NFL 2015: Five new teams that will make playoffs
Finally, we get to the Kansas City Chiefs. After going 11-5 and 9-7 over the last two seasons, respectively, there is reason for optimism in the heartland. Kansas City is entering its third season under head coach Andy Reid, a man who led the Philadelphia Eagles to five NFC Championship games during his tenure there.
However, and most importantly, the Chiefs are getting back some key players along with welcoming a few more. Kansas City lost two of its best run-stuffers in Week 1 of last year when both defensive end Mike DeVito and inside linebacker Derrick Johnson tore their Achilles tendons. The result was a drop from the 11th-ranked run defense in 2013 to the 28th-best in 2014.
With Johnson and DeVito both healthy again, the Chiefs turned to fixing the middling offense. General manager John Dorsey went out and signed the premiere receiver on the free-agent market in Jeremy Maclin to a five-year, $55 million deal. Dorsey also traded a fifth-round pick to acquire left guard Ben Grubbs from the Saints, a two-time Pro Bowler. With Jamaal Charles, Travis Kelce and Maclin, the Chiefs have firepower for quarterback Alex Smith.
The division remains difficult but the Denver Broncos were weakened by a rough offseason. Kansas City should compete for the division but at minimum, be in good position to lead a Wild Card spot for the second time in three seasons. The Chiefs already have one of the best defenses in the NFL, ranking seventh overall last year and second in points allowed.