Originally Posted by
TopekaRoy
I will!
Before I do I just wanna say that if we win or 6 or more games I will consider this game a success. In fact I would be very happy to see the Chiefs go 6-10 this year, 10-6 next year and make a run at the Super Bowl in 2015.
I think that those who are predicting 5 or 6 wins are failing to take into account how big a role special teams, a "ball control" offense, and changes from last year to the teams we play will have on the success of the Chiefs, this year. Special teams alone, with improved field position, and a couple of returns for touchdowns can win us two games, this season. This offense looks to be much improved at not turning the ball over and by sustaining drives with our running game and short passes we will keep powerful offenses on the sideline and keep our defense fresh. Having a positive turnover ratio is the single most important factor in winning. If our defense can force fumbles and get interceptions (and I believe they can), that translates to 2 or 3 extra wins.
I've broken down our opponents into groups.
Division Games:
Denver will be good this year, but not as good as last year. Champ is a year older, Dumerville is gone and Von Miller will be suspended for the first 6 games. Their running game and o-line are both suspect. Oakland is a mess. They have NO defense, no running game and no quarterback! Matt Flynn couldn't even win the starting job over Terrell Pryor. In San Diego, Rivers is on the downside of his career and his o-line can't keep him upright. We always play the Chargers tough anyway.
I see us splitting with the Broncos, winning at home on the strength of special teams and turnovers. We sweep the other 4 games.
Record: 5-1
Against the AFC South:
The Colts played inspired football last year after their head coach was diagnosed with cancer and Andrew Luck looks like a true franchise QB. I don't expect them to be as good this year, but they may still be a step ahead of the Chiefs. Houston is a very good team with few glaring weakness. Fortunately, we play both these teams at home and may be able to steal a game. If our blocking holds up early the Jags and Titans should be no problem.
Record: 2-2
Against the NFC North: (EAST?)
This is a good division, but not as good as it use to be. The Eagles are a hot mess and can't figure out who to start at QB. Reid will be highly motivated to give them a whipping and should be able to put together a good game plan against a team he is highly familiar with. The Giants are very good and I expect them to give us trouble with a lot of blitzes. The 'Skins are tough to figure out. How will RG3 perform after his injury? Will he even be on the field in week 14? With Cousins and Grossman backing him up, they have a lot of depth at QB and we play them in DC, so that could be a tough game, but I see our offense rolling in full stride by then. So that game is a toss-up. You can never tell what you are going to get with the Cowboys, but you can count on Romo to throw away a few games each year. I think the "Thunderhead" crowd will rattle him and we steal a win at home. I think we beat the Eagles, lose to the Giants and beat either the 'Skins or 'Boys.
Record:2-2
Strength of schedule equalizer games:
Cleveland and Buffalo. Sweep. We get both these teams back-to-back in weeks 8 and 9 and should be playing will by then. I know our history is not good with the Bills, but this is the year we turn it around. They are starting some undrafted free agent Tool at QB and I know we can stop their running game. That's all they got. (No seriously, the starting QBs name is Tool!)
Record:2-0
Add it up and you get 11-5. Now, every year we lose a couple we should win and/or win one or two we should lose, so I think 9-7 or 10-6 is a bit more realistic. It's really to early to say but I am optimistic about this season.
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