2014 Kansas City Predictions
The Kansas City Chiefs were the unquestioned surprise of the NFL last season and enter the 2014-2015 campaign looking to take the next step.
2013 Record Straight Up: 11-5-0
2013 ATS Record: 9-7-0
Chiefs Odds to win the 2015 Super Bowl XLIX: 40/1
Chiefs Odds to win the 2015 AFC Conference: 18/1
Chiefs Odds to Win the 2014 AFC West: +500
Chiefs Futures from Bovada
But a look at the schedule shows that it will be a more difficult road for the Chiefs – no longer to they play a last place slate – they play tougher teams including all of those in the NFC West, the Patriots and the Steelers.
Will Andy Reid and Alex Smith be able to duplicate their impressive feat from last year or is a step backward imminent for the Chiefs? Let’s break it down.
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The Chiefs benefitted in a big way from the play of Alex Smith last year – the team scored nearly 28 points per game despite the absence of a true deep threat for the QB to exploit. Dwayne Bowe is still in the mix and may be the best option of Smith – Bowe’s off-field and on-field issues are well documented – KC has to hope that he has his head screwed on straight and that the offseason program put in place has an impact on the talented yet often dis-interested pass catcher.
Kansas City did little to bolster their receiving corp. in the offseason meaning that more emphasis will have to be put on Jamaal Charles who proved last year once again that he is one of the best weapons in the NFL. Donnie Avery is an underwhelming second option with unproven second year tight end Travis Kelce figuring to be a frequent target for Smith.
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Kansas City could certainly do worse than having Jamaal Charles as the focal point of the offense. Charles had 70 receptions for 693 receiving yards to go along with 1,287 rushing yards, and he scored 19 TDs last year. The Chiefs managed to limit his overall touches last year ensuring that the star RB will be fresh as we head into 2014.
When talking about KC’s offense it is important to note that three fifths of their offensive line left for greener pastures this past offseason. The biggest omission is Brandon Albert who was signed by the Dolphins, Names like Eric Fisher, Donald Stephenson and Jeff Linkenbach will be tasked with keeping their somewhat immobile QB upright – not a good sign for the Chiefs going forward.
Kansas City’s defense performed admirably in the first two third of the season last year. But a look at the opposition in those games reveals the fact that the Chiefs defenders were up against second rate offenses headed by Blaine Gabbert, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Terrelle Pryor, Case Keenum, Jason Campbell and Jeff Tuel.
When KC played the big dogs they underperformed allowing the Chargers, the Broncos and the Raiders 41, 35, 31 and 45 respectively. Justin Houston and Tamba Hali still exist as a feared pass rushing duo but health and contract battles threaten to derail their chances at a great season.
The linebackers will be anchored by a very good Derrick Johnson and the safety position won’t be a concern with Eric Berry and Husain Abdullah dropping back but the corner position is thin, outside of Nico Johnson. The Chiefs were exposed mightily last year in their pass defense – something that didn’t exactly right itself this past offseason.
Chiefs 2014 Betting Prediction:
Kansas City was a true feel good story last season but a look at the quality of opposition last year explains why. In 2014-2015 they will be forced to play a much tougher schedule – something that should derail any chance for the Chiefs to return to the playoffs this year.
With an average offense and an average defense Kansas City is a team poised to take a huge step backward this upcoming season. A .500 record would be a success in my eyes – a 9-7 season would be a shock!
