Ranking the best pass rush units on the Kansas City Chiefs 2024 schedule
Many different pass rush groups are searching far and wide for ways to better affect Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Since entering the league, Mahomes has routinely fared well against opponents who like to blitz. The calmness he shows in those moments helps create huge plays for the Kansas City offense. And in other instances, Mahomes has the ability to extend plays and evade pressure with his legs to make defenses look helpless.
Entering the 2024 season, many intriguing defenses are on the Chiefs' schedule. Some teams boast solid depth, especially in the pass rush. Other franchises are looking for greater returns after remodeling their defense with offseason moves. Finally, some opposing defenses on the schedule are just looking for a reset—a new foundation.
While most defenses give their best effort against the Chiefs, these are the five best opposing pass rushes on the Chiefs' 2024 schedule. Narrowing down this list was difficult. It was challenging to decide which above-average units had to be left off to complete the top five.
Without further ado, let's kick things off with the pass rush that I ranked fifth on the Chiefs' schedule.
5. Cincinnati Bengals
It came down to the Las Vegas Raiders or the Cincinnati Bengals for the fifth spot. In the division, no pass rusher is as much a game-wrecker as Maxx Crosby. He offers a motor and effort that most teams would kill for from snap to snap. Elsewhere, the addition of Christian Wilkins in the middle of the defensive line is a huge boost from free agency. But in the end, I like the depth of the Bengals pass rush more.
Cincinnati had a bit of a down year defensively last season, but most of that was due to the up-and-down play of the secondary. Since going to the Bengals, defensive end Trey Hendrickson has routinely been a productive fixture among pass rushers. He has tallied 39.5 sacks in three seasons wearing the Bengal tiger stripes and dominated with 17.5 sacks last year.
Beyond Hendrickson, the Bengals made the underrated move to add defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins. With B.J. Hill next to him inside, plus the depth options of Sam Hubbard and Cam Sample, Cincinnati offers a wide array of skill sets when rushing the passer. Young options like Myles Murphy and Kris Jenkins Jr. will look to provide another sense of strength, as well.
When you add in the multiple looks and adjustments from defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, the Bengals can pounce on a team in a hurry.