The Kansas City Chiefs continue to showcase their defensive prowess as four of their players have firmly established themselves among the top 10 in coverage during the past season. Trent McDuffie, Joshua Williams, Nazeeh Johnson, and Jaylen Watson have demonstrated impressive physicality and skill in their coverage, contributing significantly to the team's success. This highlights the Chiefs' commitment to bolstering their secondary and underscores the depth of talent within their defensive lineup.

The Kansas City Chiefs concluded the 2024-25 regular season with a formidable 15-2 record, yet they faced an unexpected setback in their final game, suffering a crushing 38-0 defeat against the Denver Broncos. This marked the Chiefs' first shutout loss in years, highlighting defensive struggles against the Broncos' pressure on quarterback Carson Wentz.

Among the Chiefs' performances in Week 18, rookie safety Jaden Hicks stood out with four tackles, showcasing his potential as a reliable player for the upcoming playoffs. Conversely, cornerback Nazeeh Johnson struggled defensively, suffering multiple defeats against wide receiver Courtland Sutton, which leaves concerns about his future role in the playoff lineup.

In a remarkable comeback, the Denver Broncos secured a spot in the playoffs after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 38-0, marking the end of an eight-year postseason drought. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix made history by completing his first 18 passes and finishing with four touchdown passes, totaling 321 yards in the game. This victory not only snapped the Broncos' two-game losing streak but also set a new franchise record for consecutive completions in a game.

The Chiefs, having already clinched the AFC's No. 1 seed, opted to rest several key players, including Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. As a result, their backup quarterback, Carson Wentz, struggled against the Broncos' formidable defense, which recorded four sacks. The Broncos will now face the Buffalo Bills in the wild-card round next weekend.

The Kansas City Chiefs are poised to welcome back cornerback Jaylen Watson for the playoffs, having opened his three-week practice window. Watson, who suffered a broken ankle in Week 7 against the San Francisco 49ers, has been on injured reserve but has recently shared progress on social media, including videos of his recovery. The Chiefs have until January 24 to activate him to the 53-man roster.

In his limited time on the field, Watson recorded six passes defended and 32 combined tackles in six games. Head coach Andy Reid mentioned that there is a chance for Watson and Mecole Hardman to return for the playoffs, although it may be a stretch. Watson has been a vital part of the Chiefs' defense since joining in 2022, contributing to their championship runs and playoff experience.

The Kansas City Chiefs are set to activate a three-week practice window for cornerback Jaylen Watson, who has been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury in a Week 7 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.

During his time on the field this season, Watson made a significant impact, breaking up six passes and securing two interceptions during the playoffs following the 2022 season. The Chiefs have faced challenges in replacing him, with Nazeeh Johnson and Joshua Williams stepping in as starters in his absence.