Patrick Mahomes finds a way out of his dependence on Travis Kelce while sending a clear message ahead of the matchup with the Ravens

The Kansas City Chiefs have yet to find their stride in 2025. Sitting at 1-2, the defending champions have shown flashes of their trademark explosiveness but continue to stumble in key moments.  Their Week 3 win over the New York Giants snapped a two-game skid, yet the 22-9 scoreline masked deeper concerns, as Patrick Mahomes’ passing attack still looks out of sync, and the unit has leaned too heavily on Travis Kelce.

This week, however, brought some encouraging news. Rookie wideout Xavier Worthy, who has been out since suffering a shoulder injury in the season opener, was listed as a full participant in practice.  ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Worthy is “on track to play Sunday against Baltimore,” potentially giving Mahomes a much-needed weapon in a passing game that has lacked variety.

An offense out of rhythm

The Chiefs’ season began with a stumble in Brazil, where they fell to the Los Angeles Chargers. A week later, they lost at home to the Philadelphia Eagles in gut-wrenching fashion.  With the game on the line in the fourth quarter, Mahomes found Kelce in the end zone, only for the ball to slip through his hands and into the arms of a defender. Philadelphia capitalized and sealed the win, underscoring Kansas City’s dependence on its star tight end.

Worthy’s absence and Rashee Rice’s suspension have limited Mahomes’ options, leaving him to force throws to Kelce.  When their connection misfires, the offense grinds to a halt. Worthy’s speed and ability to stretch defenses could change the equation, opening up the middle of the field and forcing safeties to respect multiple threats.

Kelce’s challenges extend beyond dropped passes. The 34-year-old was fined $14,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct after making an obscene gesture during the loss to Philadelphia.  While he remains the centerpiece of the offense, the Chiefs know that relying on him alone is unsustainable, especially against top AFC defenses.

Mahomes demands sharper execution

Mahomes’ numbers reflect the growing pains. He is completing just 59 percent of his throws through three games and has struggled to finish drives.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes: “We’ve got to start faster. . . We were moving the game early last week, but we were settling into field goals.”

Says against a dynamic team like the Ravens, you’ve got to score touchdowns.

— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) September 24, 2025

Against the Giants, he threw for 224 yards and a touchdown but saw promising possessions fizzle out in the red zone, leaving Kansas City to settle for field goals.  Speaking ahead of the Ravens matchup, Mahomes stressed the need to raise the standard.  “We’ve got to start faster,” he said. “We were moving the game early last week, but we were settling into field goals.” He made clear that against Baltimore, “touchdowns will be essential.”

The Ravens, like the Chiefs, are 1-2 and searching for consistency, making Sunday’s clash in Arrowhead a pivotal one for both teams.  With Hollywood Brown and Tyquan Thornton carrying much of the load at receiver in recent weeks, the return of Worthy could provide the spark Kansas City desperately needs.