NFL predictions: Kansas City Chiefs projected for .500 record in 2017

Judging by the latest projections about the Kansas City Chiefs, NFL analysts are definitely in “sell” mode when it comes to the team’s fortunes in 2017.

Six months ago, the Kansas City Chiefs were coming off of a very disappointing finish in the NFL playoffs against the always difficult Pittsburgh Steelers, a frustrating end to an otherwise incredible season. Not only had the Chiefs won 12 of their 16 regular season games, but they’d done so without their biggest impact players on offense (Jamaal Charles) and defense (Justin Houston) for the bulk of the season.

On the heels of their first division title in years, the Chiefs seemed poised to repeat in a very tough division, stocked with elite talent and exciting prospects. Yet what unfolded over the next few months was an unexpectedly dramatic offseason, where players were unexpected released (Jeremy Maclin, Jaye Howard), the future was the focus (Patrick Mahomes trade) and even a general manager was fired.

Heading into the 2017 season, it’s clear that much of the NFL has forgotten just how dominant the Chiefs were last season in the AFC West. Last season’s No. 2 seed has been recast as a middling team, with as many question marks as sure things. Even fans seem to be downcast about this year’s fortunes. Nate Davis of USA Today echoes these sentiments with his predictions for the season, where he has the Chiefs going 8-8 on the year.

"Of their five non-divisional road opponents, four were playoff teams last year (Patriots, Texans, Cowboys, Giants) … as if their AFC West battles didn’t present challenge enough. But if the Chiefs can hold it together until December, playing at Arrowhead from Weeks 14-16 could give them a decisive edge."

Davis is right to point to the schedule—perhaps the single toughest in the entire NFL this year. Yet the Chiefs are also the “tough” part of other teams’ schedules. They’re a loaded roster from top to bottom with a rare amount of continuity in very key areas, including the secondary and offensive line. Andy Reid has captained ships through much choppier waters than the Chiefs have weathered this offseason, so suddenly shrugging them off seems like a fool’s exercise.

Maybe that’s a good thing. It’s something Reid can point to and say, “Look, no one respects you.” It’s a proverbial chip on the team’s shoulder that can further motivate a group that’s already accomplished so much. Perhaps the perceived lack of respect will end up being the push they need to earn it league-wide.