coming off an ACL tear. Benson has been a pleasant surprise for the organization and looks primed to be starting for a while.
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Comeback Player of the Year: Patrick Mahomes
Sep 20, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) reacts prior to the game against the Indianapolis Colts at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Come on. Was there really any other option for this award? Less than nine months removed from an ACL tear, Mahomes has returned with a vengeance. He's completing 64.1% of his passes for 1,037 yards and nine touchdowns. The two-time MVP is on pace for over 4,000 passing yards and nearly 40 touchdowns.
There were concerns about a slow start for Mahomes coming off the injury. He's proved those doubters wrong and then some. If he continues at this pace, he may need to make some more room in his trophy case for another MVP award.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Oct 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
