NFL 2016: Regular season grades for every team
By John Buhler
Once again, the Kansas City Chiefs had themselves a solid regular season under head coach Andy Reid. The Chiefs are one of 12 teams to qualify for the playoffs. Kansas City is in prime position to orchestrate a deep playoff run in the postseason. Could this be Kansas City’s year?
Kansas City isn’t a sexy football team, but the Chiefs play in a controlled, systematic manner that makes them incredibly difficult to beat. Because they rarely turn the football over, the Chiefs can get to and win Super Bowl 51 over the NFC champion.
That being said, the regular season wasn’t all perfect for the Chiefs. Injuries to players like running back Jamaal Charles, inside linebacker Derrick Johnson, wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, and pass rusher Justin Houston has prevented us from ever seeing this team at full strength. Quarterback Alex Smith has been good, bad, and ugly at several different points this season.
However, the emergence of offensive weapons like wide receiver Tyreek HIll and tight end Travis Kelce have made Reid’s offense finally explosive. Improved play from left tackle Eric Fisher and the additions of right tackle Mitchell Schwartz gives this offensive line bite. Kansas City can win the Super Bowl, but this isn’t the best version of this Chiefs team. Solid, but limited by injuries.