Jesse Newell
@jessenewell.bsky.social
Chiefs beat writer for The Athletic. [email protected]
The Chiefs' playoff odds are not good — but they're also not dead.
More on KC's most likely path to the postseason, which would require cheering on one of its biggest rivals:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
More on KC's most likely path to the postseason, which would require cheering on one of its biggest rivals:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
Why Chiefs’ best playoff path would require a cruel twist: Cheering on the Broncos
Here's how The Athletic's Playoff Simulator handicaps the Chiefs' current odds of making the postseason.
www.nytimes.com
December 10, 2025 at 2:24 PM
The Chiefs' playoff odds are not good — but they're also not dead.
More on KC's most likely path to the postseason, which would require cheering on one of its biggest rivals:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
More on KC's most likely path to the postseason, which would require cheering on one of its biggest rivals:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
More on the Chiefs' fourth-and-1 call vs. the Texans:
• How it caught the Texans in a bad defensive look
• What went wrong anyway
• What Andy Reid thinks about the decision to go for it now: www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
• How it caught the Texans in a bad defensive look
• What went wrong anyway
• What Andy Reid thinks about the decision to go for it now: www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
Why Chiefs’ fourth-and-1 play didn’t work — and what Andy Reid thinks about it now
The Chiefs had everything they could've wanted on a late fourth-and-1 play call. Here's why it still went wrong.
www.nytimes.com
December 8, 2025 at 9:23 PM
More on the Chiefs' fourth-and-1 call vs. the Texans:
• How it caught the Texans in a bad defensive look
• What went wrong anyway
• What Andy Reid thinks about the decision to go for it now: www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
• How it caught the Texans in a bad defensive look
• What went wrong anyway
• What Andy Reid thinks about the decision to go for it now: www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
Travis Kelce remained in full uniform, ten fingers touching the crown of his head as he looked to the floor.
Here's what it was like in the Chiefs locker room after their latest loss — with an uncertain future ahead for both 2025 and the team's star TE: www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
Here's what it was like in the Chiefs locker room after their latest loss — with an uncertain future ahead for both 2025 and the team's star TE: www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
How Travis Kelce and the Chiefs reacted after Sunday’s back-breaking loss
The tone of the Chiefs locker room changed after the team's latest close loss, with the team's playoff odds dwindling.
www.nytimes.com
December 8, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Travis Kelce remained in full uniform, ten fingers touching the crown of his head as he looked to the floor.
Here's what it was like in the Chiefs locker room after their latest loss — with an uncertain future ahead for both 2025 and the team's star TE: www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
Here's what it was like in the Chiefs locker room after their latest loss — with an uncertain future ahead for both 2025 and the team's star TE: www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
Spags is still stinging from last week's Thanksgiving loss.
But he says a recent development also gives him hope for what's ahead with these Chiefs:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/686...
But he says a recent development also gives him hope for what's ahead with these Chiefs:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/686...
Chiefs’ Steve Spagnuolo was ticked after loss. A practice this week changed his mood
Spagnuolo said Wednesday's practice provided some evidence that the Chiefs might not be done in 2025.
www.nytimes.com
December 5, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Spags is still stinging from last week's Thanksgiving loss.
But he says a recent development also gives him hope for what's ahead with these Chiefs:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/686...
But he says a recent development also gives him hope for what's ahead with these Chiefs:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/686...
Go back in Andy Reid's past, and he's been through a year like this before.
More on a newspaper headline from 19 years ago today, two KC doppelgangers and a close AFC rival.
All could give the Chiefs some hope their season isn't done: www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
More on a newspaper headline from 19 years ago today, two KC doppelgangers and a close AFC rival.
All could give the Chiefs some hope their season isn't done: www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
December 4, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Go back in Andy Reid's past, and he's been through a year like this before.
More on a newspaper headline from 19 years ago today, two KC doppelgangers and a close AFC rival.
All could give the Chiefs some hope their season isn't done: www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
More on a newspaper headline from 19 years ago today, two KC doppelgangers and a close AFC rival.
All could give the Chiefs some hope their season isn't done: www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
The good news for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs? KC has a couple of factors working in its favor as it tries to resurrect its playoff odds. More here: www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
December 3, 2025 at 4:36 PM
The good news for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs? KC has a couple of factors working in its favor as it tries to resurrect its playoff odds. More here: www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
Even before taking questions on Monday, Chiefs coach Andy Reid made this much clear:
He expects the Chiefs to make a push for the playoffs.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
He expects the Chiefs to make a push for the playoffs.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
December 1, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Even before taking questions on Monday, Chiefs coach Andy Reid made this much clear:
He expects the Chiefs to make a push for the playoffs.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
He expects the Chiefs to make a push for the playoffs.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
More on the vibes of the Chiefs locker room after their latest loss — and the new emotions of Patrick Mahomes this time: www.nytimes.com/athletic/684...
Chiefs’ locker room was different after loss to Cowboys. So was Patrick Mahomes
Kansas City faces two big questions after its latest close loss, and both loomed in the postgame locker room.
www.nytimes.com
November 28, 2025 at 11:58 AM
More on the vibes of the Chiefs locker room after their latest loss — and the new emotions of Patrick Mahomes this time: www.nytimes.com/athletic/684...
Patrick Mahomes has been the Chiefs' starting quarterback in Mexico, Germany and Brazil. But he's never been that in the NFL stadium he went to as a kid.
More on what Thursday's game will mean to him: www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
More on what Thursday's game will mean to him: www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
November 26, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Patrick Mahomes has been the Chiefs' starting quarterback in Mexico, Germany and Brazil. But he's never been that in the NFL stadium he went to as a kid.
More on what Thursday's game will mean to him: www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
More on what Thursday's game will mean to him: www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes said he'll remember a "special moment" from Sunday's comeback win most.
Here's how a teammate — during a timeout, no less — helped change the course of the Chiefs' season:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Here's how a teammate — during a timeout, no less — helped change the course of the Chiefs' season:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
They’re alive! Chris Jones fires up Arrowhead crowd, helps Chiefs save season
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes identified a "special moment" in the Chiefs' critical win against the Colts. Jones was responsible for it.
www.nytimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:53 AM
Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes said he'll remember a "special moment" from Sunday's comeback win most.
Here's how a teammate — during a timeout, no less — helped change the course of the Chiefs' season:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Here's how a teammate — during a timeout, no less — helped change the course of the Chiefs' season:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
These two things are true:
• The Chiefs are 5-5
• Advanced stats say they have an elite offense
So how could that be?
Here's the 1-in-25-year anomaly you need to know about when discussing this year's Chiefs: www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
• The Chiefs are 5-5
• Advanced stats say they have an elite offense
So how could that be?
Here's the 1-in-25-year anomaly you need to know about when discussing this year's Chiefs: www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
The Chiefs are 5-5, but advanced stats love their offense. What gives?
The Chiefs have made it to the end zone on an impressive 31.9 percent of their drives. The problem is that they're not getting many drives.
www.nytimes.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:11 PM
These two things are true:
• The Chiefs are 5-5
• Advanced stats say they have an elite offense
So how could that be?
Here's the 1-in-25-year anomaly you need to know about when discussing this year's Chiefs: www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
• The Chiefs are 5-5
• Advanced stats say they have an elite offense
So how could that be?
Here's the 1-in-25-year anomaly you need to know about when discussing this year's Chiefs: www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
What are the Chiefs saying ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Colts? More on that, and also the hand motion Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes both used at their press conference this week.
November 20, 2025 at 4:56 PM
What are the Chiefs saying ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Colts? More on that, and also the hand motion Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes both used at their press conference this week.
The Chiefs, to this point in 2025, have been one of the most unclutch NFL teams ever.
Here's what that's looked like so far:
Here's what that's looked like so far:
The 2025 Chiefs are trending to be one of the most unclutch NFL teams ever
The Chiefs — in one stat — are performing as poorly as any NFL team in the last quarter-decade.
www.nytimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 2:21 PM
The Chiefs, to this point in 2025, have been one of the most unclutch NFL teams ever.
Here's what that's looked like so far:
Here's what that's looked like so far:
In the Chiefs locker room, a teammate tried to lift the spirits of Patrick Mahomes. It didn't last long.
More on the KC QB who — intentionally — kept changing one word in his postgame press conference.
And the reality that he knows is ahead: www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
More on the KC QB who — intentionally — kept changing one word in his postgame press conference.
And the reality that he knows is ahead: www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
November 17, 2025 at 3:37 PM
In the Chiefs locker room, a teammate tried to lift the spirits of Patrick Mahomes. It didn't last long.
More on the KC QB who — intentionally — kept changing one word in his postgame press conference.
And the reality that he knows is ahead: www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
More on the KC QB who — intentionally — kept changing one word in his postgame press conference.
And the reality that he knows is ahead: www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
More on a "challenging" start to the season for the Chiefs' Chris Jones — and why he got philosophical Thursday talking about what he hopes is next: www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Chris Jones’ production is down for Chiefs. Why he says 2025 start has been ‘challenging’
The Chiefs' star defensive tackle is in the second season of a five-year extension. Here's where his stats are down from normal.
www.nytimes.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:30 PM
More on a "challenging" start to the season for the Chiefs' Chris Jones — and why he got philosophical Thursday talking about what he hopes is next: www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
The Chiefs have a streak that predates Patrick Mahomes.
It'll be on the line Sunday when they face the Broncos in Denver.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
It'll be on the line Sunday when they face the Broncos in Denver.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Patrick Mahomes faces rare pressure: Chiefs’ AFC West reign hangs in balance vs. Broncos
Why the Chiefs' odds of keeping a 10-year streak going will plummet if they lose to the Broncos on Sunday.
www.nytimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:46 PM
The Chiefs have a streak that predates Patrick Mahomes.
It'll be on the line Sunday when they face the Broncos in Denver.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
It'll be on the line Sunday when they face the Broncos in Denver.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
If a new varsity sport pops up in KS and MO soon, the Kansas City Chiefs will be to thank.
Here's how the Chiefs — through 1-on-1 talks and even their future stadium home — are starting a movement for a 'rocket ship' sport.
And for local girls, as well:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Here's how the Chiefs — through 1-on-1 talks and even their future stadium home — are starting a movement for a 'rocket ship' sport.
And for local girls, as well:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Chiefs pushing to create a new varsity sport in Kansas and Missouri. An April vote looms
The Chiefs have started a movement to start local girls flag football teams. But will it pass a big April test?
www.nytimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:53 PM
If a new varsity sport pops up in KS and MO soon, the Kansas City Chiefs will be to thank.
Here's how the Chiefs — through 1-on-1 talks and even their future stadium home — are starting a movement for a 'rocket ship' sport.
And for local girls, as well:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Here's how the Chiefs — through 1-on-1 talks and even their future stadium home — are starting a movement for a 'rocket ship' sport.
And for local girls, as well:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
3 Chiefs predictions for the second half of the season: www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Chiefs at the bye: 3 predictions for the second half of the season
What will the Chiefs' final record be? And who will break out in the second half? Here are our predictions at midseason.
www.nytimes.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:50 PM
3 Chiefs predictions for the second half of the season: www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
The Chiefs are the best team in the NFL ... and also 5-4.
Can both those statements be true?
Here's what players said in the locker room after another one-score loss — with QB Patrick Mahomes speaking about the new reality of a very strange season:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
Can both those statements be true?
Here's what players said in the locker room after another one-score loss — with QB Patrick Mahomes speaking about the new reality of a very strange season:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
The Kansas City Chiefs are 5-4 — and probably still the NFL’s best team
The Chiefs enter their bye week as one of the most confounding teams in the NFL. Here's what they said after their loss to the Bills.
www.nytimes.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:05 PM
The Chiefs are the best team in the NFL ... and also 5-4.
Can both those statements be true?
Here's what players said in the locker room after another one-score loss — with QB Patrick Mahomes speaking about the new reality of a very strange season:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
Can both those statements be true?
Here's what players said in the locker room after another one-score loss — with QB Patrick Mahomes speaking about the new reality of a very strange season:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
3 things to watch for ahead of Chiefs-Bills on Sunday
October 30, 2025 at 3:50 PM
3 things to watch for ahead of Chiefs-Bills on Sunday
Chiefs trade deadline primer: Why this year could be different than others ... and some positions to watch: www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
Chiefs trade deadline primer: Here are the positions K.C. is most likely to target
The Chiefs, for a change, might not be active before the NFL trade deadline. But they're most likely to listen on two positions.
www.nytimes.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Chiefs trade deadline primer: Why this year could be different than others ... and some positions to watch: www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
This was the scene inside a celebratory Chiefs locker room, where Rashee Rice got Andy Reid to smile, then supported Patrick Mahomes a few minutes later.
More on the vibes of these Chiefs — a 5-3 team with a whole different energy from its 15-2 version of 2024:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
More on the vibes of these Chiefs — a 5-3 team with a whole different energy from its 15-2 version of 2024:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
Chiefs were 15-2 and made the Super Bowl last year. But are they having more fun now?
This was the scene inside a celebratory Chiefs locker room after a third straight dominant win — this one against the Washington Commanders.
www.nytimes.com
October 28, 2025 at 3:49 PM
This was the scene inside a celebratory Chiefs locker room, where Rashee Rice got Andy Reid to smile, then supported Patrick Mahomes a few minutes later.
More on the vibes of these Chiefs — a 5-3 team with a whole different energy from its 15-2 version of 2024:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
More on the vibes of these Chiefs — a 5-3 team with a whole different energy from its 15-2 version of 2024:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
Walk through the Chiefs' locker room, and it’s impossible to miss the team’s newest fashion statement.
Here's the 3-letter rallying cry — not "EGE" — that's pushed the Chiefs offense and Patrick Mahomes to a different level of success this year.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
Here's the 3-letter rallying cry — not "EGE" — that's pushed the Chiefs offense and Patrick Mahomes to a different level of success this year.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
These 3 letters in Chiefs’ facility have sparked Patrick Mahomes — and K.C.’s offense
The Chiefs have worn new "AAF" shirts the last few weeks. Here's how the acronym has helped the team unlock more from Mahomes.
www.nytimes.com
October 27, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Walk through the Chiefs' locker room, and it’s impossible to miss the team’s newest fashion statement.
Here's the 3-letter rallying cry — not "EGE" — that's pushed the Chiefs offense and Patrick Mahomes to a different level of success this year.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
Here's the 3-letter rallying cry — not "EGE" — that's pushed the Chiefs offense and Patrick Mahomes to a different level of success this year.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
More on an encouraging update from Chiefs coach Andy Reid about LT Josh Simmons: www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
Chiefs provide encouraging update on left tackle Josh Simmons
Andy Reid said Simmons is "taking care of family" and in communication with the team. The rookie could return at some point this season.
www.nytimes.com
October 23, 2025 at 6:42 PM
More on an encouraging update from Chiefs coach Andy Reid about LT Josh Simmons: www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
Where does Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes think he’s improved from a year ago? Here’s what he says — with a specific example: www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
October 23, 2025 at 12:57 PM
Where does Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes think he’s improved from a year ago? Here’s what he says — with a specific example: www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...