The Kansas City Chiefs endured a disastrous 2025 campaign, finishing with a disappointing 6–11 record. Now, Patrick Mahomes and the team are determined to put that setback behind them and rebound in 2026.
Their offseason moves and activities have offered reasons for optimism, but The Ringer’s Bill Simmons remains skeptical about the Chiefs’ chances, triggering strong reactions among Kansas City fans.
Fans Rip Bill Simmons for His Assessment of Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs
The KC fanbase won’t like what Simmons said about the team on the latest episode of his podcast. The analyst suggested that Kansas City could be heading into a rebuilding or transitional period in 2026.
“I just don’t see the talent with Kansas City.”@BillSimmons makes the case for why this will be a rebuilding year for the Chiefs. pic.twitter.com/iaIN1uQdYB
— The Ringer (@ringer) August 31, 2026
Simmons believes Kansas City lacks sufficient overall talent or a strong foundation to remain among the NFL’s top teams, even with Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid leading the way.
He was particularly critical of Reid, arguing that the longtime head coach was “terrible” last season. He also questioned the entire Chiefs coaching staff, claiming reports coming out of Kansas City indicated that the team seemed “unfocused.”
Simmons’ criticism of the Chiefs continued, prompting some fans to accuse him of taking unnecessary shots at Mahomes and the team because of his admiration for New England Patriots legend Tom Brady.
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“So Reid is just a bad coach now? Biased [expletive]. Ever since Mahomes started chipping away at Tom’s legacy, BS has been such a baby about the Chiefs,” one said.
So reid is just a bad coach now? Biased moron.
Ever since Mahomes started chipping away at Tom’s legacy BS has been such a baby about the chiefs.
What a dumb bitch.
— Richard Anser (@KeithSpense) August 31, 2026
“Underestimating Mahomes. Bill is a Chiefs hater because he’s a Pats/Brady guy. Respectfully,” an X user said.
“Can someone find one clip of Bill Simmons EVER not hating on Mahomes?” one fan added.
One of the major storylines surrounding the Chiefs during training camp has been Mahomes developing chemistry with running back Kenneth Walker III. Walker is seen as Kansas City’s biggest free-agent addition, and Simmons viewed his arrival as a positive move.
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However, Simmons remained doubtful about Xavier Worthy’s potential and expressed similar concerns about Chris Jones, particularly because the defensive star is now 32 years old.
His assessment of Travis Kelce was also controversial, as Simmons suggested that the tight end is no longer capable of being an “impact guy.” That opinion comes despite Kelce earning the fifth-highest PFN TE Impact grade last season at 80.6.
Chiefs fans continued to push back against Simmons’ pessimistic outlook.
“This guy is clueless. Not sayin my team is primed for another run like the Rams are, but if the O-line is healthy, they will be good!” a fan said.
This guys clueless
Not sayin my team is primed for another run like the Rams are, but if the Oline is healthy, they will be good!
— SinCityOG (@BBeefield) August 31, 2026
“Bill said the same thing the last time KC won the SB. Going into the playoffs, he didn’t see how KC could compete. His takes are like throwing darts,” a fan added.
The Chiefs spent the offseason reloading their offense while attempting to rebuild a secondary that had been depleted. However, Mahomes is returning from an ACL injury, and the roster has undergone significant changes.
The Chiefs will ultimately have to answer those questions on the field if they hope to return to their winning ways in 2026.
