Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs Start 4-0 After Injury Comeback

Nine months after an ACL tear ended Patrick Mahomes’ season prematurely, the Kansas City Chiefs have returned to the summit of the NFL with an unblemished 4-0 record to start 2026, putting them alongside the San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings as the league’s only undefeated teams, MARCA reported.

December Knee Injury and Summer Uncertainty

The descent for Kansas City came suddenly in December 2025 when Mahomes suffered a left knee injury against the Los Angeles Chargers. That absence eliminated the franchise from postseason contention and snapped a ten-year streak of consecutive playoff appearances. Throughout the summer, the central question facing the roster focused on whether the star quarterback would return on schedule and retain his previous form. According to MARCA, those concerns dissipated immediately upon his return for the season opener, during which the offense has not dropped a single contest.

Nail-Biters and Late-Game Heroics in the AFC West

The journey to four victories required navigating tight finishes across the schedule. MARCA noted that the Chiefs opened with a 33-30 overtime victory against the Indianapolis Colts, where Mahomes recorded 382 passing yards and three touchdowns. Following a 24-10 win in Miami, Kansas City traveled to face the Las Vegas Raiders in a matchup of unbeaten divisional rivals. Mahomes finished that game with 225 yards and two scoring passes, while new offensive addition Kenneth Walker III rushed for 177 yards and two touchdowns to secure a 30-27 win featuring two touchdowns in a 19-second span of the fourth quarter. The results leave Kansas City alone atop the AFC West entering their bye week.

Historical Context Across the League

The early-season standings carry historical weight beyond Kansas City’s locker room. MARCA highlighted that this marks the first time since 2013 that two clubs missing the postseason the prior year—the Chiefs and the Minnesota Vikings—have opened a campaign with four consecutive wins. Elsewhere in the conference, the Buffalo Bills dropped their first game of the year against the New England Patriots, and the Las Vegas Raiders surrendered their undefeated status in the final moments against Kansas City.

Betting Markets and Division Rivals

Sportsbook operator Versus has adjusted its odds following the opening month, placing the Chiefs among the top five contenders for the Vince Lombardi Trophy at 10-to-1 odds, MARCA reported. The market lists the Los Angeles Rams as favorites at 7-to-1 despite a 2-2 start, followed by the Buffalo Bills at 8-to-1 with a 3-1 record. The Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers share 9-5 odds, with the 49ers matching Kansas City’s 4-0 mark and holding the NFC’s top point differential.

Roster Balance and Injury Concerns

While the underlying metrics point to a restored Kansas City roster anchored by Walker’s rushing production and a resilient defense, MARCA noted reasons for caution. Two of the four victories arrived by margins of just three points, and Mahomes has yet to match his peak statistical production from prior years. Furthermore, wide receiver Tyquan Thornton sustained an injury after recording 111 yards and two touchdowns against Las Vegas, thinning a depth chart that faces rigorous tests ahead.