Let’s Argue: Can the Chiefs be top 10 in offense and defense in 2026?

TEMPE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 09: (L-R) Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo talks with head coach Andy Reid in a practice session prior to Super Bowl LVII at Arizona State University Practice Facility on February 09, 2023 in Tempe, Arizona. The Kansas City Chiefs play the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII on February 12, 2023 at State Farm Stadium. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

In our Let's Argue" series, Mark Gunnels considers the hot takes, wacky predictions and unpopular opinions of Kansas City Chiefs fans from all over the world.

KC will be top 10 in offense AND defense this year

KC will be top ten in offense AND defense this year.

- Lee C Eldridge (@LeeCEldridge) June 29, 2026

I don't think this is far-fetched at all.

With Walker in the fold, Mahomes has his best running game since the early years of running back Kareem Hunt. That should make the offense much more balanced and efficient.

Defensively, if draft picks like cornerback Mansoor Delane and defensive tackle Peter Woods make the impact the Chiefs expect, there's no reason this unit can't finish in the top 10, too. The talent is there on both sides of the ball.

I think it is a retool kind of year

I think it is a retool kind of year. They could still be in the playoffs, but I don't think it is a Super Bowl year. If they mostly nailed the draft picks, they might surprise."

This user unfortunately deleted their post on X, but hot takes live forever!

I don't think retool" exists when Patrick Mahomes is your quarterback. The Chiefs just missed the playoffs, and the standard in Kansas City has never been simply getting back to the postseason; it's competing for a Lombardi Trophy.

Even with Mahomes coming off a torn ACL, this organization has earned the benefit of the doubt. As long as No. 15 is under center, the expectation is Super Bowl contention, not a transition year. Anything less would be lowering the bar for one of the NFL's premier franchises.

Pass catching depth is going to end up killing us

Pass catching depth is going to end up killing us.

- 3PETE (@SD3pete) June 29, 2026

I don't see it.

Running back Kenneth Walker's arrival should force defenses to respect the run again, creating more favorable looks for the passing game.

Plus, I think Chiefs fans are selling this receiving corps short.

• Rashee Rice was on track to nearly 1,500 yards if not for the six-game suspension.
• Xavier Worthy played through a shoulder injury all season.
• Tyquan Thornton emerged as a legitimate deep threat.
• No. 87, Travis Kelce, is still playing tight end in Kansas City.

This group has plenty of firepower.

Stay tuned for more of Mark's opinion onyour hot takes!