THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS TEAM PREVIEW (2024)
Written By: @Gr1m_FF
2023 Season Recap
Record: 11-6
Points For: 371
Points Against: 294
Off-season Roster Recap
Key Additions: Marquise Brown
Key Losses: Ljarius Snead, Marquez Valdes Scantling, Jerrick McKinnon.
Draft Recap Offense:
1.28 Xavier Worthy (WR)
2.63 Kingsley Suamataia (OT)
4.131 Jared Wiley (TE)
5.159 Hunter Nourzad (G/C)
7.248 CJ Hanson (G)
Draft Recap Defense:
4.133 Jaden Hicks (S)
6.211 Kamal Hadden (DB)
2024 Outlook:
Overview
The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off a Super Bowl-winning season, largely due to Patrick Mahomes' performance and Travis Kelce's consistency. However, their defense, which often goes unrecognized, also played a crucial role by containing potent offenses to manageable points.
This year, the Chiefs face a unique set of challenges. Key departures like L’Jarius Sneed, Jerick McKinnon, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling might affect the team's chemistry. I foresee a tougher season ahead for Kansas City, particularly on offense. While Mahomes is renowned for overcoming obstacles, he will be dealing with an aging offensive line—a fact underscored by the team's decision to draft three new offensive linemen this year. Additionally, the run game, led by Isaiah Pacheco, is decent but not exceptional.
Against strong defensive teams like Cincinnati, Baltimore, and possibly even Las Vegas, Kansas City could encounter significant adversity. There's also skepticism about Xavier Worthy's potential to fill the shoes of Tyreek Hill; though fast, his build and potential health issues might limit his impact.
If anyone can navigate these challenges, it's Andy Reid, known for optimizing his team's strengths. While I believe the Chiefs will still make the playoffs, the competition within their conference and division is fierce. This season, the offense might surprisingly be the primary concern. The defense, despite losing only Sneed among significant contributors, has strengthened its middle level and boasts a formidable defensive line. However, their coverage remains a relative weak point.
Ultimately, the Chiefs will likely face numerous tight games. With an aging Kelce, an average running game, and high expectations placed on Mahomes to elevate a subpar receiving corps, returning to the Super Bowl seems like a stretch. This season promises to be a challenging journey for Kansas City.
Fantasy Impact
In fantasy football, the Kansas City Chiefs present an intriguing team to analyze. They offer significant value in several areas. In dynasty formats, the Chiefs have a few players worth investing in now, with the potential to flourish over the years. These players include Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Justin Watson, and George Karlaftis.
Kansas City can be seen as a middle-of-the-road fantasy prospect team, with some standout players like Patrick Mahomesand Travis Kelce. Mahomes and Kelce are top-round picks in all fantasy formats without question. For Xavier Worthy, a first-round draft pick, the main concerns are his level of involvement, ability to handle a substantial workload early on, and staying healthy given his smaller frame. These are valid questions, especially in dynasty formats, making Worthy a shaky investment unless the environment suits his play style.
Conversely, I would fade players like Isaiah Pacheco and Hollywood Brown. Both have enough data and film to show their capabilities, but their return might not justify the risk of underperformance. Pacheco has benefited from an effective offensive line, but his performance in open space has been inconsistent. Hollywood Brown has played with good quarterbacks like Kyler Murray and Lamar Jackson but has struggled to shine. Now in Kansas City, it's uncertain whether Mahomes can bring out the best in him and what his role will look like.
Overall, the Chiefs have a rich selection of players who could yield significant returns this year, especially in redraft formats. They also have multiple IDP-relevant players. However, in dynasty formats, it’s crucial to consider the long-term picture, players’ roles, and their potential fit in the team’s scheme. For instance, Justin Watson has shown promise but needs consistent field time and a defined role for fantasy success.
In conclusion, don’t shy away from the Kansas City Chiefs in fantasy football. There’s a lot to be optimistic about, but exercise caution and be more selective in investment-oriented formats like dynasty football.
Schedule:
Week 1 vs. BAL
Week 2 vs. CIN
Week 3 @ ATL
Week 4 @ LAC
Week 5 vs. NO
Week 6 BYE
Week 7 @ SF
Week 8 @ LV
Week 9 vs. TB
Week 10 vs. DEN
Week 11 @ BUF
Week 12 @CAR
Week 13 vs. LV
Week 14 vs. LAC
Week 15 @ CLE
Week 16 vs. HOU
Week 17 @ PIT
Week 18 @ DEN
Strength of schedule: (.502)
DraftKings Projected Wins: (12-5)
#Gr1m_FF prediction: (10-7)
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