While most of the NFL remains focused on quarterback Patrick Mahomes' return for Week 1, a Bleacher Report article has highlighted the worst-case scenario for their team. Surprisingly, it involves the players around the star QB, who is rehabbing as things stand.

BR's Kristopher Knox recently highlighted best and worst-case scenarios for each NFL team. In the report, the spotlight fell on the new receiving department that the Kansas City Chiefs have assembled.

"Even if Mahomes is healthy, that won't be enough to guarantee a potent passing attack," Knox wrote. "Kansas City's receiving corps wasn't nearly good enough in 2025, and the Chiefs have done nothing to address it, aside from drafting Cyrus Allen in the sixth round."

Despite the spotlight being on the defense amid Xavier Worthy's struggles and Rashee Rice's suspension, the Chiefs only drafted Cyrus Allen at the receiving position this year.

"In a worst-case scenario, Mahomes is healthy enough to make Kansas City playoff-relevant, but the Chiefs simply lack the skill players to be an actual postseason threat," the report further stated.

Last year, no Chiefs player was able to reach the 1,000-yard mark. The top two receiving yard tallies were for Travis Kelce, a tight end, and Hollywood Brown, who left the franchise this summer for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Now, with new additions to the franchise and no veteran presence at the WR position, Knox's worst-case prediction may be hypothetical, but it is a calculated concern.

In addition to pointing out the worst-case scenario, Knox also went into depth about concerns over the receiving performance from last year.

Kristopher Knox Explains the Kansas City Chiefs' Receiving Issue for 2026

Last year, the Chiefs struggled to produce passing yards in the league despite their star quarterback.

Their 214.1 passing yards per game ranked 16th in the league, emphasizing the shortcomings of the receiving corps.

In light of this, Knox further wrote about what the Chiefs may find difficult this year.

"Top receiver Rashee Rice, meanwhile, is recovering from knee surgery and had his rehab interrupted when he was ordered...a sentence...The depth behind Rice at receiver is shaky," Knox wrote. "Xavier Worthy is the only other returning wideout who topped 500 yards last season, and star tight end Travis Kelce (36) isn't getting any younger.

Xavier Worthy just about grazed past that mark with 571 yards last year with just the one receiving touchdown.

Going into 2026, Mahomes may have a reinforced rush attack with Super-Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, but all eyes will certainly be on Mahomes' targets for 2026.

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Written by

Aadesh Dhote

Edited by

Rudra Dubey