5 Bold Predictions for the 2024 Kansas City Chiefs

The 2024 NFL season is finally upon us, and the Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up to chase their third consecutive title, starting with Thursday night's game against the Ravens.

Every season brings its share of surprises. We see players surpassing expectations, while others fall short. Some teams make unexpected playoff runs, shocking fans and analysts alike, while others stumble, leading to potential coaching changes.

As we kick off the 2024-25 NFL season, let's dive into 5 bold predictions for the Kansas City Chiefs. Which players might be poised for breakout performances, and what could the team achieve this year?

1. Kingsley Suamataia starts every game at left tackle

This prediction isn't exactly going out on a limb, but it's something many Chiefs fans might have doubted right after the draft.

Coming out of BYU, Kingsley Suamataia was seen as a bit of a project. He had the physical tools to be a long-term NFL left tackle, but most thought he'd need some time to develop. A redshirt year or at least starting the season on the bench seemed likely.

Fast forward to now, and things have changed. After an impressive showing in two preseason games and an unfortunate injury to Wanya Morris, Suamataia has locked down the starting left tackle spot. His preseason performance was solid - just one QB hurry allowed in 22 pass-blocking snaps. Sure, he got dinged for a false start against Detroit, but overall, the rookie looked like he belonged.

Of course, this prediction hinges on Suamataia staying healthy. But if he can avoid the injury bug, expect to see him anchoring that left side and protecting Patrick Mahomes' blindside all season long.

2. Chris Jones sets a career high in sacks

Chris Jones has undoubtedly cemented his place as a Chiefs legend. His dominance on the field, charismatic personality, and key role in three Super Bowl victories in five years speak volumes.

After a rocky 2023 offseason that saw Jones holding out for a new contract, he put up solid numbers—10.5 sacks in 16 regular season games and 0.5 in the playoffs. While good, it wasn't quite up to his usual stellar standards. This March, just before free agency kicked off, he inked a massive deal guaranteeing him $95 million.

You might expect a player to ease off after landing such a life-changing contract, but Jones isn't your average player. He's as hungry for a three-peat as anyone on the team (well, maybe except Patrick Mahomes). Jones is clearly gunning to cement his legacy and secure his place in NFL history.

That's why I'm betting Jones won't slow down despite his new paycheck. He's laser-focused on helping Kansas City's quest for that third straight title. His current career-high is 15.5 sacks (set in both 2018 and 2022). While he might see some load management similar to Travis Kelce, I don't see that stopping him from potentially hitting 16 sacks.

Plus, with the Chiefs' offense likely to put up more points this season, opponents will probably need to pass more often. That means more opportunities for Jones to hunt quarterbacks.

With Aaron Donald's retirement, Chris Jones is now widely considered the NFL's top defensive tackle. It would be fitting for him to leave no doubt by setting a new personal best this season.

3. Rashee Rice gets to the 1,000 yard benchmark for the first time

Rashee Rice's rookie season was impressive, racking up 938 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. It's rare to see rookie receivers excel in Andy Reid's offense, but Rice proved he could handle the pressure. His targets per game jumped from 4.44 to 8.27 after the bye week, showing growing trust from the coaching staff.

Rice's 2024 offseason hit a few bumps with some legal issues. His alleged involvement in a March 2024 crash might lead to a suspension, but with his trial set for next June, it looks like any potential suspension wouldn't kick in until the 2025 season. Barring injuries, Rice should be good to go for the full 2024 season.

Last year, Rice's 938 yards in 16 games put him on pace for 997 yards over a 17-game season. While Travis Kelce remains a top-tier tight end, the Chiefs might consider easing his workload, especially early on, to keep him fresh for the playoffs. This could open up more opportunities for Rice, particularly in the middle of the field where he thrives.

The additions of Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown to the receiving corps could be a blessing in disguise for Rice. Defenses might play more conservatively to prevent big plays, potentially creating favorable matchups for Rice to exploit.

Considering these factors—a full season ahead, potentially reduced snaps for Kelce, and more favorable coverages—Rice could be in for a breakout year. After coming so close to the 1,000-yard mark in 2023, he's well-positioned to cross that threshold in 2024.

4. Trent McDuffie records 5 interceptions

Trent McDuffie's been turning heads since he entered the league. He snagged a 1st-Team All-Pro nod in just his second season—pretty impressive stuff. But here's the kicker: zero career interceptions. It's a bit of a head-scratcher, and it's probably why he missed out on that Pro Bowl selection last year. More picks, and he'd be getting a lot more love from fans and pundits alike.

Now, McDuffie might not be the biggest or longest cornerback out there, but make no mistake, he's elite. Steve Spagnuolo trusts him in clutch moments, and he was one of the unsung heroes of Super Bowl LVIII. Remember that crucial play right after the two-minute warning in the second half? McDuffie blitzed and broke up Brock Purdy's pass on 3rd down. If the 49ers had converted there, they could've run down the clock and potentially kicked a game-winner. No three-peat chase for the Chiefs if that happens.

So why might McDuffie be on track for a pick-fest this season? For one, the defense might be under more pressure. Just like why Chris Jones could be eyeing a career-high in sacks, McDuffie might see more chances for interceptions. If the Chiefs' offense steps up, opponents will likely be playing catch-up, throwing more often and taking more risks. That's a recipe for picks.

Plus, there's the whole "regression to the mean" thing. After two seasons without an interception, it wouldn't be shocking to see McDuffie make up for lost time with a bunch of picks this year.

Even with L'Jarius Sneed out of the picture, McDuffie's poised for a standout season. Don't be surprised if he finally gets those interception numbers up to match his All-Pro status.

5. The Chiefs become the first team to win three straight Super Bowls

The Kansas City Chiefs are on the brink of making NFL history. They have a shot at winning three consecutive Super Bowls, a feat no team has ever accomplished. While a few teams have clinched back-to-back victories, none have managed to secure that elusive third consecutive win or even make it to the Super Bowl in the third year. K.C. might just change that narrative.

It's clear this team is laser-focused on another championship. I mean, the confetti was still floating down after Super Bowl LVIII when Patrick Mahomes started talking about winning Super Bowl LIX. We've heard Chris Jones express his commitment to the three-peat, and it's a safe bet that the rest of the team shares this hunger for more.

So, why is this three-peat possible? Let's break it down: First, the Chiefs don't have any glaring weaknesses. Sure, they could boost certain positions, but there are no major black holes in their lineup (no offense to the Oakland Raiders). Second, their wide receiver corps has significantly improved since last season, especially in terms of deep threats—a previous pain point. Next, their defense, arguably the MVP of their whole 2023 season, is set to remain elite. Finally, let's not forget - Patrick Mahomes is still their quarterback.

Many consider a three-peat impossible, and while it's undoubtedly a Herculean task, it's not out of reach. Seven teams have won back-to-back Super Bowls, but none have made it to the third. The usual culprits? Losing key players or coaches, injury plagues, or a significant roster downgrade. The Chiefs don't seem to tick any of these boxes - at least not yet.

Each season tells its own story, and 2024 isn't automatically linked to 2023. While their recent Super Bowl wins don't guarantee another, they certainly don't rule it out either. Looking at this season in isolation: The Chiefs boast the best quarterback, head coach, defensive coordinator, and an impressive roster. They've got as strong a case as anyone for clinching Super Bowl LIX and becoming the first three-peat champions in the Super Bowl era.