Looking at advanced stats behind the Chiefs’ hot start
The Kansas City Chiefs’ undefeated start to the season has been driven by a dominant ground game and a resurgent Patrick Mahomes. Through four weeks, the Chiefs rank second in expected points added per rushing play (0.14), trailing only the Buffalo Bills, with running back Isiah Walker leading the NFL in total rushing yards (537) and cumulative expected points added (10.9).
Walker’s explosive performances—including four games with at least 10 rushing attempts of 10+ yards—have set a league-leading pace, while rookie Emmett Johnson has already contributed meaningfully as a receiver, posting a 5.8 cumulative expected points added despite limited targets. Mahomes, meanwhile, is on track for his best season since his 2022 MVP campaign, with a career-high 33% play-action usage on passing plays and an elevated EPA per dropback (0.17).
The Chiefs’ offensive identity has shifted noticeably, with under-center playmaking now accounting for 40% of their offensive schemes—up from just 18% last season—while Walker’s presence has allowed Mahomes to maximize his deep-ball efficiency, averaging 7.1 air yards per attempt this year.
