Kansas City Chiefs Stats, Odds, Standings, Schedule, 2023 NFL Season

In 2022, the Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl and will be favored in Las Vegas NFL odds to repeat. It seems like we are on the verge of another dynasty within the NFL, with the Chiefs being led by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the reigning MVP of the regular season and Super Bowl. There are some concerns about the offseason, but the team is still in good hands heading into 2023.

Kansas City Chiefs Last Season’s Performance

You can’t have a better season than the Chiefs did last year. They beat the Philadelphia Eagles in an amazing Super Bowl, winning their second over the previous four seasons. Mahomes headlined NFL news by winning his second MVP award, leading the team to a 14-3 record.

However, heading into 2022, there were a lot of questions about the team. After the team traded away Tyreek Hill, people speculated that Mahomes might struggle without a star receiver. On top of that, there were some concerns about the defense and if it could hold its own.

All those questions were answered, with Mahomes having a sensational year, leaning more on tight end Travis Kelce. Then on defense, Chris Jones continued to be a top defensive tackle, helped out by a young secondary behind him.

The Chiefs would be slight underdogs in the Super Bowl according to NFL lines, and go into halftime down 10. However, a solid fourth quarter, scoring 17 points, won them the game.

Kansas City Chiefs Key Additions

Like in 2022, the Chiefs suffered significant losses in the offseason, which has a chance to change NFL spreads. The key losses are offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. However, Kansas City again managed to retool.

The Chiefs signed offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor to a massive contract worth $80 million over four years. On top of that, they also signed Donovan Smith to secure the offensive line. The Chiefs did not make a big splash free agent signing at wide receiver, hoping to replicate Smith-Schuster’s production from within, but they did draft Rashee Rice in the second round.

The defensive side of the ball also got a boost with the signings of pass rusher Charles Omenihu and linebacker Dru Tranquill. The defensive line was a point of emphasis in the draft, selecting three rookies, one in the first round with Felix Anudike-Uzomah.

Kansas City Chiefs Key Subtraction

This offseason saw more key members leave the Chiefs, affecting NFL odds. For one, Brown joined the Cincinnati Bengals, possibly the biggest challenger to the Chiefs in the AFC. He immediately improved the Bengals, who needed help on the offensive line. That was hardly the only vital name to leave the offensive line, Andrew Wylie signed with the Washington Commanders.

While Smith-Schuster did not dominate in Kansas City, like many expected, he still was second in receptions and receiving yards. He joined the New England Patriots, while another wide receiver, Mecole Hardman, signed with the New York Jets.

The defense was also not safe from losing key players. Safety Juan Thornhill and defensive tackle Khalen Saunders decided to leave the team for bigger paychecks. In a money-saving move, the Chiefs also cut Frank Clark.

Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Analysis

After winning his second Super Bowl, Andy Reid has cemented himself as one of the top head coaches in the NFL. Winning another would put him closer to the top in the league history. His offensive creativity has helped begin this possible dynasty, while the hiring of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has continued to pay off.

However, offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy left this offseason, which has a chance to affect NFL picks. Still, the Chiefs easily retooled by promoting Matt Nagy, who was the offensive coordinator in 2017, before leaving to become head coach, then returning in 2022.

Kansas City Chiefs Injured Players at the Beginning of the Season

Health will play a significant factor in the Chiefs’ possibly repeating as Super Bowl champions. So will the offense, and the injury history of Kadarius Toney, projected to be the top wide receiver for this team, is concerning, with him being hurt once again in training camp. He is questionable for NFL Week 1. On top of that, surprise lead running back Isiah Pacheco is also questionable for the start of the season. The defense seems to be on its way to starting the season healthy, with Mike Danna being the only crucial name hurt.

Kansas City Chiefs Offense

Despite the loss of Hill, Kansas City’s offense seemed to manage in 2022. Mahomes made it work with the receivers at his disposal, throwing for 5,250 yards, 42 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. He heavily leaned on Kelce, with 110 receptions for 1,338 yards and 3 touchdowns. That led to the number one offense in yards and scoring.

However, with Smith-Schuster gone and Toney’s inability to stay healthy, there are concerns about the receivers on the Chiefs. The hope is that Mahomes can keep making magic with his options in Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Jerick McKinnon, and Skyy Moore, with each player likely being asked to do more. Furthermore, Rice could make an immediate impact.

The Chiefs have also found something in the running game between Pacheco and McKinnon. There is a possibility that the Chiefs could use the running backs a little more this season.

Kansas City Chiefs Defense

While the Chiefs’ offense is the star of the show, the defense has often been the unsung hero. The stats never look impressive, possibly because they get the other team’s best effort every week, but the defense still plays a crucial role for Kansas City. It all starts with Jones, who had 15.5 sacks last season, making him a Pro Bowler and All-Pro.

Jones anchors the defensive line, but is surrounded by other solid players, like rookie George Karlaftis III, who was a standout with six sacks. With him likely to improve in year two and the addition of Omenihu, the Chiefs will have talent up front. Furthermore, the linebacker duo of Nick Bolton and Willie Gay Jr. are cleaning everything up in front of an exciting young secondary headlined by L’Jarius Sneed and Justin Reid.

Kansas City Chiefs Special Teams

Kicker got a little weird for the Chiefs in 2022, with safety Reid at one point taking extra points and kickoffs due to injuries. The team went through three kickers, with Harrison Butker being the original starter before getting injured. He will be the starter again in 2023, doing a solid job when healthy. Punter won’t be an issue with Tommy Townsend making the Pro Bowler and All-Pro team last season.

Kansas City Chiefs Prediction for the 2023 Season

The Chiefs have high expectations in 2023. They are coming off their second Super Bowl in four years, having made it to the AFC Championship Game every season since 2018. Something is brewing in Kansas City, and a possible dynasty seems likely. Now the team needs to follow through on that, which can be a lot of pressure. This offseason saw a lot of talent leave, but the Chiefs also had a great draft while bringing in some free agency replacements to remain favorites to win the Super Bowl.

Kansas City Chiefs Final Thoughts

Every year the Chiefs have Mahomes, they have a chance at the Super Bowl. This team will be no different. However, with the rise of the Chiefs in the AFC, many teams have risen to challenge them. It is not an easy path, with the Los Angeles Chargers in the division and the Bengals, Buffalo Bills, and Baltimore Ravens being tough possible opponents in the playoffs.

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