It's been a very, very surprising year so far for the Kansas City Chiefs. Maybe it shouldn't be all that surprising to see a team with such sustained success in the last decade (or more) continue to win, but after last year's six-win debacle, nothing was certain. But beyond the team's success, plenty of players have shocked fans with their performances thus far.
The biggest offseason story for the Chiefs focused on the man who is always at the center of anything to do with the team: Patrick Mahomes. The star quarterback's recovery from torn knee ligaments was at the heart of any spring or summer franchise update. But the way he tenaciously attacked his rehab brought a clean bill of health in late July. By the time Week 1 rolled around, there was very little drama regarding Mahomes' status to speak of.
That's why, as we survey the biggest surprises of the Chiefs' season so far, we're leaving Mahomes out of it. Or at least we're mentioning it here. Such a superhuman player was always going to return to his superhuman ways. As for the rest of these entries...
Kenneth Walker's impact
Kenneth Walker III has been everything and more. When the Chiefs signed Walker to a three-year deal in free agency, the hope was that a rebuilt backfield would at least relieve the pressure on an over-burdened Patrick Mahomes. No one could have anticipated that Andy Reid would unleash an entirely new level for Walker and vice versa. Four weeks in, Walker earned the AFC's first offensive player of the month award after putting up a league-leading (and head-turning) 537 rushing yards. The Chiefs offense looks better than it has in years, and that's because Walker has catalyzed the entire unit.
A perfect season (so far)
The early part of the Chiefs' schedule looked like one of the easiest stretches before the season began. Projections were optimistic for a hopeful three wins out of the first four games, but after winning only six in '25, and with Patrick Mahomes coming back from knee surgery, confidence in the Chiefs' ability to sweep their opponents had waned considerably. Even as the Raiders proved to be tougher than expected, the Chiefs still came away with four wins in four games, with a plate of humble pie served to their doubters.
Kahlil Benson's rise
The Chiefs have the makings of an excellent rookie class (a bit more on that below), but any reference to first-year surprises has to start with Kahlil Benson. The former Indiana right tackle went undrafted and needed a tryout to even get a contract from K.C. That opportunity was all he needed to climb the depth chart to a Week 1 starting spot at left tackle—a position he'd never played even in college—in relief of an injured Josh Simmons. An incredible surprise for the Chiefs.
Mansoor Delane has delivered
The Chiefs were slotted to make their earliest draft pick in nearly 15 years at No. 9 in the 2026 edition, so it was a surprise when they traded up even higher—to No. 6 overall. The assumed prize was a wide receiver or defensive end, but cornerback Mansoor Delane had the Chiefs excited for his potential. Fans couldn't believe that was the move, but even after missing some time due to a shoulder injury, Delane has looked the part in every way. A complete package who is very strong against the run and incredibly sticky in coverage, Delane has given the Chiefs a new pillar on the defensive side after losing Trent McDuffie, Bryan Cook, and Jaylen Watson.
Kelce has a lot left in the tank
Some of the offseason offensive worries were predicated on the likely decline of Travis Kelce. At the age of 37, Kelce's best years were behind him, and recent years had dropped him from a top-tier target who could anchor an elite offense to a very reliable intermediate weapon who still had meaningful chemistry with Mahomes. From the first week of a new season, Kelce looked like he'd found a time machine with big catches and surprising production. Marriage has been good to him, because Kelce looks better than he has in a couple of years.
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