Chargers: AFC West Power Rankings after start of league year
By Jason Reed
2. Kansas City Chiefs
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Key Additions: Sammy Watkins, Anthony Hitchens, David Amerson
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Key Losses: Alex Smith, Marcus Peters
The Kansas City Chiefs looked unbeatable in the first part of the NFL season last year and looked like a shell of themselves later in the year. While they were able to hold the Chargers off with a huge win in week 15, the Chiefs were not very impressive. Which makes their season-ending all the more fitting in blowing a lead to the Tennessee Titans.
Now, the Chiefs enter a new chapter in the franchise history and I think it will be a much bumpier ride than many anticipate. Kansas City turned the tide over from veteran Alex Smith to second-year quarterback Patrick Mahomes after dealing Smith to the Washington Redskins.
I am honestly a big fan of Mahomes and I think in time he can enter the top-10 quarterbacks’ discussion. Keyword: in time. Mahomes did get one year to learn under Alex Smith, but that learning curve is still a lot to handle.
The Chiefs have done a great job in surrounding him with pieces. Sammy Watkins comes in alongside three dangerous weapons in Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill and Kareem Hunt. Kansas City does have some solid talent.
However, the loss of Marcus Peters will be a big one, even with any sort of negative locker room presence it rids. Mahomes’ lack of experience will cause hiccups late and the Chiefs will just narrowly miss the postseason.