Why Are AFC’s Top Teams Struggling Early in 2025?
As the 2025 NFL season unfolds, three notable teams—Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Houston Texans—entered as favorites for playoff contention. Yet, after three weeks, they all find themselves grappling with losing records.
Though it’s early in the season, their struggles raise significant questions about their performance and future potential. Let’s unpack the issues plaguing these teams.
Kansas City Chiefs: Offense in a Rut
The Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, have historically thrived offensively. However, this season reveals a troubling trend. The team currently sits with a 1-2 record.
While Mahomes remains a top quarterback, the offense lacks explosiveness, which has become increasingly apparent. Their average yards after the catch ranks among the worst in the league.
Reduced Speed on Offense
A significant concern is the team’s speed. Injuries to key receivers, such as Xavier Worthy and Jalen Royals, have hampered their ability to stretch the field.
The Chiefs’ current depth options haven’t filled the gaps effectively, leading to a stagnant offensive approach. Even star players aren’t as explosive as they once were.
Run Game Crisis
The Chiefs’ running game has been another disappointment. Neither Isiah Pacheco nor Kareem Hunt has provided the spark needed to diversify their offensive strategy.
Thus far, they lack explosive runs, indicating poor offensive line execution. Without a balanced attack, defenses can easily focus on stopping Mahomes.
Defensive Struggles
On the defensive side, the Chiefs are facing issues as well. They rank poorly against the run, suggesting an inability to adapt against physical offenses.
Without effective adjustments, this could severely limit their chances against the bigger teams in the AFC.
Baltimore Ravens: Impressive Offense, Failing Defense
The Ravens have boasted incredible quarterback play from Lamar Jackson. Statistically, his numbers have been phenomenal, yet the team still sits at a disappointing 1-2.
The offense is averaging impressive points, but their inability to stop the run on defense has been catastrophic. Opponents exploit this on every opportunity.
Defensive Leaks
The Ravens’ defense notably struggles against the run, allowing excessive rushing yards and high success rates to opposing offenses.
This flaw becomes evident when facing teams willing to emphasize their ground game, as they tend to keep the Ravens’ offense off the field.
Offensive Inconsistencies
Despite their offensive firepower, the Ravens haven’t demonstrated sustained success in the running game. This inconsistency has resulted in reliance on big plays instead of a balanced attack.
If the Ravens can’t maintain momentum, they risk falling behind in critical matchups.
Houston Texans: A Full Blown Crisis
The Texans are facing perhaps the most daunting challenges among these teams, sitting at a jaw-dropping 0-3. Offensive struggles are rampant, putting rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud in challenging positions.
Poor offensive line play has severely limited Stroud’s effectiveness. The Texans rank lowest in several offensive categories, including red zone efficiency.
Personnel Mismanagement
Amidst the struggles, there’s a significant concern regarding how personnel has been utilized. The coaching staff seems caught between different offensive styles, leading to confusion on the field.
Additionally, failing to utilize play-action effectively has hindered their offensive flow. These need to be addressed swiftly to avoid further struggles.
Competitiveness in the AFC South
The challenge is even greater, as the AFC South has become more competitive than expected. The Texans need to take significant steps forward quickly to avoid falling out of contention.
Looking Ahead
As these organizations navigate early season struggles, they still have plenty of time to turn things around. However, the clock is ticking.
For the Chiefs and Ravens, getting their star players back may provide the spark they need for improvement. The Texans will need serious adjustments and perhaps a personnel shakeup to find the right direction.
Will Changes Come in Time?
Can these teams regain their form and live up to pre-season expectations? The coming weeks may reveal whether they can adapt to adversity or continue to slide.
As coaches assess their teams, fans remain hopeful for a turnaround that rekindles the championship aspirations each squad once held.