NFL power rankings: KC Chiefs slip a bit in offseason

The Kansas City Chiefs have slipped a bit in the minds of those who cover the National Football League. Still, even those within the Kingdom would likely nod and agree after an offseason in which the team has traded proven production for a future foundation.

The latest power rankings are out from ESPN after the majority of the offseason has been decided. The Chiefs have slipped a bit from previous editions a tad after a frustrating free-agent period followed by an exciting NFL Draft.

The latest power rankings from ESPN have the Kansas City Chiefs slipping ever so slightly after taking in their offseason activity.

The Chiefs are No. 4 overall in power rankings, coming in second among AFC teams behind the Buffalo Bills, who are No. 1. In between the Bills and Chiefs are the Los Angeles Rams, the defending Super Bowl champs, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the previous year’s winner.

The slip is due to the loss of proven talents this offseason like safety Tyrann Mathieu and the trade of Tyreek Hill. The Chiefs might feel good about the younger players brought on board this offseason as well, but there’s no doubt that this team is going to need new leaders to emerge and develop. They also haven’t solved the near-crisis up front at edge rusher—even with George Karlaftis in place.

All of this is relative, by the way. The Chiefs are the No. 4 team overall here, which certainly means they’re in the conversation to win it all. It should also be noted that offseason power rankings matter about as much as a political poll the week after an election.

For the sake of some divisional perspective, the L.A. Chargers come in at No. 7, the Denver Broncos at No. 12, and the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 13.