The Four Verts Breakdown: Why the Chiefs are Worried, and the Seahawks Still Matter

Published on November 26, 2025

Some long-held storylines are changing as the 2025 NFL season gets halfway done. Once the model of consistency, Kansas City faces uncertain ground; Seattle keeps hope; and Atlanta’s route ahead turns more blurry.

For the Kansas City Chiefs, this summer’s high expectations have met with brutal truth. Even though Patrick Mahomes is under center and the offensive line has gotten better, the defending powerhouse is 5-5 and is endangering its postseason placement.

Although Kansas City’s offence keeps producing impressive advanced metrics, ranking among the top teams in points per drive (2.7), first downs per drive (2.4), and predicted points added per play (0.13), its erratic behaviour is remarkable. Although they have demonstrated ability on defense, important defeats to underdog teams like Jacksonville and Buffalo have revealed flaws.

This is the first time under Mahomes’ leadership that the Chiefs are really teetering on the verge; how they react with their season on the line could alter their history.

The actual Seahawks are beginning to appear

Even with a hard defeat against the Rams, the good characteristics of the Seattle Seahawks are still present. Their defense has tightened, and Los Angeles was held to a third-down conversion rate of just 18% in the game. Seattle’s game, otherwise, was good as they finished 29 of 40 drop-back attempts with an expected points added (EPA) of +8 and a 72.5% completion rate.

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Following ACL surgery, Michael Penix Jr., their youthful quarterback, is ruled out for the year; thus, Atlanta’s season is disintegrating. This is another serious setback for a player who already suffered three ACL injuries throughout his career.

Simply put, the Falcons could have to very rethink their approach without Penix, therefore starting a complete rebuilding in the following seasons. One thing is obvious as the NFL scene changes: the second half of the season may produce a spectacular turnaround or confirm the unexpected midseason truth for these clubs.