The Kansas City Chiefs recently got some positive news about Rashee Rice but decided to move on from another underperforming receiver. As the reigning two-time Super Bowl champions, the Chiefs are not exactly the most loved team in the league—everyone is gunning for them. With that in mind, the first bold prediction for the Chiefs in the 2024 NFL season isn’t looking great.
Instead of going for a three-peat, Kansas City might not even make it to the Super Bowl this time around. The Chiefs could get knocked out of the playoffs, and it could all come down to a questionable coaching decision. When you’re at the top, there’s always a target on your back, and that pressure sometimes leads to costly mistakes. Don’t be surprised if this season doesn’t end with Patrick Mahomes hoisting another Lombardi Trophy.
Examining Key Decisions Made By The Kansas City Chiefs
Andy Reid’s Risky Play Could End the Chiefs’ Season
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, known for his creative and daring play-calling, might make a decision this season that could end the team’s playoff run in dramatic fashion. The Chiefs have a strong roster capable of making it deep into the playoffs again. With Patrick Mahomes leading an offense with more threats at the wide receiver position and a defense that looks ready for a Super Bowl push, the team appears well-equipped for another title run. However, Reid’s willingness to gamble could backfire in a crucial moment, potentially leading to a devastating outcome reminiscent of Pete Carroll’s infamous decision to pass the football at the 1-yard line with Marshawn Lynch in the backfield during the 2014 Super Bowl.
In this imagined scenario, the Chiefs find themselves at the 2-yard line, trailing by five points, with only 24 seconds remaining and one timeout left in a critical playoff game. Mahomes is on the verge of setting a playoff career-high in passing yards. Reid calls for a trick play that sees Mahomes lining up as a wide receiver, attempting to distract the line judge with some conversation. Meanwhile, star tight end Travis Kelce shifts from his usual position to take the snap as a shotgun quarterback. Running back Isaiah Pacheco, who has already scored three short touchdowns in the game, moves out wide, mimicking the setup of a field goal unit. As Kelce takes the snap and rolls out, he pitches the ball to Mahomes. But disaster strikes—Mahomes slips, falls, and fumbles the ball. The Buffalo Bills recover, ending the Chiefs’ playoff hopes in heartbreaking fashion.
The Pressure to Three-Peat is Real
The Kansas City Chiefs are attempting to do something no team has ever done in NFL history: win three consecutive Super Bowl titles. Despite their impressive roster and coaching staff, the weight of this expectation is enormous. The Chiefs are well aware that every opponent will be giving them their best shot this season, knowing they are facing the reigning two-time champions. The pressure of being on top often leads to mistakes, and with history against them, the Chiefs’ road to a three-peat is filled with challenges.
Patrick Mahomes Could Threaten 5,000 Passing Yards Again
Mahomes, one of the NFL’s most talented quarterbacks, has already thrown for over 5,000 yards twice in his career—5,097 yards in 2018 and 5,250 yards in 2022. This season, he is in a position to challenge that mark again. With the Chiefs boasting a deep roster of wide receivers and an aggressive offensive strategy under Reid, Mahomes will have ample opportunities to rack up passing yards. However, if the Chiefs secure their playoff position early, they might decide to rest Mahomes in Week 17, which could cause him to fall just short of another 5,000-yard season. Regardless, Mahomes expects to lead the offense with high intensity, aiming to deliver their best football and avoid last season’s inconsistency.
Xavier Worthy Could Become a Breakout Star for the Chiefs
One of the most exciting developments for the Chiefs this season is the emergence of rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy. While it’s too early to compare him directly to a superstar like Tyreek Hill, Worthy can potentially become Kansas City’s top receiver by the end of the year. The Chiefs struggled with production from their wide receivers last season, with the group failing to make many big plays. Worthy has a chance to change that. He doesn’t have to unseat an established star, and his speed and versatility make him a unique weapon in the Chiefs’ arsenal.
Worthy’s combination of speed and skill sets him apart from other recent speedsters like John Ross, who were primarily known for their straight-line speed. Worthy’s broader skill set allows him to be more than just a deep threat, fitting perfectly into the Chiefs’ offensive scheme. Playing with Mahomes and alongside other established offensive weapons will help Worthy avoid drawing the opposition’s top coverage, allowing him to flourish.
Kansas City Chiefs Offense Looks To Push The Ball Downfield More
This season, the Chiefs’ offense will likely emphasize pushing the ball downfield more often, thanks to the new additions at wide receiver and Reid’s aggressive approach. The Chiefs struggled offensively at times last year, but with a renewed focus on stretching the field and taking more deep shots, they aim to be more dynamic and unpredictable. This strategy not only plays to Mahomes’ strengths as a deep passer but also creates opportunities for receivers like Worthy to make game-changing plays.
