On Tuesday, ESPN senior NFL writer Bill Barnwell released his annual column ranking the NFL’s best and worst playmaker groups, evaluating which teams have provided their quarterbacks with the most potent supporting cast. The Kansas City Chiefs, a team historically known for their explosive offense, were ranked 12th, marking their highest position in four years.
This development comes as the Chiefs continue to navigate the post-Tyreek Hill era, with the star wide receiver having been traded during the 2022 offseason. Despite this, the team has managed to maintain a competitive offensive lineup, though not without challenges.
Travis Kelce: The Aging Star
While Travis Kelce has been a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ offense, his performance in recent seasons suggests that age may be catching up with him. Entering his age-35 season, Kelce set career lows in several statistical categories last year, including receiving yards and touchdowns. His decline in production has raised questions about his ability to remain a dominant force.
“Father Time might have finally gotten to the best tight end in NFL history,” Barnwell noted, highlighting Kelce’s drop in key metrics.
However, some analysts argue that Kelce’s reduced numbers could be attributed to the increased defensive attention he attracts. With the potential return to form of wide receivers Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy, Kelce might find more opportunities to excel if defenses are forced to spread their coverage.
Running Back and Wide Receiver Dynamics
The Chiefs’ running back situation remains uncertain following Isiah Pacheco’s injury-plagued season. Pacheco, who suffered a fractured fibula, hopes to bounce back after adding weight to improve his durability. Meanwhile, Kareem Hunt’s return provides depth, though his performance has been inconsistent when stepping into a lead role.
At wide receiver, the Chiefs are cautiously optimistic. Rashee Rice showed promise before an ACL injury cut his 2024 season short. His potential return, alongside Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown, could rejuvenate the Chiefs’ passing game. Worthy, in particular, demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, averaging 2.0 yards per route run late in the season.
“If the Chiefs can somehow get full seasons out of Rice, Worthy, and Brown, we could see something more like the younger, more explosive version of Patrick Mahomes,” Barnwell speculated.
Strategic Adjustments and Future Outlook
The Chiefs’ strategy has evolved, with a planned shift of focus from Kelce to Rashee Rice in 2024. However, Rice’s injury disrupted these plans. As the team looks forward, maintaining player health will be crucial to realizing their offensive potential.
Additionally, the Chiefs aimed to bolster their running back corps during the NFL Draft but were unable to secure a top pick. Instead, they are relying on Pacheco’s recovery and the potential surprise contributions from Elijah Mitchell, who could play a role similar to Jerick McKinnon.
Despite these challenges, the Chiefs remain a formidable force on paper. Their ranking at 12th reflects both the potential and the uncertainties surrounding their roster. As Barnwell concluded, this position is contingent on the team’s ability to stay healthy, a factor that eluded them in 2024.
AFC West and League-Wide Context
In the broader context of the AFC West, the Chiefs’ ranking is notably higher than their divisional rivals. Barnwell placed the Las Vegas Raiders at 20th, the Los Angeles Chargers at 22nd, and the Denver Broncos at 23rd. This positions Kansas City as the leading offensive team in their division, despite not breaking into the top 10 overall.
As the Chiefs prepare for the upcoming season, their focus will be on optimizing their offensive weapons and ensuring key players remain healthy. The potential synergy between a rejuvenated receiving corps and a resilient running back lineup could see the Chiefs reclaim their status as an offensive powerhouse in the NFL.
For a detailed analysis of Barnwell’s rankings and evaluations of other teams across the league, readers are encouraged to explore his full column on ESPN.
