The defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs are battling for the illustrious three-peat as they learn to handle all the excess baggage that comes with winning. This team is in perfect hands to do just that, with Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce leading the charge on offense and Chris Jones returning to lead the defense after coming to terms on a long-term contract. Coach Andy Reid will find himself in tough competition this year in the division with the newly re-built Los Angeles Chargers, but ultimately, the Chiefs should find their way into again leading the pack with the rest of the AFC and the league as a whole due to their transcendent QB.  Despite the chaos that seems to surround this team, the one true constant is Mahomes and as long as he is under center, this team is a threat to win every game it’s in as he is still somehow only getting better and redefining what it means to be a great quarterback.

This team had to deal once again with some cap considerations in the offseason as everyone wants a raise after you win a title. They are changing the cornerback room by trading fundamental cornerstone L’Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans for a 2025 third-round pick and a swap of seventh-round picks, extending tight end Travis Kelce and Chris Jones while also continuing the year-on-year restructuring of Patrick Mahomes’ contract. Aside from that, they drafted Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy, who broke the 40-yard dash record at this year’s combine. This year’s schedule has some exciting games with obviously home and away since against the division opponents; they also play host to the Ravens in the season opener,  play the Bengals and Texans which should provide a clear measuring stick with how they stack up in the AFC. They also have a rematch with the NFC champion San Francisco 49ers fortuitously after their bye week. Overall, the schedule boasts seven playoff teams, which is as to be expected for defending champs.

Writer’s Season Win Prediction: 13-4

Surprisingly, this team’s strength is the impressively speedy wide receiver core after making it work with patchwork group last season.  It was only a year ago that this group dropped passes as if their hands were filled with butter.  While drops are still somewhat of a concern, this group makes up for it with some flashy speed in Xavier Worthy and newly signed free agent Marquise “Hollywood Brown” from the Arizona Cardinals. Rashee Rice comes off an incredible rookie season, but is looking at a massive suspension for questionable behavior off the field. When and if he is able to return, the added help will be much needed to take double coverage off him and showcase his skill set even more as he develops more chemistry with Mahomes. That being said, Rice’s legal troubles have been the biggest story of the offseason for crashing a Lamborghini in Texas and an investigation on going for assault in a Dallas Club, which could potentially cost him more than just half a season.  That aside, this is the year when Mahomes should feel comfortable with his receiver core. Mahomes’ already superior decision-making will continue to evolve throughout the season as he learns where to each WR likes the ball thrown.

The drops are almost certainly a concern, as last year that was detrimental to this group.  General manager Brett Veach has vouched heavily for this group to be successful this year, including returning receivers Kadarius Tony and Skyy Moore.  Toney comes off a treacherous 2023 season where drops plagued him in every corner.  This season will be considered a make-or-break for him, as he didn’t even play in the Super Bowl.  Skyy Moore on the other hand still has a lot of development to do, especially with former rugby player Louis Rees-Zammit also joining the roster.  All three of these guys will be competing for roster spots and time on the field.  Rees-Zammit Is one of the more attractive candidates for why the receivers are considered a strength in 2024, and his versatile ability as a running back and wide receiver will be fascinating to watch throughout training camp.  He will also have the ability to break out as a rising star in the kick return game under the new rule set. Speaking of special teams, the kicker and punter might be the best two-person group in this league. As Harrison Butker continues his reign as one of the best Chiefs kickers in history, he’ll be joined by Matt Ariza, who has been wrongfully accused in a sexual assault case over the past few years.  After an incredible preseason stint with Buffalo in his 2022 rookie season, he finds himself trying to prove that he belongs in this league.  The Chiefs have given him that opportunity, as he’s currently the only punter on the roster.

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