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NFL Week 9 Power Rankings Roundup: Kansas City Chiefs Slip Again After Week 8 Loss
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- NFL Week 9 Power Rankings Roundup: Kansas City Chiefs Slip Again After Week 8 Loss
The Kansas City Chiefs (5-2) fell two spots to No. 6 in ESPN's NFL Power Rankings following their 28-24 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 8. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes was great, going 30-for-41 for 321 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. He had a chance to score the go-ahead touchdown at the end of the game, but the play was negated by a false-start penalty.
Running back Kenneth Walker III was bottled up to 69 yards on 21 carries. Rookie running back Emmett Johnson had a career game with five receptions for 128 yards and his first NFL touchdown. Wide receiver Rashee Rice was effective in his return from a hamstring injury, catching seven passes for 53 yards and one touchdown.
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Rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane (shoulder) was out for Week 8 but could return Sunday. The real problem was the Chiefs' pass rush. According to ESPN Stats and Research , the Chiefs pressured Broncos quarterback Bo Nix just twice in 34 dropbacks for a 6% rate. The NFL Trade Deadline is looming on Nov. 10, and the Chiefs might be in the market to upgrade that element as well as wide receiver.
Where the Chiefs Are Ranked in NFL Power Rankings
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ESPN.com:6 (down from 4)
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SI.com:12 (down from 6)
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USA TODAY: 10 (down from 4)
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Pro Football Talk:7 (down from 5)
Defensive end George Karlaftis recorded his second sack of the season, and the line batted down three passes at the line, which is good, but the pass rush was just not there overall.
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The Chiefs head home to face the New York Jets (2-6) Sunday in Week 9.
This story was originally published by Athlon on Nov 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
