The only way a season can be considered a success in Kansas City right now is by winning the Super Bowl. And doing so this time would make it a record three straight titles for the Chiefs, who hadn’t won a championship in 50 years before triumphing over San Francisco in the 2019 season. The back-to-back titles came against the Eagles and 49ers. Patrick Mahomes is back at quarterback, Travis Kelce remains at tight end and a defense that surprisingly was among the NFL’s best last year returns almost completely intact after All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones signed a five-year, $158.75 million contract in March. The biggest change will be on offense, where the Chiefs worked hard to revamp what was one of the least productive wide receiver groups in the NFL last season. They signed “Hollywood” Brown in free agency and drafted Xavier Worthy in the first round, and both should be big parts of the offense, though Brown hurt his shoulder in his first exhibition game and might not be ready for Week 1. There are also questions about whether WR Rashee Rice will be available given his legal issues in Texas and potential NFL suspension.
NEW FACES: WRs Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown, LT Kingsley Suamataia, QB Carson Wentz, TE Irv Smith Jr, CB Kelvin Joseph, S Jaden Hicks.
KEY LOSSES: CB L’Jarius Sneed, LB Willie Gay Jr, P Tommy Townsend, WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
STRENGTHS: The offense will always be a strength with Mahomes at quarterback and Andy Reid calling the plays from the sideline. And now that they have two more wide receivers in Worthy and Brown to help take the attention away from Kelce, there’s reason to believe Kansas City’s offense will take a step forward this season. For all the success the Chiefs had during their last championship run, inconsistent production on offense was a big problem for much of the season.
WEAKNESSES: There were times when Kansas City struggled to stop the run last season, a problem that was exacerbated by the fact that the Chiefs were very good against the pass. They brought back a solid defensive line, including Tershawn Wharton, Mike Pennel Jr. and Derrick Nnadi to cover the middle, but their linebackers need to step up. They lost sideline tackler Willie Gay Jr. in free agency, so it will be up to Leo Chenal to start making plays.
CAMP PROGRESS: The Chiefs were hoping Kingsley Suamataia would eventually solve his problem at left tackle when they selected him in the second round, but they were surprised by how quickly he has locked down the position. Suamataia should offer an upgrade over Donovan Smith, who had major foul trouble last season. The rest of the offensive line returns from last season, which could be perhaps the best interior line in the NFL with Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith.
FANTASY PLAYER TO WATCH: RB Isiah Pacheco. The Chiefs have used a committee approach for most of Reid’s tenure, but Pacheco is clearly the No. 1 running back heading into the season. He’s durable and has proven his ability, and he’s started to show an ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. The Chiefs seem to have an easier time moving the ball than they did last season, given their bolstered wide receiver group and improved left tackle situation, and someone will end up scoring the touchdowns. Pacheco could be him.
BetMGM Sportsbook: Super Bowl win: 11-2. Over/under wins: 11 ½.
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