Predicting the Kansas City Chiefs Chiefs offensive stat leaders

After an offseason of significant change, let’s look at who we believe will be the Kansas City Chiefs’ statistical leaders on offense in 2022.

The Kansas City Chiefs offense is going to be a little different than in previous years. Key players include both familiar and new faces. Which players will end up being the Chiefs stat leaders on offense in the 2022-2023 season?

Passing

Barring a catastrophic event, expect Patrick Mahomes to be on top of any and every passing category for the Chiefs. Mahomes last season tossed 37 touchdowns supplemented by 4,839 yards. 2022 brings along questions in regards to the major overhaul of weapons. Andy Reid seems to be going with the “Travis Kelce and the gang” approach. If we’ve learned anything over the years, Reid will be consistent and put the ball in the air. Therefore the numbers should resemble Mahomes’ averages from his first 4 years running this offense.

Here are our predictions for Mahomes’ passing totals for 2022.

• Touchdowns – Patrick Mahomes: 41 (2021: Mahomes: 37 (2021)
• Passing Yards – Mahomes: 4,877 (2021: Mahomes: 4,839 (2021)

Rushing

This current roster includes some familiar faces in the backfield, but the exception is Darrel Williams who led the team in touchdowns and yards in 2021. Each of Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s seasons in the NFL have seen its share of games missed due to injury. If that trend continues, it will open up more opportunities for others.

Former Buccaneer Ronald Jones hopes to see significant playing time but seventh-round pick Isiah Pacheco is another name to watch.  With an offense that likes to take advantage of multiple talents, Jerick McKinnon and Derrick Gore should also get a chance to be involved. This has been the healthiest offseason for Clyde Edwards-Helaire which will result in a productive campaign in his young career.

Here are our predictions for the Chiefs’ rushing leaders in 2022.

• Touchdowns – Clyde Edwards-Helaire: 7 (2021: Darrel Williams: 6 (2021)
• Yards – Edwards-Helaire: 947 (2021: Williams: 558 (2021)
• Long – Ronald Jones: 78 (2021: Derrick Gore: 51 (2021)

Receiving

During the regular season, Tyreek Hill had 159 targets and reached the end zone 9 times, a total that tied him with Travis Kelce. Kelce should now command the majority of looks from Mahomes. It’s notable that Mecole Hardman has more experience and production than any returning wide receiver in this offense.

Newly acquired Marquez Valdez-Scantling put together the best offseason, according to Nate Taylor. JuJu Smith-Schuster and Skyy Moore also figure to handle a bulk of the snaps. Other players may find crucial roles with the philosophy changing more or less. Even so, the pecking order starts with Kelce and where Andy Reid finds the best mismatches each week.

Here are our predictions for the team’s receiving leaders in 2022.

• Touchdowns – Travis Kelce: 10 (2021: Kelce,  Tyreek Hill: T-9)
• Yards – Kelce: 1,278 (2021: Hill: 1,239)
• Receptions – Kelce: 101 (2021: Hill: 111)
• Longest Play – Mecole Hardman: 84 (2021: Hill: 75)