The Kansas City Chiefs dominated Super Bowl LIV, but were crushed last season when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers triumphed. Despite that, many are predicting that the Chiefs will be back at the Super Bowl this year thanks, in part, to the fact they kept their core stars during the offseason. Indeed, if Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill can stay healthy and continue their dynamic partnership, defensive backs across the country are in for a tough ride. We also know that Clyde Edwards-Helaire was a veritable yard-gaining machine last season.
He’ll be joined by recent recruits Joe Thuney, Orlando Brown Jr, and Kyle Long on the offensive line this season. With passing covered and an offense that’s potentially stronger than it was before, the Chiefs are already piquing the expert’s interests. Although the new stream of weekly NFL predictions isn’t in full flow just yet, expect the Chiefs to regularly feature as their red-hot offense regularly blow away teams.
The Bills Look Strong but the Odds Favor the Chiefs
The Bills are expected to build on an impressive showing last season as they have looked strong in pre-season, with the key point being whether Josh Allen can maintain the same level as last season. As a result of this, the Bills are currently priced at -150 to win AFC East. However, when you look at the latest NFL odds for the Super Bowl, the Chiefs remain the favorites. The lines will almost certainly change dramatically as the season progresses. However, KC is currently +500 for the Super Bowl ahead of last year’s winners the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+700), and the Bills (+1200). The analysts are also as hot on the Chiefs as the oddsmakers. However, we know that nothing ever runs smoothly in football.
For example, we know Edwards-Helaire sprained his ankle during the second week of preseason. That’s obviously not a career-threatening injury but it’s far from an ideal start. Indeed, when a player starts to take knocks before a season begins, it could be a sign of fatigue and fragility. If the Chiefs are going to win another Super Bowl, they need everyone on top form. Indeed, when you’re the top-rated team, everyone is gunning for you. Everyone plays that little bit harder because they want to say they beat the best. That’s a heavy burden to carry and any weak links could cause the whole season to fall apart.
Everyone Will be Gunning for Kansas
Then, of course, we know there are other threats in the conference. The Clevland Browns pushed the Chiefs all the way last season. Although they lost 22-17, it was a touchback fumble from Rashard Higgins that made the difference. Without that mistake, the Browns could have won the divisional match and rewrote the story of last season. Now, with Grant Delpit set to return after a year out, along with Greedy Williams, the Browns could be even better.
Back to work in this KC heat 🔥 pic.twitter.com/VWps123ABo
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) August 24, 2021
Do they have the muscle and skill to stop the Chiefs? Possibly not, but they’re far from lame ducks. Indeed, if the Browns can stop Mahomes and Hill from working together, that opening game could be extremely tight. An opening loss could blow open the AFC West, with the Broncos, Raiders and Chargers all hoping to profit, although none of them are likely to push the Chiefs all the way.
However, when you take everything into account, the Chiefs look just as strong as they did last season. Therefore, the question is: how much better have other teams got during the offseason? If anyone can improve enough to pressure the Chiefs, that could tip the balance. If not, it could be the Chiefs’ Super Bowl to lose, although Tom Brady is sure to have something to say about that.
