10 bold predictions for the Chiefs 2023 season

4. Chiefs have three receivers with 600 yards

You might not think this is a bold prediction, but last year the Chiefs' third-leading wide receiver finished with 315 yards and it was Justin Watson. I do not think you will see anybody other than Kelce finish with over 1,000 yards, but I think you will see some strong seasons from the wideouts. Kelce is a tight end, of course, and is not factored into this equation and neither is McKinnon who was fourth in receiving yards last year.

My best guess is Skyy Moore finishes with 950, similar to Juju last year. He has a shot at 1,000 but it is hard to predict after last season and with the Chiefs hiding him in the preseason. His separation skills and run-after-the-catch ability will provide the Chiefs with a nice safety blanket behind Kelce. 

I already stated that Valdez-Scantling will finish with 800 yards after developing more chemistry with Mahomes. I would love to shout at the rooftop predicting that the third guy is going to be Kadarius Toney or Justyn Ross, but wait-and-see mode is best suited for them. 

The third guy I’m predicting is newcomer Richie James. He finished with 569 yards last year with Daniel Jones as his quarterback. He clearly has the ability to get open if he can put up those kinds of numbers with the New York Giants. 

He has had an interesting career to this point. While last year was a career year, he finished with a measly 10 yards per catch. In the years before that, he finished with 17.1, 27.5 and 14.4. He has shown the ability to generate production at all levels of the field. That sort of savviness could lead to a strong connection with Mahomes and 600 to 700 yards on the season.

3. George Karlaftis finishes with 10 sacks

I have already spoken about Karlaftis’ pressure stats from last season, but more importantly, he finished the season with 5.5 sacks in his last seven games of the season. He also took down Joe Burrow in the AFC Championship game.

He worked all offseason with former Chiefs great Tamba Hali to refine his hand fighting and I expect him to carry the momentum into 2023. The only thing that could hold him back is Jones’ not being there to draw double-teams to give Karlaftis one-on-ones.

With that being said, the second-year pass rusher out of Purdue has already shown the ability to adjust and he is going to get his fair share of coverage sacks with his high motor. His ceiling as a first-round pick is that of Hali and this year he will begin that journey with his first double-digit sack season.