Kansas City Chiefs Preview 2021

NFLNFL Preview 2021AFC Preview 2021AFC West Preview 2021AFCAFC WestKansas City Chiefs

Sep 4

Our Kansas City Chiefs preview 2021 notes that K.C. has won the AFC in the last five seasons, gone to the Super Bowl twice, and won it once. Last year, the Kansas City Chiefs (16-3 Overall, 4-2 AFC West) went to the big game, losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9-31. Most, including Sports Betting Smarts, expect they will rule the West again.

Chiefs Offense

The K.C. offense starts with Patrick Mahomes. In 2020, he passed for 4,740 yards, posting 38 TDs, and allowing six picks. He led the top-ranked passing offense in the NFL (303.4), while the Chiefs were 16th in ground yards (112.4). They scored 29.6 PPG (2nd) and recorded a third-down percentage of .490 (3rd). The O-line, which allowed 24 sacks (5th), has eight new players, including premium guard Joe Thuney (New England).

Mahomes has two prime receivers, TE Travis Kelce (105 REC, 1,416 YDs, 13.5 YPC, 11 TDs) and WR Tyreek Hill (87 REC, 1,276 YDs, 14.7 YPC, 15 TDs). RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (181 ATT, 803 YDs, 4.4 YPA, 4 TDs) recorded solid rookie numbers. RB Darrel Williams also offered yards. This dynamic offense averaged 415.8 YPG (1st NFL).

Kansas City Chiefs Preview – Defense

The Chiefs allowed 22.6 PPG (11th NFL), while their total defense was 358.3 YPG (16th). They gave up 236.2 YPG passing (14th), 122.1 YPG rushing (21st), and made 32 sacks (19th). Our Kansas City Chiefs preview 2021 notes that DT Chris Jones (7.5 SCKs, 28 QBH) anchors the front. Although the defensive ends are questionable, Frank Clark has big-play potential. Inside there’s quality in Jarran Reed (Seattle), Derrick Dnadi, and Tershawn Wharton.

The biggest concern on D is linebacker. At Mike, Anthony Hitchens (78 TKLs) leads the unit. Returning from meniscus surgery, OLB Willie Gay possesses premium athleticism. Ben Neimann is versatile enough to play any spot. Safety Mathieu Tyrann recorded six of Kansas City’s 16 picks (T-5th NFL). Coming back from ACL surgery, safety Juan Thornhill struggled. It’s hoped he’ll bounce back. Corners Charvarius Ward and L’Jarius Sneed (3 INTs) are solid. Safety Daniel Sorenson (3 INTs) can make big plays.

Kansas City Special Teams

K.C. special teams are a mix. Although rookie punter Tommy Townsend had a powerful leg, he had issues with accuracy and consistency. Placekicker Harrison Butler was solid on field goals (25/27) but missed six of 54 PATs. Byron Pringle handles kick returns while Mecole Hardman Jr. could have a breakout year.