5 bold predictions for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs walks off the field during a game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 31, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs walks off the field during a game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 31, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 08: Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Chris Conley (17) warms up before the football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans on October 8, 2017 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 08: Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Chris Conley (17) warms up before the football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans on October 8, 2017 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Chris Conley will catch six touchdowns

On the surface, predicting a starting wide receiver for the Chiefs to catch six touchdown passes doesn’t seem very bold. In the case of Chris Conley, it actually is. He’s coming off a torn Achilles that limited him to just five games in 2017.

More interestingly, Conley has only managed to catch one touchdown pass in his entire three-year career. That’s a pretty low total considering he’s got just over 900 yards receiving in his career. It’s likely bad luck that’s kept him out of the end zone.

If he’s healthy, he’s got a real chance to post a career season in 2018. The presence of Watkins and Tyreek Hill is going to leave Conley with single coverage on almost every route. He doesn’t need to be great to produce good numbers given those circumstances. Conley may have one of the easiest receiving jobs in the NFL.

If he can catch 50 or 60 balls it’s reasonable to think the touchdowns will come. Projecting six might be a bit of a stretch, but he’s going to receive almost no extra attention from defenses in the red zone. Travis Kelce and Watkins will get all of the pressure there due to their size. Look for Conley to fly under the radar and into the end zone on at least six occasions for this dynamic attack.