By Jeremy
The Kansas City Chiefs’ quest to reclaim their status as a dominant force in the NFL may hinge on the performance of two key players: left tackle Josh Simmons and wide receiver Rashee Rice. NFL analyst Albert Breer suggests their contributions could be pivotal for the Chiefs as they aim for another Super Bowl run this season.
This is particularly significant for Chiefs fans, who have grown accustomed to high expectations following the team’s remarkable success over the past few years, including three Super Bowl victories in five appearances. With quarterback Patrick Mahomes at the helm and a solid core that includes center Creed Humphrey and defensive tackle Chris Jones, the team is looking to bounce back quickly from any setbacks. However, Simmons and Rice must step up if Kansas City hopes to return to prominence.
Both players have shown flashes of potential but have faced challenges in their careers thus far. Simmons missed nine games during his rookie season in 2025 due to injuries and personal matters, raising concerns about his durability. He is currently dealing with a back injury that jeopardizes his availability for Week 1. Meanwhile, Rice had an impressive rookie year in 2023 but has struggled with injuries since then, including a knee injury that hampered his performance in 2024 and a concussion that sidelined him for the final three games of 2025. Although he underwent offseason surgery on his knee, he appears healthy heading into this season. If both can stay on the field and perform at their best, they could provide Mahomes with essential protection and receiving options necessary for a successful campaign.
The Bigger Question
If the Chiefs can only count on one of them to elevate their game in 2026, should they put their faith in Josh Simmons or Rashee Rice to support Patrick Mahomes’ quest for another championship?