The Kansas City Chiefs are entering the 2024 season as back-to-back Super Bowl champions. The entire organization possesses a historic goal to become the first franchise in NFL history to win three consecutive Super Bowls. It's within the realm of possibility.
The 2023 season was initially an up-and-down affair. The Chiefs were defeated 21-20 in Week 1 by the Detroit Lions. There were additional instances throughout the regular season that made them look beatable. Andy Reid's inconsistent squad lost by two scores to the lowly Denver Broncos and dropped four of six contests between Week 11 and 16, including losses to the Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, and Las Vegas Raiders. But as per usual, the Chiefs flipped a switch once the postseason arrived.
The Chiefs blew out the Miami Dolphins in the wild-card round before outlasting the Bills 27-24 on the road in the divisional round, claiming their third playoff victory over the Bills in four seasons. They beat the one-seed Baltimore Ravens 17-10 in the AFC Championship to advance to Super Bowl LVIII, where they'd defeat the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 via a walk-off touchdown in overtime.
Potential history now looms large.
It's been somewhat of a busy offseason. Sophomore receiver Rashee Rice has had multiple run-ins with law enforcement. The Chiefs have undergone sweeping changes at the position after it was a constant sore spot on offense throughout 2023. The disappointing Marquez Valdes-Scantling wasn't re-signed. The Chiefs drafted Xavier Worthy in the first round, and general manager Brett Veach also signed Marquise Brown in free agency. Tight end Jared Wiley was selected in the fourth round. The hopeful outcome is a more dynamic passing attack, one that could survive Rice’s absence if he’s punished by the league.
This route by Xavier Worthy 🤧
— PFF (@PFF) August 1, 2024
(🎥 @EddieHigh) pic.twitter.com/iiypd1Vaya
Changes have occurred on the offensive line, too. Starting left tackle Donovan Smith hasn't been re-signed after he put forth an average season. Wanya Morris is expected to be the new starting left tackle. The Chiefs also drafted tackle Kingsley Suamataia, who is competing for a role.
Other notable departures include shutdown cornerback L'Jarius Sneed, who was traded to the Tennessee Titans amidst a contract dispute. Nick Allegretti, Mike Edwards, Willie Gay, and Jerick McKinnon are role players that also need replacing this season. The Chiefs need more from defenders like Nick Bolton, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Nazeeh Johnson, and Joshua Williams.
The Chiefs have won eight straight AFC West division titles. They're overwhelming favorites to make it nine in 2024. The Denver Broncos are rebuilding with Bo Nix at quarterback, the Las Vegas Raiders remain in transition, and the Los Angeles Chargers are in year one of a new regime and are already dealing with a Justin Herbert injury. Competition is nowhere in sight.
Beyond that, the Chiefs should be considered Super Bowl favorites entering the season. Changes have occurred on both offense and defense that will force rotational players into more starring roles, but the core of Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Chris Jones ultimately spearhead this team forward. So long as they remain present, the Chiefs possess a legitimate opportunity to hoist the Lombardi Trophy every year.
