Patrick Mahomes Battles Back From Injury, But Can Chiefs Win AFC West?

Patrick Mahomes is chasing a Week 1 comeback for the Kansas City Chiefs' AFC West clash against the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football. The quarterback has been recovering from a torn ACL and LCL sustained during a Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers last season.

What happened?

NFL analyst Ben Solak was not confident that the Chiefs' roster would hold up to the demands of a deep playoff run next season. Despite Mahomes' potential return to action, Solak doubted the team's chances of winning the AFC West.

Why it matters for Patrick Mahomes

Solak highlighted the Chiefs' defensive issues, including the loss of over 2,000 snaps in the secondary. The team has also struggled with pass rush issues for years, and Solak questioned whether new additions Peter Woods and R. Mason Thomas would be enough to turn things around.

What comes next?

Mahomes had a mixed season last year, registering 3,587 passing yards on 62.7% completion, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He is motivated to make his comeback against the Broncos in Week 1 of the upcoming season, and is giving every opportunity to his doctors and coaches to let him be out there in Week 1.

The Chiefs missed the postseason for the first time since 2014 and the first time in Mahomes' illustrious career last season. Before slumping to a 6-11 finish, coach Andy Reid's Chiefs had won nine consecutive AFC West Division titles, appearing in five of the last six Super Bowl games to establish themselves as the NFL's most recent dynasty.

Solak praised Steve Spagnuolo's ability to get production out of young guys, but doubted the defensive guru could turn the Chiefs into contenders in a loaded AFC West. "There are too many questions for the Chiefs in such a loaded division, such a loaded conference, for me to feel confident about them making a deep run," Solak said.

Mahomes had a mixed season last year, registering 3,587 passing yards on 62.7% completion, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He is motivated to make his comeback against the Broncos in Week 1 of the upcoming season, and is giving every opportunity to his doctors and coaches to let him be out there in Week 1.

What's next for Patrick Mahomes?

Mahomes' goal is to be ready to go Week 1, and he is giving every opportunity to his doctors and coaches to let him be out there in Week 1. "That's my goal," Mahomes said. "I've said that since the beginning is being ready to go Week 1. I can't predict the future, and I know that it's a long process."

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