Predicting the K.C. Chiefs MVPs, Rookie of the Year, and final record
With the K.C. Chiefs first meaningful game getting under way this weekend, I thought it would be fun to take a look at what I think might happen during the 2021 season. I get it. If you hate predictions, this isn’t for you, but I enjoy taking a look at the possibilities and coming up with realistic scenarios.
In this article I want to take a look at who I think the Chiefs offensive MVP will be as well as the breakout player on that side. I also want to look at the same for the defense as well as the Chiefs rookie of the year and overall record prediction.
If you want to give me your predictions, direct them to my Twitter and we can discuss.
Offensive MVP: Patrick Mahomes
I feel bad stating the obvious, but you’d be hard-pressed to go against the best player in the NFL in Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes will be the MVP and I think he wins the overall MVP as long as the NFL doesn’t fall in love with someone new. It can be difficult to win MVP when expectations are for you to throw for over 5,000 yards every season and lead your team to the Super Bowl.
The addition of the 17th game means Mahomes is going to start breaking a lot of records. Not only will the addition of that game add to the already gaudy numbers he puts up, the revamped offensive line will give him more time than he’s ever had in the NFL.
While Mitchell Schwartz and Eric Fisher are gone, Orlando Brown Jr. and the extreme talent on the interior of the offensive line should make up for those losses. Mahomes with time is going to pick apart opposing defenses to the point that it is almost unfair.
Offensive Breakout: Clyde Edwards-Helaire
I wanted so badly to go with Mecole Hardman or a great story in Jody Fortson, but I just don’t believe the playing time will be there for those guys. Hardman is going to be in a time share with Demarcus Robinson and Byron Pringle and the new addition of Daurice Fountain could spell even less opportunity.
As far as Fortson goes, Travis Kelce is still on this team. Even if Kelce needs a break, Noah Gray and veteran Blake Bell are seemingly going to get the first crack. I just don’t see enough opportunity for either one to breakout, at least in the traditional sense.
If you know me, I thoroughly disliked picking a running back in the first round. I won’t get into that here, but I do think Clyde Edwards-Helaire has immense talent. I believe having a year in the system along with the revamped offensive line will do wonders for CEH. His touchdown numbers should skyrocket as he should be getting a much better push in the red zone. His receiving numbers could also impress given his reputation as a pass catching back.
The only thing potentially holding him back is Jerrick McKinnon. McKinnon is a very good all-around back when healthy. However, as long as CEH gets more involved in the passing game this season, I fully expect a breakout season.