Chiefs Must ‘Win Every Game Now,’ Mahomes Says As Playoff Hopes In Jeopardy

It’s been an uncharacteristic season for the Kansas City Chiefs, who are in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

Their postseason chances took another hit on Thanksgiving after a 31-28 loss against the Dallas Cowboys, putting Andy Reid‘s side 6-6 with five games remaining.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who threw four touchdowns during the loss, says the equation is simple if the Chiefs want to make the playoffs: win.

“You’ve got to win every game now and hope that’s enough,” Mahomes said after the game.

Thursday’s defeat was the Chiefs’ sixth one-score loss this season. It’s a stark contrast to their 2024 record, where the team went 11-0 in those situations.

Kansas City started the game on the front foot, racing to a 14-7 lead in the first quarter after touchdowns from wide receiver Rashee Rice and tight end Travis Kelce. However, the Cowboys responded by scoring 13 unanswered points through the following two quarters.

The Chiefs retook the lead early in the fourth quarter from another touchdown by Rice. But Dallas responded again by scoring a touchdown and field goal, putting the game out of reach for Reid’s side.

After reaching at least the AFC Championship in the past seven seasons, the Chiefs are currently on the outside looking in as of Sunday. Their remaining games are all against AFC opponents, including matches against division rivals Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos and the Las Vegas Raiders.

“We’re going to play a lot of good football teams coming up,” Mahomes said. “If we’re going to make the playoffs, we’re going to have to win them all. That’s got to be the mindset when we step into the building when we get back.”