NFL Power Rankings Week 16: Chiefs sink to new low

When the regular season ends in just under three weeks, the Kansas City Chiefs will not be in the playoffs; the 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15 cemented that fact. A cursed season somehow got worse and became a true disaster. The latest collection of power rankings across NFL media reflected that.

Here’s this week’s sampling:

In a shocking double blow, the Chiefs were officially eliminated from playoff contention and Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending torn ACL, which likely will affect his offseason outlook and timetable, as well. There might be a tangible argument that the Chiefs finding a way into this year’s playoffs could have given them a false sense of security in the system and that, as it’s been for most of the past decade, things are gonna be OK. I’m not going to buy that, and it’s hard to put a positive light on Mahomes’ injury. I also don’t think major offseason changes are guaranteed, but one way or another, the Chiefs must boost the pass rush, add some RB punch and figure out how best to get the most from this QB and these receivers.

Extension candidate: Cornerback Jaylen Watson

A former seventh-round pick, Watson has been an above-average defender for the Chiefs and is on the final year of his rookie deal. He has started every game this season, playing a career-high 809 snaps (97% of the defense). In coverage, he has yet to surrender a touchdown, recording two interceptions and six pass breakups. By retaining Watson, the Chiefs can still keep the quality duo at cornerback with McDuffie, a two-time All-Pro cornerback, on the opposite side. — Nate Taylor

Worst-case scenario: It’s over

Not just over for this season (although that, too). The Chiefs’ chances of extending their playoff streak to 11 seasons fell to 16 percent with Sunday night’s loss, and perhaps worse, everyone on the offense looked old. Even the young guys. Rashee Rice dropped multiple passes. Travis Kelce bobbled one away to the Texans. Patrick Mahomes had three interceptions and a 19.8 passer rating. Kansas City has lost four of its last five.

Yes, there can be worse days than being blown out in the Super Bowl.

It’s over. The playoffs are out, Patrick Mahomes is lost with a torn ACL, and the future is now in question. Is the dynasty over?

It was reasonable to think that the Chiefs could have rebounded right away next season and continued their dynasty. One bad season with many close losses wasn’t the death of the Chiefs, regardless of how everyone proclaimed it so. But Patrick Mahomes’ torn ACL changes the math. We don’t know how Mahomes will rebound from that injury, especially since he suffered it so late in the season. The Chiefs aren’t in as bad of shape as you might hear, but now it all centers on Mahomes’ recovery.

The Chiefs are seeing all their issues from the past two seasons all come together to trip them up at the wrong time. Now the only concern is getting Patrick Mahomes back on the field to start next season.

It’s over! For real, this time. The Chiefs are out of the playoffs for the first time since 2014. And now Patrick Mahomes has to rehab a torn ACL so they can try to regroup next year.