It’s no secret the Kansas City Chiefs operate outside the conventional mold of the NFL. Kansas City drafted the unorthodox Patrick Mahomes in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft despite being fresh off a 12-win season led by Pro Bowl passer Alex Smith. The Chiefs also continue to dish out lucrative deals to older players, albeit playing positions with relatively small shelf lives. The Chiefs will continue to go against the grain heading into the 2024 preseason, making a stunning team announcement on Wednesday.
Unlike most NFL teams, the Chiefs announced they will play their starters for at least a quarter of their preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, and Cleveland Browns reported earlier this week that their starters, specifically their quarterbacks, will sit for at least one game if not the whole preseason.
Kansas City Chiefs: Plan to Play Starters In Preseason Opener
Per NFL insider Arfi Meirov, Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes, Creed Humphrey, Isiah Pacheco, and Travis Kelce will play in Saturday’s preseason opener, barring injury. Unlike nearly every team in the NFL, Kansas City will opt for their starters to get some in-game reps this weekend.
#Chiefs HC Andy Reid said Patrick Mahomes and the rest of their available offensive starters will play roughly a quarter in Saturday's preseason opener against the #Jaguars.
Reid has been a believer in playing starters in the preseason. pic.twitter.com/cU3xMSmwWL
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 7, 2024
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has long believed in playing starters in the preseason. Last year, Mahomes started in the preseason opener against the New Orleans Saints, completing two passes for 15 yards. The year prior, Mahomes went 6-of-7 for 60 yards and a score. Tight end Travis Kelce registered one catch for 19 yards, while star defender L’Jarius Sneed collected a pair of tackles.
Chiefs: Eyeing Three-Peat
With last season’s Super Bowl victory, the Kansas City Chiefs are in a position to become the second franchise in league history to win three straight titles. The Green Bay Packers pulled off the three-peat twice, although only one championship came during the Super Bowl era. Kansas City will return the dynamic duo of quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce while making numerous headline-grabbing moves this offseason.
With the 28th pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Chiefs selected former Texas football speedster and wide receiver Xavier Worthy. They added six-foot-five, 325-pound bookend tackle Kingsley Suamataia in the second round. The additions will be a welcome addition to quarterback Patrick Mahomes after throwing a career-high 14 interceptions last season. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the AFC West club is the favorite to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in 2025 with +600 odds.
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