Stephen A. Smith on why Chiefs are dangerous
Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith said the Chiefs offense no longer relies on one explosive receiver to create big plays. He shared his analysis in a video posted to his official X account on September 21, 2026.
Smith said Patrick Mahomes can now attack defenses through both the running and passing games, making Kansas City’s offense less predictable than in past seasons. He argued that this versatility separates the current Chiefs offense from earlier versions that leaned more heavily on a single deep threat.
Kansas City Chiefs win 33-30 over Colts in OT
The Kansas City Chiefs, an AFC West team based in Kansas City, Missouri, defeated the Indianapolis Colts 33-30 in overtime on September 20, 2026, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 32 of 47 passes for 382 yards and 3 touchdowns without a turnover. The victory gave Kansas City a 2-0 start after the team missed the playoffs in 2025.
Mahomes throws for 382 yards vs. Colts
Mahomes completed 32 of 47 passes for 382 yards during Kansas City’s September 20, 2026, overtime win over Indianapolis. He threw 3 touchdown passes without committing a turnover.
Tight end Travis Kelce caught 9 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown. It was a strong outing for Mahomes following his return from the torn ACL he suffered in December 2025.
Why Chiefs no longer rely on one deep threat
Wide receiver Tyreek Hill was traded from Kansas City to the Miami Dolphins in March 2022, ending a partnership that had provided Patrick Mahomes with one of the NFL’s most dangerous deep threats. Smith referenced that change while explaining how Kansas City’s offense has evolved.
Rather than relying heavily on one receiver to stretch defenses, Kansas City can distribute opportunities among Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice, Kenneth Walker III and other offensive weapons. Smith argued that this balance makes the Chiefs more difficult for opposing defenses to prepare for each week.
Kenneth Walker III fuels Chiefs run game
Running back Kenneth Walker III rushed for 117 yards on 24 carries and added 61 receiving yards in Kansas City’s win over Indianapolis. His production gave the Chiefs a strong rushing presence while also providing Patrick Mahomes with another option in the passing game.
Walker joined the Chiefs in free agency in March 2026 after spending his first four NFL seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. His ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver gives opposing defenses another threat to account for alongside Mahomes and Kansas City’s passing attack.
Kenneth Walker III won Super Bowl LX MVP
Walker won Super Bowl LX MVP honors with the Seattle Seahawks in February 2026 after rushing for 135 yards against the New England Patriots. Seattle won the championship 29-13.
Walker then joined Kansas City on a 3-year deal worth up to $45 million, with $28.7 million fully guaranteed. The signing added a proven postseason performer to the Chiefs’ backfield as Patrick Mahomes returned from knee surgery.
Kenneth Walker III ranks first among NFL backs
Through the first 2 games of the 2026 season, Walker carried the ball 47 times for 290 yards, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. According to Pro Football Focus data, he also forced 23 missed tackles as a runner, the most among qualified running backs.
Walker added nine receptions on 13 targets for 79 yards, showing his impact in both the running and passing games. His overall PFF grade ranked first among 47 qualified running backs at that early stage of the season.
Travis Kelce catches 9 passes in 14th season
Kelce caught 9 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown in Kansas City’s 33-30 overtime win over Indianapolis on September 20, 2026. The veteran tight end is playing his 14th NFL season, all with the Chiefs.
Kelce returned for another season after Kansas City missed the playoffs in 2025 for the first time since 2014. His continued production gives Patrick Mahomes an experienced target against different defensive coverages.
Fun fact: Patrick Mahomes signed a 10-year, $503 million contract extension with the Kansas City Chiefs on July 6, 2020, making it the largest deal in North American team sports history at the time.
Stephen A. Smith asks who can beat the Chiefs
In the same September 21, 2026 video, Smith asked his audience which team has what it takes to beat Kansas City this season. He described the Chiefs as one of the NFL’s biggest storylines early in the year.
Smith argued that opposing defenses cannot focus on a single player or type of play because Mahomes can attack through the passing game while Walker provides another threat on the ground. He said that variety could make Kansas City difficult to defend throughout the rest of the 2026 season.
Mahomes tore his ACL in Chiefs 2025 collapse
Mahomes tore his ACL during Kansas City’s 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on December 14, 2025, ending his season. The defeat also eliminated the Chiefs from playoff contention and ended their streak of 10 consecutive postseason appearances.
Kansas City finished the 2025 season with a 6-11 record and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014. Mahomes underwent knee surgery before completing his rehabilitation and returning for the start of the 2026 season.
Chiefs start 2026 season 2-0 behind Mahomes
Kansas City opened the 2026 season with a 31-10 victory over the Denver Broncos on September 14 before defeating the Indianapolis Colts 33-30 in overtime one week later. Those victories gave the Chiefs a 2-0 record through their first 2 games.
Denver won the AFC West with a 14-3 record in 2025 before losing to Kansas City in the 2026 season opener. The Chiefs’ strong start put them back in the early AFC West race after missing the playoffs the previous season.
Chiefs travel to Miami Dolphins in week 3
Kansas City faces the Miami Dolphins on September 27, 2026, in Week 3 at Hard Rock Stadium. A victory would move the Chiefs to 3-0 after opening the season with consecutive wins.
Kansas City’s upcoming schedule also includes matchups against AFC opponents such as the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers. The Chiefs are also scheduled to face the New York Jets and Seattle Seahawks later in the season.
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Chiefs face tests to prove 2026 is different
Kansas City moves forward in 2026 with a healthy Patrick Mahomes, a proven postseason running back in Kenneth Walker III, and veteran tight end Travis Kelce continuing to contribute. That combination gives the Chiefs multiple options in both the passing and running games.
Smith’s question about which teams can challenge Kansas City remains open after the Chiefs’ 2-0 start. Upcoming opponents will provide a clearer picture of how Kansas City’s revamped offense matches up against different defenses.
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Which team do you think can finally slow down the Chiefs in 2026? Drop your pick in the comments.
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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