Kansas City Chiefs 2020 Season Preview

  • 2019 record: 12-4
  • Head Coach: Andy Reid
  • Offensive Co-Ordinator: Eric Bieniemy
  • Defensive Co-Ordinator: Steve Spagnuolo
  • Biggest Addition: Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB)
  • Biggest Loss: Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (G)
  • Breakout Candidate: Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB)

2019 Season

The Chiefs ended a half century long drought by defeating the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl, giving head coach Andy Reid his first ring in the process. Patrick Mahomes’ playoff performances confirmed him as the best player in the NFL… Other than the brief scare they had in the middle of the season when Mahomes dislocated his knee cap, that is about all that needs to be said.

Off Season

After winning the Super Bowl the Chiefs seemed to have focused their attention on retention. They have succeeded on this front and kept hold of all their big hitters, tying down Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones to long-term deals. In terms of recruitment there isn’t much to get excited about outside of their draft class. First-round running back Edwards-Helaire has the potential to have a big year and they have added some interesting pieces in terms of depth throughout the draft.

Offense

Mahomes is the best quarterback in football and he leads what is probably the best offense in the NFL. The frightening thing for NFL defenses is that he might get even better! He carried a slight knee injury in 2019 and is still relatively inexperienced.

The receiving corps waiting to benefit from the brilliant arm under centre are pretty special to boot; Tyreek Hill’s lightning speed makes him unplayable at times and the supporting cast of Sammy Watkins and Mecole Hardman are more than worthy of their places. Throw in Travis Kelce, who has to be in the argument for the best tight end in the NFL, and you’re looking at a serious threat through the air.

The ground game in 2020 could give this offense an extra dimension; Damien Williams is probably underrated and we saw what he can do with his 104-yard Super Bowl performance. Joining him in the running back room is Edwards-Helaire whom the Chiefs made the top running back in this year’s draft class. If he can hit the ground running this offense can be even more devastating this season.

One slight concern for the Chiefs will be the loss of right guard, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, who became the first NFL player to opt out of the 2020 season. His loss will likely mean that Andrew Wylie slides across to the right side. However, there is now an open competition for the two guard spots, which is less than ideal for both aspects of this offense.

defense

Kansas City Chiefs 2020

There are issues in Kansas City from a defensive point of view, the front seven has weaknesses and relies heavily on the work of Frank Clark and Chris Jones, tying down the latter to a four-year deal looks great business. The holes in this unit are not just limited to the front, they look fine at safety with the omnipresent Tyrann Mathieu alongside Juan Thornhill but there is a lack of talent at cornerback, Charvarius Ward and Bashaud Breeland are unlikely to worry the top receivers in the league, so expect teams to target this area in the coming season.

the verdict

It is very likely we will see more of the same in Kansas City, with an offense this good, the defensive frailties can be excused. The Chiefs look every inch a Super Bowl contender once again in 2020.

Kansas City Chiefs 2020 Record Prediction

13-3 (First in the AFC West)

Michael Norbury

NFL Analyst

Michael’s interest in the NFL became an obsession once his attendance at Sunday dinner was no longer mandatory, he follows the Ravens and has a soft spot for the Dolphins. You can find him on twitter @NORBURYMIKE.

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