Chiefs See Hope and Questions After Rashee Rice’s Return
Still on its bye week the Kansas City Chiefs are in an unfamiliar position. At 5-4, throught nine weeks of the 2025 NFL season the three-time reigning AFC champions are on the outside of its own conference playoff picture, a reality that feels foreign to a team defined by dominance. This is a franchise accustomed to setting the standard, but this season has been a jarring departure from that narrative. The swagger that once felt permanent has been shaken, replaced by a sense of urgency.
As the Chiefs are searching for answers on their week off. The one consistent bright spot of their team has been the return of wide receiver Rashee Rice.
How has Rashee Rice impacted the offense?
Rice’s impact is not just in volume but in efficiency. According to Pro Football Focus, he is averaging 2.56 yards per route run, a figure that also places him in the top 10 among receivers since his comeback. He has delivered exactly what the team hoped for: a reliable and explosive playmaker who can change the dynamic of the offense. His presence was immediately felt with two touchdown catches against the Las Vegas Raiders and another against the Washington Commanders. He even showcased his versatility with a rushing touchdown against the Buffalo Bills.
After serving a six-game suspension, Rice has immediately injected life into the Chiefs’ offense. In just three games, he has tallied 20 catches for 215 yards and three touchdowns, quickly becoming a favored target for quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The connection between the two has been undeniable. Mahomes has looked to Rice 26 times since his return, a target count that ranks among the top ten in the league during that span.
For the first time in two years, the Chiefs’ wide receiver corps is at full strength, and the offense seems poised to return to the high-flying form that led them to a Super Bowl victory in 2022.
What does this mean for Xavier Worthy?
While Rice’s return has been a clear positive, it has created a new puzzle for the coaching staff to solve: the role of fellow receiver Xavier Worthy. The excitement surrounding Rice’s production has been tempered by a noticeable drop in Worthy’s involvement.
In the six games Rice and Worthy have played together, Worthy has managed just 17 catches for 192 yards. This contrasts sharply with his performance when Rice is not on the field. In those 20 games, Worthy has been a key contributor, hauling in 82 passes for 916 yards and eight touchdowns.
The numbers raise a valid question: Is Mahomes focusing too much on Rice? A deeper look at the target distribution suggests that might not be the whole story. Worthy still ranks second on the team in targets over the last three games, and seven different receivers have seen significant looks.
The dip in Worthy’s production could be linked to a nagging shoulder injury he sustained in Week 1. Another theory is his usage. With the highest average depth of target on the team in recent weeks, it appears Worthy is being utilized more as a deep threat, limiting his chances for the catch-and-run plays where his record-breaking speed can be most effective.
What is the path forward for the Chiefs?
The bye week couldn’t have come at a better time. It provides a crucial opportunity for coach Andy Reid and his staff to recalibrate. The challenge is to find a way to maximize the talents of all their playmakers without diminishing the impact of their hottest hand. It’s about finding balance, a harmony where Rice’s dominance doesn’t come at the expense of Worthy’s game-breaking potential.
The Chiefs no longer have a margin for error. Their path to a record 10th consecutive division title is an uphill climb, and every game from here on out carries the weight of a must-win. The return of running back Isiah Pacheco after the bye will provide another boost, but the focus remains on the passing game.
The frustration is palpable, but so is the determination. This is a team that has faced adversity before and emerged stronger. For Mahomes and the Chiefs, the question is no longer about when they will win, but if they can remember how. The talent is there. The leadership is there. Now, it’s about execution. The journey to rediscover their championship form is already underway.
