The HBTC Podcast

Patrick Mahomes is actually playing at a higher level (through 3 games) than his 2022 MVP season. On today's episode, Cole DeRuse (HBTC Host) and Seth Keysor discuss all sorts of topics contributing to the Chiefs 3-0 start including Mansoor Delane emerging as a serious playmaker, Andy Reid adding some "easy buttons" for the offense (with them THRIVING off of play action), Mahomes slinging the rock...

So Kansas City is playing like a "new team" with a bit of an identity shift (which is a good thing). With the Chiefs off to a hot 2-0 start, Cole DeRuse (HBTC Host) and Seth Keysor of KCSN explore the most surprising takeaways so far and what they hope continues in order to keep stacking up even more wins. This includes targeting a specific receiver more often downfield, limiting (yes limiting) Ke...

So after destroying the Broncos on MNF, can the Chiefs start the season 2-0 as they face the Colts this week on SNF? On this episode, Seth Keysor of KCSN and Cole DeRuse (HBTC Host) give fans plenty of reasons to be excited about this team including the D-line bringing the heat, a CB room that could be better than last year (?!), and the running backs winning in every phase, all along with some po...

A lot happened in this unusually long offseason (at least compared to every other year in the Mahomes era) but the wait is finally over!  On this episode, Cole discusses everything you need to know to be caught up for the 2026 season. This includes the biggest moves, (losses and additions), a recap of this year's draft selections, an overall roster overview and expectations for each group as well...

So will the Chiefs really be able to put the pieces together to defeat the Broncos week 1 at Arrowhead? On this episode, Cole DeRuse (HBTC Host) and Seth Keysor of KCSN discuss the somewhat baffling experience conundrum among the OTs, injuries and directions certain banged-up players are trending, how the Chiefs can take advantage of some specific matchups against Denver, and Seth gives a mini-pre...

Football is back!! The Broncos take on the Chiefs for week 1 this Monday night at Arrowhead Stadium.  On today's episode, Brandon Perna of ThatsGoodSports joins Cole DeRuse (HBTC host) as they preview this season-opening division matchup, playmakers to watch out for on both sides of the ball, how Nix and Mahomes should fare both coming off of late injuries last year, along with a bigger picture ov...

Did the Chiefs do enough this offseason to bounce back and make the playoffs? On today's episode, Cole DeRuse (HBTC Host) and Seth Keysor of KCSN cover so many different pieces of this Chiefs team including the exciting new defense with young high-upside swings, their confusing yet navigable salary cap situation, the difference between functional and ineffective RB rooms, along with what the ceili...

Should the concern level be higher for the DE or WR Room? Maybe, but the Chiefs roster is set for the most part (as far as major moves are concerned) and in today's episode, Cole DeRuse (HBTC Host) and Seth Keysor (KCSN) process through the Ashton Gillotte injury, how real the Cyrus Allen hype is, the funky RB rotation, preseason standouts and more! Plus, the interior of the D-line is looking WAY...

What should the concern level be with the current state of the Chiefs Wide Receiver and Cornerback Rooms? On this episode, Cole DeRuse (HBTC Host) and Seth Keysor of KCSN explore the floor and ceiling on both sides of the ball, discussing the biggest advantages and disadvantages along with the varying levels of depth behind the starters. They also process where young players could be leaned on mor...

So the 2026 NFL season for the Chiefs should look MUCH better than 2025. In fact, they might surprise us all out there for SEVERAL different reasons. In today's episode, Cole DeRuse (HBTC Host) and Jesse Newell (Chiefs beat reporter for The Athletic) discuss why fans should be optimistic heading into this season, even coming off of the worst finish of Mahomes' career last year. They consider what...

In theory, the revamped run game in KC will help with nearly every single aspect of the offense this upcoming season. The question is.. how much so? On today's episode, Cole DeRuse of HBTC and Seth Keysor (KCSN) process through this exact question as they look at the deep ball, pass protection, the screen game and more. Plus, will Mahomes finally have franchise blind-spot protector for the first t...

Which weaknesses along the Chiefs roster could get addressed before or during training camp via a (most likely cheap) veteran addition? On this episode, Cole DeRuse (HBTC Host) and Joshua Brisco of KCSN process through this question as they take a look at every position group on the Chiefs roster. The upgraded RB room, the VERY young secondary - all of it! There's been a lot of turnover for sure....

Which underrated player has the best shot to take Chiefs Kingdom by surprise next month at Chiefs’ training camp?  On this episode, Cole DeRuse (HBTC Host) and Pete Sweeney of the Kansas City Star work through most of the roster to process through some unexpected standouts so far during OTAs. Having covered the Chiefs for 12+ years and attended multiple practices already this season, Pete shares a...

Are NFL fans sleeping on the Chiefs heading into the 2026 season? On this episode, Cole DeRuse (HBTC Host) and Seth Keysor of KCSN process through the state of the Chiefs roster post mandatory minicamp and look at how KC can not only be competitive, but dangerous again in ways they haven’t in years.  They analyze young talent at key position groups along with which areas could potentially use a la...

So how is Kansas City's roster stacking up with minicamp all wrapped up and training camp on the horizon? On this episode, Cole Deruse (HBTC Host) and Daniel Harms of RGR and Bleacher Report discuss many important position groups to watch as the Chiefs head into training camp including the "wide open" battle at right tackle, why some must-needed development at wide receiver is very likely, along w...

Can the Chiefs bounce back from last year's train wreck?  On this episode, Cole DeRuse (HBTC Host) and Seth Keysor of KCSN analyze the Kansas City Chiefs' 2026 NFL schedule breaking down certain stretches of games many fans are not happy about. They also explore possible moves KC could still make to improve their roster this offseason, discuss why their lousy bye week timing actually has a silver...

Will Mansoor Delane be the Trent McDuffie replacement?  On this episode, Cole DeRuse (HBTC Host) and Seth Keysor of KCSN predict the potential for Delane and his immediate role in the Chiefs secondary. They also analyze the speed secured by KC's recent draft picks, whether or not it was a mistake to not address the O-line at all, where the Chiefs could still be looking to land a veteran, and the b...

With the 2026 NFL Draft ALMOST HERE, Cole DeRuse (HBTC Host) and KCSN Writer Kent Swanson take one final look at KC's options in one of the most important drafts in the Brett Veach era. They consider a variety of trade options moving either up or down from pick #9, how the top-end talent might shake out regarding recent NFL moves, and how a dynamic pick at a shocking position could be a lot of fun...

With a seemingly endless amount of options, who will the Chiefs be taking at pick #9? Cole DeRuse (HBTC Host) and Price Carter, the Lead Draft Analyst of Arrowhead Addict, look forward to Thursday with this 2026 NFL draft primer as they highlight options for almost every position group in the first rounds of the draft. They chat through positional needs on both sides of the ball, best and worst-ca...

Is there really a possibility the Chiefs pair Dexter Lawrence next to Chris Jones? On this episode, Cole DeRuse (HBTC Host) and Seth Keysor of KCSN discuss the wild idea to reinforce a defensive line that desperately needs the help. We also analyze the Chiefs' dilemma at RT as Jawaan Taylor signs elsewhere, surprising (or not-so surprising) round 1 moves KC could make, and what the Chiefs should d...

Would trading for AJ Brown actually make sense for the Kansas City Chiefs?  On this episode, Cole DeRuse (HBTC Host) and Seth Keysor of KCSN explore this bold (some might say insane) idea to upgrade the receiver room after losing Hollywood Brown. We also discuss adding a blocking tight end like Will Dissly, veteran help on the defensive line, and why Rueben Bain Jr. could be a smart pick at 9 desp...