Kansas City Chiefs: Stat predictions for offensive playmakers

It’s still early in the offseason, but the Kansas City Chiefs look effective if not explosive on offense poised to have a successful 2017 season.

The Kansas CIty Chiefs were more explosive on offense in 2016 than in any other period under Andy Reid. A big reason for that was the addition of Tyreek Hill as a deep threat.

Jeremy Maclin took a step back statistically but it opened the door for Hill and Chris Conley. Travis Kelce remains Alex Smith’s favorite target, turning in an All-Pro season.

In the running game, Spencer Ware struggled a bit with consistency but another year behind a gelled offensive line will boost his numbers. Here I take a stab at how the Chiefs’ playmakers will finish the 2017 season statistically.

Alex Smith, QB – 350-of-500, 3,970 yards, 30 TDs, 6 INTs; 40 rushes, 290 yards, 2 TDs

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Like it or not Alex Smith is playing for his job in 2017. The Chiefs drafted his replacement in the first round and there is no secret that Smith is there to mentor him for no more than two years. Smith’s contract does not expire until after 2018, but the Chiefs can cut or trade him with minimal cap damage following this season.

He knows this very well and knows he needs to achieve career highs in just about every category to either impress another team or stay with Kansas City. The likely outcome is that the Chiefs part ways with him after this year. That is, unless he wins a Super Bowl. This team is talented enough to take home a championship. If Smith can not only achieve these numbers, but also play in U.S. Bank Stadium in February, then he will see another year in Arrowhead.

Spencer Ware, RB – 230 carries, 950 yards, 5 TDs; 30 rec, 405 yards, 3 TDs

Ware had some bigger games in 2016 but would then struggle to run the ball. Some of that is due to the lack of push up the middle by the offensive line. But a lot of it is on Ware himself and his ability (or inability) to hit the hole. The offensive line remains the same, so it will be up to Ware to boost the running game, or he will give playing time to rookie Kareem Hunt. He will have a good season running the ball, but nothing spectacular. Ware will see small increases in just about every category as the Chiefs offense will play will a better sense of urgency in 2017.

Dec 25, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) runs after a catch as Denver Broncos free safety Darian Stewart (26) defends during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Travis Kelce, TE – 102 rec, 1,170 yards, 12 TDs

Travis Kelce is Smith’s favorite target and there is no arguing about that. He will have a phenomenal season in 2017, solidifying himself as a top three tight end. The big number up from last year will be his touchdowns. The Chiefs struggled in the red zone in 2016 and it cost them a few games. Kelce had a few targets there, but the ball failed to reach him for one reason or another. His size and speed make him a nightmare for defensive coordinators and they will struggle to match him down the field.

Jeremy Maclin, WR – 57 rec, 756 yards, 3 TDs

After his 1,000-yard season in 2015, Maclin took a step back due to injury and lack of targets in 2016. Many of his targets are going to Travis Kelce and more for explosive Tyreek Hill. The Chiefs will find a way to boost the numbers of most all of their weapons this year including Maclin. Too often last season, Andy Reid limited his offense by getting conservative in the second half. That won’t happen again this year. Maclin will get the deep looks he needs to be effective in this offense.

Chris Conley, WR – 43 rec, 549 yards, 1 TD

Conley became a much more complete player last year and he was asked to step into the No. 1 role a few times in the season. He played well enough to stay with the starting rotation and make some key plays to help the Chiefs win games. Conley will have a very similar campaign in 2017. His bigger frame will send him over the middle more often this year and open things up for Hill and Maclin on the outside.

Next: NFL 2017: QB depth chart power rankings

Tyreek Hill, WR – 62 rec, 791 yards, 8 TDs; 17 carries, 268 yards, 2 TDs

The rookie phenom from 2016 will continue his speedy success into 2017. Hill really got going in the second half of the season as the Chiefs began to use him more as a feature player in the offense. He ran effectively and had some amazing catches to add to his highlight reel. He is poised to have a monster year as an all around weapon, completing the now very dangerous Chiefs offense.