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NFL 2015: Team-by-team grades

By Matt Verderame

Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates after his team scores a touchdown during the second half of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates after his team scores a touchdown during the second half of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 6, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) prepares to throw a pass against the Oakland Raiders in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) prepares to throw a pass against the Oakland Raiders in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Kansas City Chiefs

Grade: A-

What went right: Kansas City has been able to put forth one of the better defenses in the league. It is time to focus on rookie cornerback Marcus Peters, who has been nothing short of sensational in earning his first Pro Bowl bid. Offensively, general manager John Dorsey has to be very happy with the production he has gotten out of wide receiver Jeremy Maclin after signing him for $55 million this offseason. Maclin has six touchdowns and is on the verge of going over 1,000 yards.

What went wrong: The injuries that could have really derailed the season. The Chiefs watched as Jamaal Charles tore his ACL in Week 5, something that should have sunk the offense, if not for Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware stepping up. The defense has also been without outside linebacker Justin Houston for the past month with a hyperextended knee and safety Husain Abdullah with a concussion.

Offseason expectations: The Chiefs have some cap space but will need to focus on bringing back their own talent. On the defensive side, Dorsey will try to re-sign Eric Berry, Sean Smith, Tamba Hali, Mike DeVito, Jaye Howard, Derrick Johnson and Tyvon Branch. It won’t be easy, considering four of those players are either in the Pro Bowl or at that level. Also, Dorsey might do well to add a receiver.

Next: Oakland Raiders

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