2017 NFL power rankings: Patriots lead the way

Looking Back: One year after rebounding from a 1-5 start to finish 11-5 and grab a playoff berth, the Chiefs shook off an erratic first four games (2-2), went 10-2 the rest of the way and won the AFC West for the first time since 2012. And while this team ended its long postseason losing streak in 2015, Andy Reid’s club couldn’t build on that this season and fell at home to the Steelers in the Divisional Playoffs.

Looking Forward: The Chiefs have mastered that game of takeaway. Back in 2014, Reid’s squad forced only 14 turnovers in 16 contests. One year later, the club more than doubled their pleasure in that department (29). In ’16, Kansas City led the NFL in forcing 33 turnovers. But it’s also worth noting that Bob Sutton’s defender depended on those takeaways, which is certainly not a good habit to get into. While quarterback Alex Smith and the offense could always use a little more firepower, the Chiefs won’t get away with another season in which they finish 24th in the league in total defense and rank 26th in the NFL against the run.

Offseason needs: With veteran running back Jamaal Charles basically a non-factor in 2015 due to injuries, it will be interesting to see if the Chiefs opt to bolster this position even with Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West in toe. Age is starting to become a big factor when it comes to veteran linebackers Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali. But nose tackle Dontari Poe could become an unrestricted free agent in March. And perennial Pro Bowl safety Eric Berry, who comes off a year in which he made more than his share of huge plays to rescue the Chiefs, has already made it clear he won’t play under the franchise tag in 2017 (as he did this season).