Kansas City Chiefs: 14 wins – 3 losses, AFC West champions, first in AFC
After a bitter loss in the conference finals against the Bengals, the Chiefs had a goal before the start of the season to return to the Super Bowl. Backed by stars on and off the field, a theoretically competitive division had cast doubt on Kansas City’s hegemony. The season finally allowed Andy Reid’s men to establish dominance over the AFC West.
How did they get there?
Despite a start to the season marked by a surprise loss to the Colts, the Chiefs have had an exemplary regular season. Winning 14 games, and only losing in close matches against the Bills and Bengals (in addition to the Colts).
Without always being dominant or impressive, Kansas City has managed to get out of the traps of division matches or matches against eliminated teams.
The key player: Patrick Mahomes (QB)
In five seasons as a starter, Patrick Mahomes has already made history, with a career that can already bring him into the Hall of Fame: 4 conference finals (so far), 2 Super Bowls including a victory, a Super Bowl MVP title and an MVP title (soon to be 2). Despite the departure of Tyreek Hill, his main offensive weapon, Mahomes continued to dominate the league in spectacular fashion. A season with 45 touchdowns, and yet the impression that this is not his best season.
He is the best player in the league, the one who will win or lose his team. He has an offensive line, but not necessarily a consistent running game, which puts more pressure on his shoulders. He is obviously capable of doing it, but more than ever he will have to do it (almost) alone.
Why are they going to go all the way?
Offensively, Kansas City has two stars: Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. But what is particularly notable is the good form of the offensive line for two years. Creed Humphrey is one of the best centers in the line, and the blind side is impervious. This attack has enormous potential, and this line allows you to maximize the talent of the “skill players”.
The defense is not to be outdone, around a still dominant Chris Jones. This group is particularly effective against running, with a gradual increase in power over the season. The rookies George Karlaftis and Trent McDuffie are beginning to mature, which has made it possible to erase the errors of the start of the season.
Finally, the coach is called Andy Reid, and it is necessarily an asset. Among the best coaches in history, he has a troubled history with the conference finals but remains an offensive genius capable of adapting his game and improving his team on the campaign.
Why won’t they go?
If it is necessary to point out a weakness in this workforce, it is the position of Wide Receiver which comes first. No receiver has the shoulders of a number 1, and the passing game is too dependent on Travis Kelce, which limits the possibilities. Juju Smith-Schuster, Marquez Valdes-Scantling or Kadarius Toney are good players, but none could replace Tyreek Hill in his impact. Mahomes will have to get the best out of a limited group, and that’s potentially a problem.
Injured players
Overall, the Chiefs are in very good health. The main absentee is Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who could theoretically return this week. However his absence was not felt, Isiah Pacheco having become the number 1 runner of this team, well supplemented by Jarick McKinnon.
Other uncertainties concern Frank Clark (EDGE), Skyy Moore (WR) and Mecole Hardman (WR). If the possible absence of two receivers remains a problem, there is nothing insurmountable.
Prognosis
Kansas City will start its campaign with a matchup against the Jaguars at home. A victory seems likely, as the experience is on the side of the Chiefs. The conference final will be another challenge, as Kansas City lost to the two likely regular-season opponents, the Bengals and the Bills.
The conference final is often the end of the road for Andy Reid, who has suffered several cruel losses, but they have the talent to overcome it. In case of accession to the Super Bowl, they will be favorites regardless of the opponent.
