Rice is KC’s breakout WR prospect coming off an All‐Pro trajectory, but he’ll miss six games to start 2025. The early absence tests KC’s depth, potentially lifting target load for Kelce and JuJu while pressuring Kansas City’s WR corps to prove themselves until Rice returns.

Rice’s six-game suspension complicates KC’s Week 1–6 target distribution, impacting Mahomes’ early-season upside. The absence could push other receivers into the spotlight and alter week-to-week game plans until Rice returns.

Rice misses six games, creating early depth questions for KC. His eventual return could reaccelerate a high-upside offense, but early weeks test the unit’s ability to maintain scoring pace without him.

Rice is cast as a top-tier WR option with breakout potential in KC, particularly if the offense becomes more pass-driven or if the dynamic around top receivers opens up favorable matchups. The host positions Rice as a potential top-five WR value in the right scenarios.

Rice is framed as KC’s high-ceiling option beyond the top two, offering big-play potential in a prolific offense. His late-round ADP and path to volume hinge on off-season health, opportunity, and the Chiefs’ willingness to lean into a third target with big-play chops.