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The NFL season will start in less than a week. It’s time to make predictions about how the conference standings and the divisions will play out.
The Kansas City Chiefs will battle with the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders in the AFC West, looking to reclaim the throne the team sat on from 2016 – 2024.
AFC West Preview: Is Everyone Sleeping on the Chiefs? | The Ringer
Reasons for
Concern
I just gave you the stats on how the offense performed with Mahomes last season. And there’s another important stat: Mahomes often carried the Chiefs with his legs, averaging a career-high 30.1 rushing yards per game. Given that he’s coming off of a knee injury, the scrambling option that got the Chiefs out of a bunch of jams last season might not be as available to him.
L’Jarius Sneed is embracing nickel role in his second act on the Chiefs | The Kansas City Star
Thus, Kansas City’s best cornerback lineup may include the young corners outside, with Sneed turning back the clock four seasons and manning the nickel.
“L.J. and I talked about it a lot, and he’s comfortable in both,” defensive coordinator Spagnuolo said last week. “Here’s his response always when I ask him: ‘Wherever you need me.’ That’s what he says. And so a little bit of it will be determined by who else is out there and what they can do.
“L.J. was always a lot like Trent (McDuffie). L.J. was always effective inside. But when we needed him to match up on somebody outside, that kind of dictated it. So that same thing might happen. We’ll see where the other guys are.”
Kansas City Chiefs set to host discarded Denver Broncos wide receiver on a tryout, but it’s probably not for the reasons you might think | A to Z Sports
Why Broncos WR Cam Ross could make sense on the Chiefs’ practice squad
The Chiefs kept Nikko Remigio as their primary punt return specialist, and Brashard Smith as their primary kick return specialist. However, that doesn’t mean that Brett Veach isn’t on the hunt for upgrades. At 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds, Ross is thickly built and durable. He has the build, demeanor, and experience to be valuable as a reserve return specialist.
Xavier Worthy’s message about Patrick Mahomes ahead of Chiefs season: ‘He’s back’ | KMBC 9
“He’s back,” Worthy said Wednesday. “It’s not potentially back.”
Worthy told reporters Wednesday that he had an up-close look at Mahomes’ work and rehab during the offseason.
He said Mahomes’ determination stood out.
“His grind, his will and want-to is beyond anybody I’ve ever seen,” Worthy said. “Whatever he puts his mind to, that’s what he’s gonna do. He kind of leads the team in that way.”
‘I Cannot Stand’ — Jason Kelce Expresses Frustration With Chiefs Posting Viral Travis Kelce Practice Clip | Pro Football Sports Network
But his brother isn’t a fan. On the latest episode of the “New Heights” podcast, which they host together, the legendary center laid into teams who constantly post clips from practice on the internet.
“I liked watching this because you’re my brother and I thought it was great. I cannot stand when teams put these clips online. The Eagles do it too. And I love the Philadelphia Eagles. And I love watching the clips, but they put out a clip of Jalen Carter beating the [expletive] out of a guy who’s trying his hardest to make the team. It’s like, dude, can we just let practice be its own thing? We don’t need to show everything.”
Around the NFL
New York Jets work out Justin Tucker, two other kickers: Source | The Athletic
Tucker is the biggest name the Jets have brought in since the departure of last year’s kicker, Nick Folk, who signed with the Atlanta Falcons in March. Tucker, 36, is an eight-time All-Pro but hasn’t kicked in an NFL game since 2024 and hasn’t been on an NFL roster since the Ravens released him in May 2025. While a free agent last year, Tucker served a 10-game suspension for violations of the NFL’s personal conduct policy after multiple massage therapists accused him of sexually inappropriate behavior.
Raiders name Kirk Cousins starting QB for Week 1 over Fernando Mendoza | ESPN
Mendoza will be the first quarterback drafted with the first overall pick to not start in Week 1 since Baker Mayfield in 2018. Playing for the Cleveland Browns at the time, Mayfield didn’t start until Week 4 after Tyrod Taylor started the first three games that season.
Kubiak didn’t comment on whether there’s an expectation for Mendoza to play this year.
“[Cousins] played really good football,” Kubiak said. “I’m happy with all three of our quarterbacks. Kirk’s had a really good offseason, very [training] camp and he’s earned it.”
Cowboys’ Stephen Jones on Pickens, Lamb: Not sure any team can pay two WRs at top of market | NFL.com
“George is really wanting to put back-to-back years on top of one another so it’ll help his market,” Jones said. “And certainly, I know at some point — as does every player in this league — will want to be rewarded with a long-term contract. So that certainly puts pressure on us to have a unique situation there at wide receiver.”
There are some instances with teams paying two receivers. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins come to mind. A.J. Brownand DeVonta Smith just were broken up in Philly. However, it’s far from the norm and takes some juggling.
In case you missed it on Arrowhead Pride
Chiefs Mailbag: What is Kansas City’s most concerning position group?
EPF Asks
Outside of injuries to certain position groups (which are impossible to predict), who do you see as first up for any practice squad elevations?I think the answer is fullback Ben VanSumeren. The Chiefs do not have a fullback on the roster, and none of their four tight ends stand out as strong run game blockers. With a significant portion of the offense being put on Kenneth Walker’s legs, VanSumeren’s skills may be needed. I suspect he chose Kansas City’s practice squad after being sold on the potential to carve out a significant role, despite not attending training camp with the team.
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