2. Patrick Mahomes will make the Pro Bowl
Alex Smith never got the credit he deserved for efficiently executing Andy Reid’s complex game plans in Kansas City. Losing a 4,000 yard passer is going to be an issue for the Chiefs offense. Fortunately, they have a more talented quarterback waiting in reserve.
Expect Reid to ultimately open the offense up even more for Patrick Mahomes. The second-year pro has exceptional arm strength. He is simply able to make more throws down the field than Smith was during his time with the team.
That doesn’t mean there won’t be bumps in the road. Particularly early in the season, Mahomes is going to throw more interceptions than Chief fans will be accustomed to seeing. He’s going to get in a groove as the year progresses though. He’s got too much talent to struggle for too long.
By the end of the season he’s going to put up video game numbers with this offense. He’s blessed with one of the best skill position groups in the NFL. Mahomes will have multiple Pro Bowl talents to choose from on almost every passing route. That doesn’t even begin to account for the excellent running ability of Kareem Hunt.
Add it all up, and it’s easy to see that Mahomes is going to put up big statistics. That will be enough to get him a Pro Bowl invite even if he isn’t quite as good as his numbers will suggest. It’s a big year for Mahomes and he’s going to make the most of it.