The Kansas City Chiefs approach their final game of the 2025 NFL season against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 18, marking the end of a campaign that fell far short of the franchise's lofty standards. Accustomed to deep playoff runs and late draft selections, the Chiefs have endured a turbulent year defined by critical losses and devastating injuries, which ultimately eliminated them from postseason contention for the first time since 2014.
A Season of Introspection and a Silver Lining
Despite the profound disappointment, head coach Andy Reid has identified a crucial opportunity for growth within the adversity. The season forced the organisation into a period of necessary introspection, compelling them to accept a harsh new reality and begin planning for a future rebuild. A significant part of that future is a rare asset: a projected top 10 selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. For a team that typically picks near the end of the first round due to playoff success, this represents a major shift and a chance to reshape the roster meaningfully.
Reid addressed the unusual situation with his characteristic calm honesty. "It's something to look forward to," he stated. "It's not where you want to be (record-wise), but it is where we are. We've got good people doing the picking, headed up by (GM) Brett (Veach)." According to projections from the New York Times simulator, Kansas City is very likely to land inside the top 10. The ninth overall pick carries the highest probability, with strong chances also at the eighth, tenth, and eleventh spots. Reid has drafted in the top 10 only once before with the Chiefs, back in 2013.
Emotional Weight of the Final Game
While the Week 18 clash with the Raiders may not drastically alter their final draft position, it carries immense emotional weight for the team and its fanbase. The game will be played under the shadow of two monumental absences. First, the Chiefs are navigating the end of the season without superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who suffered the most serious injury of his career—a combined ACL and LCL tear that will sideline him through most of the 2026 offseason.
Secondly, the future of legendary tight end Travis Kelce hangs in the balance. Retirement rumours have grown increasingly loud, and this regular-season finale against a divisional rival could potentially mark his final appearance in the NFL. Fans and teammates alike hope the team can rally to deliver a strong performance in what might be a farewell for a franchise icon.
A Pivotal Offseason Awaits
The conclusion of the 2025 season ushers in a critical and unfamiliar offseason for the Kansas City Chiefs. The combination of a high-value draft pick, the long-term rehabilitation of their franchise quarterback, and potential major roster changes presents both challenge and opportunity. The organisation, led by Reid and Veach, now faces the task of leveraging this early draft capital to build a team capable of returning to its championship-contending ways. The disappointing year has closed one chapter, but it has forcefully opened another, setting the stage for a transformative period in Chiefs history.
