Fansided

Every NFL team’s roster, ranked by preseason potential

By Rucker Haringey

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 3, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 3, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /
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8. Kansas City Chiefs

Alex Smith threw for over 4,000 yards last season but Chiefs fans are on board for the start of the Patrick Mahomes era. He’s expected to put up massive numbers in his first season as a starter. That’s a risk for the Chiefs, but he’s got the talent to make it work.

Perhaps more importantly, Kansas City has the surrounding offensive talent to make his transition as easy as possible. The Chiefs are absolutely loaded at the skill positions. Kareem Hunt is a dynamic option at running back. The combination of tight end Travis Kelce with wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins gives the team an embarrassment of riches. This team is going to score a ton of points.

The valid questions about Kansas City’s roster are on the other side of the ball. The front seven has plenty of potentially good players, but lacks a great player. Their best hope of a player having that kind of season is likely Justin Houston at outside linebacker.

The secondary has two really good pieces in the form of Kendall Fuller and Eric Berry. They should be enough to make this group solidly above average. That is, of course, if Berry can make a full recovery from his torn Achilles.

The Chiefs are a safe bet to be a pretty good team, but it’s up to Mahomes’ development to see if their ceiling can be raised to legitimate Super Bowl contender. He’s going to be given every opportunity to succeed, but it’s up to him to cash in on those chances.