2023 NFL Power Rankings: Kansas City Chiefs

This could end up being the worst statistical season of Patrick Mahomes' career. He's tied for the league lead with eight interceptions -- which is on pace for 17 interceptions, and that would easily surpass the worst of his career (13). With 15 touchdown passes, Mahomes is on pace for a touchdown-to-interception ratio of less than 2-to-1, which would also be a career worst. Mahomes has always been above that mark, in some seasons well beyond it. -- Adam Teicher

The Chiefs have not known life as anything but a No. 1 or No. 2 seed in the playoffs under Patrick Mahomes, but if they want to maintain their hopes of securing a top seed this year, they might be looking at a must-win game this Sunday in Frankfurt, where they'll to face the Dolphins, one of three other 6-2 AFC teams currently. The fact is, the Chiefs were beaten soundly by a team they'd defeated in 16 straight previous matchups, and Mahomes didn't mount anything close to a comeback after falling behind early Sunday. Stricken with the flu, he didn't play well, although a few huge drops and a suddenly shaky offensive line didn't help.

What happened to the offense against the Broncos? It had to be more than just Patrick Mahomes being sick. They can't play that way against Miami - or else.

At 6-2 and leading their division, are they the AFC's best team? Maybe, but they had several significant streaks end Sunday, including their first loss to Denver since Peyton Manning was the Broncos' quarterback. Kansas City also allowed more than 21 points for the first time this season, and QB Patrick Mahomes failed to generate a TD for the first time in nearly two years.

Something scary (for them): Anything happening to Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City fans know what it's like to hold their breath over news of their quarterback's health. More than at any time since the Chiefs' run began, Kansas City seems completely carried by its quarterback this season. With Mahomes suffering from the flu and posting the second-lowest passer rating of his career (59.2) Sunday, the Chiefs lost to the Broncos for the first time in 17 meetings.

The Chiefs' defense has carried them this season, but the offense may be a real problem. Granted, Patrick Mahomes was fighting the flu this weekend, but Kansas City's lack of juice at wide receiver has been glaring to this point of the season. Odds are, Mahomes and Co. will figure things out, but this was a down performance for the defending champions.

The Chiefs will be fine. That streak against the Broncos was bound to end eventually, and a five-turnover day was the path for it to happen. If there's a concern it's that the offense has not been great yet. The good news is the defense has improved a lot, which will be really important if the offense catches up.

Will the Chiefs develop any viable option in the passing game after Travis Kelce?

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