Week 9 marks the halfway point of the 2026 NFL regular season. The Kansas City Chiefs take on the New York Jets, but before we get to that game, let’s take a look at who’s trending up (the Bulls) and down (the Bears) for the Chiefs through week eight:
Running back Emmett Johnson: The absolute star of the Denver Broncos loss, Emmett introduced himself to the NFL as a complementary back and as a kick returner. He is elusive, explosive, and high energy. He can catch the football and break big plays. From here on out, he should be sharing with Ken Walker (could put them both on the field at the same time)— and he might the dude and kick returns if they let him.
Wide receiver Rashee Rice: Rashee needs some good news this week. I am sure that making this list will make up for his goings on. Anyway, I think the arrow points back for current #1 wide receiver on the roster. The Broncos defend him well (in both games), but it’s a 1,000-yard-type guy if he’s on the field for a full season again. Patrick Mahomes needs a reliable target who can get YAC—Rice is still perfect for that role, and he’s probably as hungry as ever. I wouldn’t be surprised if Rice has over 100 yds this week and/or next.
Edge rusher R Mason Thomas: I would continue to buy R Mason Thomas stock, because you can just feel it’s about to take off. The rookie leads the team in pressure rate and is second in sacks (yes, including one…). His snap share has declined the last two games— and the pass rush has struggled in both (losses). RMT can be a guy who gets QB sacks in bunches, and the team needs him. Watch to see if he returns to a bigger role this weekend.
Others are trending in the right direction: Mansoor Delane, George Karlaftis, Kahlil Benson, Cyrus Allen, Nohl Williams, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Ashton Gillotte, Andrew Armstrong, Chris Roland-Wallace
Wide receiver Xavier Worthy: I still believe in this guy, but my hopes for a breakout season are dwindling. He has elite ability, but execution and awareness have been… suboptimal. The fact that the Chiefs are (allegedly) aggressive in the wide receiver market doesn’t bode well for how they feel about their recent 1st-round pick. At what point do they give up and make him just a jet-sweep/tunnel-screen gadget guy?
Kicker Harrison Butker: It is difficult to determine why a historically great (and clutch) kicker is suddenly costing his team every week. But it is easy to see that it is happening. Butker missed more kicks than any other active kicker—and he was paid more than most. His contract makes it difficult to cut him, but bringing in other kickers (however controversial) could lead to a change at some point.
Offensive line coach Andy Heck: Along with head coach Andy Reid, another Andy has responsibility for the struggles up front. Not only did they struggle to develop enough depth to last a season, but they fielded a group that was more punishing than justified. On top of that, there were these mysterious issues that led to a benching and a circuitous path to the Reserve/Injured list.
Not to mention the best center in the NFL who has a bad snap or two almost every game. Oh, and apparently, protection is also to blame for short-yardage failures and even missed field goals (according to Andy). Big fouls continue to be a problem that seems beyond the Chiefs’ ability to solve— even after costing them multiple Super Bowls.
Others trending in the wrong direction: Jaylon Moore, Jack Cochrane, Harrison Butker, Nikko Remigio, Creed Humphrey, Kingsley Suamataia, Chris Jones
Jacob DeJesus: Chiefs Twitter thought it was funny that he was signed in the middle of wide receiver trade talk. He’s not the answer at wide receiver, but he could be an elite punt returner if given the chance…
Ben VanSumeren: Because of short-yardage struggles, it’s time to catch a fullback.
Justin Fields: Because of the goal line struggles, time has passed to get Fields behind Trey Smith and Creed if necessary for a push.