The Kansas City Chiefs dropped their first game of the season to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 3. It was an incredibly disappointing loss, marred by special teams errors, offensive miscues, and an extremely costly defensive penalty.
As a result, the power rankings haven’t been too kind to the Chiefs. After a week where Kansas City was unanimously considered the No. 2 team in the NFL, only one power ranking has them ranked at No. 2. In every other ranking, they’ve fallen down the board.
Here is a look at where pundits are ranking the Chiefs and what they’re saying about them with Week 3 in the books:
USA TODAY
Ranking: 5
Last week’s ranking: 2
Author: Nate Davis
Author’s take:
If you thought the departure of WR Tyreek Hill might lead to a more-balanced offensive approach … welp. Kansas City is running 37.8% of the time, a lower rate than least season.
Touchdown Wire
Ranking: 8
Last week’s ranking: 2
Author: Mark Lane
Author’s take:
The Chiefs weren’t able to keep the fourth quarter lead over a struggling team, and then Patrick Mahomes got dinged near the end of the game. Kansas City looked dominant through the first two weeks, but showed their mortal side against the Colts. If the Chiefs continue to play down to competition, it could allow one of their lesser division rivals to take hold in the AFC West.
The Ringer
Ranking: 2
Last week’s ranking: 2
Author: Austin Gayle
Author’s take:
Missed kicks and a questionable decision to attempt a fake field goal all fed into the randomness that ultimately led to the Chiefs’ Week 3 loss. Patrick Mahomes didn’t have the day many expected going against Gus Bradley in a dome, but he still had the Chiefs in the game until the final drive. And the Kansas City defense limited Indianapolis to the third-lowest yards per play average of any offense last week. There’s still no reason to doubt Mahomes and this Chiefs team long term.
The Athletic
Ranking: 4
Last week’s ranking: 2
Author: Bo Wulf
Author’s take:
It is a little weird that something so consequential to the outcome of a game as whatever Chris Jones said can be completely unknown to the general public and we just have to take that medicine. After a Nick Bolton sack on third-and-6 with just over five minutes remaining and the Chiefs up four points, Jones and Colts quarterback Matt Ryan jawed back and forth before Jones was ultimately flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct. Referee Shawn Smith, who threw the flag, told a pool reporter after the game Jones used “abusive language.”
NFL.com
Ranking: 5
Last week’s ranking: 2
Author: Dan Hanzus
Author’s take:
The Chiefs are going to want that one back. Kansas City didn’t feel like the inferior team in a road matchup against the Colts, but an avalanche of critical mistakes opened the door for the 20-17 upset. Skyy Moore muffed a punt to set up Indy’s first touchdown, while Harrison Butker fill-in Matt Ammendola missed a 34-yard field-goal try and an extra point. By the time Patrick Mahomes threw his lone interception in the final seconds, the Chiefs had already made enough errors to deserve their fate. Expect to see a much cleaner version of Andy Reid’s team on Sunday night against the Bucs.
Bleacher Report
Ranking: 4
Last week’s ranking: 2
Author: Gary Davenport, Maurice Moton and Brent Sobleski
Author’s take:
Week 3 wasn’t kind to the teams at the top of these power rankings. The Kansas City Chiefs were no exception.
It’s not that often that the Patrick Mahomes-led Chiefs look as sloppy as they did in Indianapolis. The offense was inconsistent. Replacement kicker Matt Ammendola missed a field goal. And Mahomes threw a late interception that killed hopes of a miracle comeback.
ESPN
Ranking: 4
Last week’s ranking: 2
Author: Adam Teicher
Author’s take:
Graded against most of his peers, Patrick Mahomes is off to a great start with eight touchdown passes and one interception. But his season, by his expectations, has been uneven. He had a great game in the opener against the Cardinals, throwing for 360 yards and five touchdowns. His production has not been as great since, particularly in the loss Sunday to the Colts, when the Chiefs had numerous chances to put the game away and failed repeatedly.
Sports Illustrated
Ranking: 4
Last week’s ranking: 2
Author: Connor Orr
Author’s take:
Apparently, Patrick Mahomes arguing with offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy on the sidelines is a sign of trouble, but Tom Brady and Bill O’Brien screaming at each other was just two dudes talkin’ ball. While there has been some smoke around the Mahomes-Bienemy pairing over the years, I’ve decided, after 48 hours of deliberation, it’s a big old nothing-burger. Gear up for the Chiefs’ midseason surge.
CBS Sports
Ranking: 5
Last week’s ranking: 2
Author: Pete Prisco
Author’s take:
The passing game hasn’t been as good the past few weeks, which is a concern. Now they head to Tampa to play a Bucs team coming off a loss. That won’t be easy.
Pro Football Talk
Ranking: 6
Last week’s ranking: 2
Author: Mike Florio
Author’s take:
It’s amazing that they made all those mistakes and still nearly won.
