2015 Season Predictions: AFC West Preview

Dec 20, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver

(18) catches the ball as Washington Redskins cornerback

(26) defends in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City Chiefs

Key Additions: WR Jeremy Maclin, SS Tyvon Branch, CB Marcus Peters

The Chiefs didn’t make a lot of moves, but they did make a few big ones. Adding Maclin was a huge signing for the team that didn’t have a single receiving touchdown by a WR. While many think that his stats will go down, which is quite likely, I think he will still be very effective for the Chiefs and a big upgrade.  Branch is a decent safety, but he will still likely not start. Adding Peters was a very smart draft pick and he will have an impact right away, especially against their division Rival the Broncos.   

Key Losses: WR Dwayne Bowe, C Rodney Hudson, CB Kurt Coleman 

The Chiefs also didn’t have many key losses either. Bowe is aging and he wasn’t worth paying a lot of money anymore, and Maclin is by far better, so the Chiefs really upgraded here. Hudson was a good center, but the Raiders paid him like a great one making it impossible for the Chiefs to even consider keeping him. Losing Coleman won’t hurt the Chiefs much either as Peters is also an upgrade, especially with massive upside he has. Overall, the Chiefs clearly did improve and will once again make a run at Peyton Manning and the Broncos.

Dec 7, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle

(92) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Chiefs 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Verdict: 

The Chiefs offense should be better this year in comparison to last year. Outside of Maclin, the WR’s are still quite weak, but Thomas can make a good transition to his new position, he could be an electric player. Avant and Hammond are both quite bad, but Travis Kelce has established himself as one of the top TEs in the NFL.

The way the Chiefs use Charles, he must be counted as another receiver as well. Charles and Davis combined might be the best one-two punch in the NFL and should have another great year behind the very good offensive line. It is the passing game that must improve and try to make more big plays happen.

On defense, the Chiefs are also very good. With Poe up the middle they have a very good inside player. The linebackers are where the Chiefs are great. The combination of Houston and Hali might be the best pass rusher combo in the NFL, though the Broncos OLB’s might have a word to say about that as well.

The two Johnsons at ILB complete the very good group of linebackers up the middle. The secondary will be key against the pass heavy division. Gaines and Smith are good but not great CB’s and both their safety are also both above average, but nothing special. If Eric Berry can play at full capacity than he will be a big upgrade. This team will compete for the division again this year, and it might just be enough.

Dec 28, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker

(50) celebrates after a sack against the San Diego Chargers in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Prediction: 

Best Case Record: 13-3

Worst Case Record: 9-7

Prediction: 11-5

Team’s Offensive MVP: RB Jamaal Charles

Team’s Defensive MVP: OLB Justin Houston

Rookie Standout: CB Marcus Peters 

The Chiefs are going to have a good season this year. I see them at about the same exact level as the Chargers and I think their seasons will be very similar. I think their best case scenario is that they only drop one game in the division and only lose two outside of the division, as they do have some very difficult games, for example at Green Bay. Worst case is that they go 2-4 in division and really have some struggles putting up points, because their defense is going to be very good again, especially with the return of Eric Berry. I think an 11-5 season is where they will end up and it will likely be enough to make the playoffs.

Next: And the winner is?