Week One Predictions-Kansas City Chiefs vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

12.Kansas City @ Jacksonville, Outcome- Kansas City 27  Jacksonville 14 (Sorry meant to put this in the first place).
With new coach Andy Reid and QB Alex Smith, the Chiefs look locked and loaded coming into this season and may have a chance to make their mark in the face-paced AFC. Jamaal Charles (1,509 yards, 5 touchdowns) was absolute dynamite last season, considering the fact that he had to deal with pesky Shaun Draughn and Peyton Hillis both whom are off the Chiefs roster this off-season. But now Andy Reid is in charge and has the opportunity to really turn this offense and it’s last-ranked 13.2 points per game last season into one of the most effective in the game. Perhaps even give Charles his deserved goal-line carries.

As well the Chiefs acquired two decent receivers in former Miami Dolphin TE Anthony Fasano (39 receptions, 528 yards, and  4 touchdowns in 2010) and former Colt Donnie Avery (60 receptions, 781 yards, and 3 touchdowns in 2012) who should definitely give Alex Smith some extra receiving help downfield and especially in red zone situations. From the outside looking in the Chiefs have definite sleeper potential this season with Dwayne Bowe and Jamaal Charles.

Now with the Jaguars, it is a whole other story.So many positions still have yet to be decided.

At the Quarterback is one of the worst in the League, neither Chad Henne nor Blaine Gabbert have established themselves as the real starter in Jacksonville and it may continue lingering problem as the season rolls on. In addition, with Maurice Jones-Drew coming off an injury prone 2012 season, is looking to really bounce back against the Chiefs. If he’ll come back as strong as he used to be back in 2011, only time will tell.

Regarding the Jaguars receiving corps, the Jags have underrated star Cecil Shorts (979 yards, 7 touchdowns), converted Michigan QB turned WR Denard Robinson, and TE Mercedes Lewis (540 yards, 4 touchdowns) in their repertoire. Sadly for the Jaguars, former first round pick Justin Blackmon (615 yards, 4 touchdowns in final 7 games) is suspended for the first 4 games of the season after abusing the NFL’s substance abuse policy. According to ESPN, “The four-game suspension is for Blackmon’s second violation of the league’s substance abuse policy in less than a year and third substance-related incident in less than three years.” The loss of Blackmon leaves the Jaguars with only Cecil Shorts as a deep threat.

In any case, with the defenses of Kansas City and Jacksonville, the Chiefs should come out on top in this contest, granted Reid gives Charles a healthy dosage of carries. Watch for the Chiefs offense to have a solid showing out of Smith and Company and take their first game of the 2013 season.