In the 16th of a 32-part series, we are featuring all National Football League teams with a prediction of where each team will finish within their division, key off-season acquisitions and their top fantasy stars. Here are the Kansas City Chiefs.
Key Off Season Acquisition
The Chiefs acquired two players in free agency. They opened their wallet and gave a huge contract to right tackle Jawaan Taylor of Cocoa, Florida. Just how significant was this deal? Well, the 25-year-old is now earning $80 million over four seasons to protect reigning Super Bowl MVP and MVP Patrick Mahomes.
The Chiefs also signed defensive end Charles Omenihu of Houston, Texas to a two year-deal worth $16 million on March 16. However, it should be noted that he will be suspended six games to start the year for violating the league’s policy on domestic violence. In 2022 with the San Francisco 49ers, Omenihu had 20 combined tackles (13 assisted tackles and seven solo tackles), three tackles for a loss, 16 quarterback hits, 4.5 sacks, one pass deflection and one forced fumble. The pass deflection and forced fumble came in a 22-16 49ers win over the Los Angeles Chargers on November 13.
Fantasy Stars
Patrick Mahomes is quite simply spectacular. The number one ranked quarterback led the NFL in passing yards (5250) and passing touchdowns (41) in 2023. Mahomes also completed 435 passes, and had 358 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns.
Kansas City also has the top tight end in all of football. The native of Westlake, Ohio had 110 catches for 1338 receiving yards and 12 touchdown catches.
The Chiefs have the seventh best defense in the NFL. Last season they had 151 fantasy points and gave up fewer than 20 points in six of their wins.
Projected Finish
When the Chiefs have the best quarterback, best tight end, an improved defense and offensive line, you have to think that Kansas City will be even tougher in 2023 than 2022. They have to be considered a Super Bowl contender again and the heavy favourites to win the AFC West. A year ago the division was supposed to be extremely competitive, but the Chargers, Broncos and Raiders all underachieved. This season the Chiefs are the clear favourites.
