The 2024 season was bittersweet for the Kansas City Chiefs. The team, coached by Andy Reid, finished with a 15-2 record and made it to the Super Bowl for the third straight year. However, they were crushed by the Philadelphia Eagles in a game where Patrick Mahomes was sacked six times.

Despite the Chiefs’ impressive record, it was an inconsistent offensive season. They won several games in strange ways. Mahomes posted numbers below his usual standards, throwing for 3,928 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, with a passer rating of 93.5.

After that painful Super Bowl loss, the Chiefs came very close to achieving a historic “three-peat” (three consecutive championships). Following the defeat, Mahomes stated that he wants to come back even stronger next season, where they’re once again favorites in the AFC.

One of the keys is Rashee Rice’s return

One of the major blows to the Chiefs’ offense last season was the Week 4 knee injury to Rashee Rice. However, it now seems he is gradually returning and was present at the start of OTAs (organized team activities) alongside Mahomes and the rest of the team.

According to reports, Rice wasn’t feeling well during the OTAs. Nevertheless, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes spoke to the media and shared his impressions of how one of his most important receivers looked during training camp.

“He’s out there playing, making plays on the field,” Mahomes said. “He’s explosive; he looks fast. You saw how he started last season. I think he can be one of the best receivers in the league.”

One of the keys to the Chiefs’ success will be for Rice to have a strong season, like he did in 2023 during his rookie year in the NFL. Including the playoffs, he totaled 8 touchdown receptions and 1,200 receiving yards, playing a vital role in Kansas City’s Super Bowl win over the San Francisco 49ers.

Mahomes will aim to make his offense explosive again in 2025 by pairing Rice with Xavier Worthy. It’s worth noting that in 2024, the Chiefs averaged 22.6 points per game – not bad, but the Mahomes-led offense has traditionally delivered stronger numbers.