The Kansas City Chiefs enter the 2023 season as the defending Super Bowl champs, and Patrick Mahomes was an absolute stud last year. Everyone thinks the Chiefs will dominate again this year, but I am not buying into the hype. I don’t say this as a hater, but realistically, this year’s roster is not that impressive. So before you call me “crazy,” listen to why the Kansas City Chiefs are the most overrated team heading into the new season.
Kansas City Chiefs Magic
There is no denying that Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback in the NFL, and his connection with Travis Kelce is one of the best duos in history. Coach Andy Reid will be a Hall of Famer, and has a knack for getting the best out of his players.
Mahomes and Kelce are two people, and can not do it by themselves. Their talent is undeniable, and they surely know how to win games. But the Chiefs’ success hinges on these two staying healthy and playing well. Travis Kelce is starting the season questionable with a knee injury. If they lose either one of these guys, they are screwed.
Kansas City Chiefs Receiver Corps
Let’s be real: If Kadarius Toney is your team’s best receiver, you have issues. This receiving corps is not only young, but they are weak. Toney is not a WR1 in this league, and the fact he is in Kansas City is cause for alarm, in my opinion. Then you factor in they have Skyy Moore, Richie James, Justyn Ross, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Justin Watson, and rookie Rashee Rice.
Let’s break down this receiving group, and see what they bring to the table. Kadarius Toney has been in the league for three years and only has 55 receptions for 591 yards and two touchdowns. He has been plagued with injuries, and in 2022, he only had 16 catches for 171 yards and two touchdowns. Those are not WR1 numbers.
Skyy Moore is entering his second year and had a lackluster rookie season. He recorded 22 catches for 250 yards and NO touchdowns. Marquez Valdez-Scantling has played five seasons and tallied 165 receptions, 2,840 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns. He even spent four seasons in Green Bay with Aaron Rodgers as his quarterback. MVS has not lived up to expectations.
Richie James has played four seasons and has amassed 95 receptions, 1,258 yards, and seven touchdowns. In the past two years, he has 15 catches for 295 yards and two touchdowns. Justyn Ross, Justin Watson, and Rashee Rice only have a combined 8 receptions, 85 yards, and 3 touchdowns.
This receiving corps combined has 345 receptions. Valdes-Scantling and James have over 50% of the receptions. They have a total of 5,024 receiving yards, and again, Valdes-Scantling has over 50% of the yards. Mahomes has a limited group of receivers, and I would not be surprised to see him struggle this year.
Sketchy Secondary
Looking at the Kansas City Chiefs secondary, they have Trent McDuffie, L’Jarius Sneed, Justin Reid, and Bryan Cook listed as the starters. L’Jarius Sneed is the only one in this bunch with any real talent. Last year, he recorded 75 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 3 interceptions. L’Jarius Sneed is overrated, though, and can’t effectively shut down any WR1 in the NFL, something your top corner should be able to do
Justin Reid is the veteran of this group, and last season he recorded 59 tackles, one sack, and no interceptions. Trent McDuffie is entering his second year, and as a rookie, he recorded 28 tackles, one sack, and no interceptions. Bryan Cook is also entering his second year and recorded 22 tackles, one sack, and no interceptions as a rookie in 2022.
Looking at the Chiefs’ secondary, they will struggle against teams that have depth at receiver. Teams they play this year that I can see them struggling against include the Lions, Jaguars, Jets, Vikings, Chargers, Dolphins, Eagles, Bills, and Bengals. All of these teams have wide receiver duos that will wreak havoc on this secondary.
Chiefs Crazy Prediction
The Kansas City Chiefs have holes that need to be filled. Trading for a top-tier defensive back and wide receiver would help tremendously. But as it stands, I legitimately can see the Chiefs missing the playoffs this year in a stacked AFC. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce need help, and defenses will know who the go-to guy is and double-cover him. Let’s not forget star defensive player Chris Jones is holding out for a new contract, and without him, the defensive numbers are terrible.
Reid is a phenomenal coach, and if he can get it done with this roster, I will be truly impressed. I see this team winning between 9 and 10 games, and seeing the Chargers win the division.
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