2015 NFL Preview: Chiefs poised for a postseason berth
AFC Previews
BUF | MIA | NE | NYJ
BAL | CIN | CLE | PIT
HOU | IND | JAX | TEN
DEN | KC | OAK | SD
NFC Previews
DAL | NYG | PHI | WAS
CHI | DET | GB | MIN
ATL | CAR | NO | TB
ARI | STL | SF | SEA
Kansas City Chiefs
| 2014 Record | 2014 Finish |
|---|---|
| 9-7 | 2nd in AFC West/7th in AFC |
No team wants to finish the season in seventh place, just outside of the playoffs. It was especially disheartening for the Chiefs considering two of their stars, Derrick Johnson and Eric Berry, were sidelined. With their defense getting back to full health and a few impact additions on offense, Kansas City will be eyeing a spot in the postseason this January.
Highlight of 2014
The Chiefs captured the loudest roar at a sports stadium in Week 4, thanks to a raucous crowd on hand for their Monday night matchup with the Patriots. Fueled by the cheers, the Chiefs blew out the eventual Super Bowl champs 41-14.
Preseason Power Ranking - #18
A strong defense and superstar running back will again carry the Chiefs throughout the year, but questions at the quarterback position and across the offensive front will likely prevent the team from taking the next step. More ...
2015 Season Outlook
Head Coach: Andy Reid
Off. Coordinator: Doug Pederson
Def. Coordinator: Bob Sutton
Andy Reid has overcome questionable clock management skills to post a 20-12 record since taking over as the head coach in Kansas City. He'll have a good chance to make it three straight winning seasons in 2015.
Bob Sutton had the unenviable task of trying to scheme a defense without two of his biggest impact players. Sutton's unit finished fifth in the league in sacks, but their relentless pass rush didn't result in turnovers, as they tied for last with six interceptions. Expect that number to rise this season.
Key Additions
- WR Jeremy Maclin
- G Ben Grubbs
- CB Marcus Peters (1st round)
- G Mitch Morse (2nd round)
- WR Chris Conley (3rd round)
- G Paul Fanaika
- S Tyvon Branch
Key Departures
- C Rodney Hudson
- WR Dwayne Bowe
- TE Anthony Fasano
- DT Vance Walker
Jeremy Maclin will rejoin his former coach and give the Eagles the No. 1 receiver they've lacked for the last few seasons. Alex Smith isn't going to become a prolific passer, but he now has a pair of high-end targets in Maclin and emerging tight end Travis Kelce.
Losing center Rodney Hudson to free agency was a significant blow for an offensive line that was already surrounded by question marks. The team is hoping veterans Ben Grubbs and Paul Fanaika, as well as rookie Mitch Morse, will give them a desperately needed talent infusion up front.
Bold Predictions
Marcus Peters will lead the league in interceptions. The first-round cornerback has already shown his playmaking skills in training camp, and with Sean Smith set to miss three games due to a suspension, Peters will be forced into action as the team's top cover man early in the season. With their pass rush continuing to harass quarterbacks, Peters will take advantage of hastily thrown balls and deliver eight picks in his debut season. - Justin Boone
Knile Davis will finish with more total yards than Jamaal Charles. Knile Davis is one of the league's most capable backups, and emerged as a capable receiver in his second pro season. Davis never missed a game through his first two seasons, and his durability hasn't ever been questioned. The same cannot be said for Charles, who fought off various ailments throughout his career. Davis is just 24 years old, and was groomed to succeed Charles; he'll get his opportunity sooner than most expected. - Arun Srinivasan
The Chiefs will lead the NFL in receiving touchdowns. Kansas City went all of 2014 without a wide receiver catching a touchdown pass. That will change this season with the addition of Jeremy Maclin, who will help the Chiefs rack up more receiving touchdowns than any other team in the league. - Caitlyn Holroyd