The Kansas City Chiefs are still AFC West favorites. But two things could sink them

USA Today

4 days ago

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs say their blowout Super Bowl 59 defeat is serving as motivation as they embark on another season.
'We didn't play the way we wanted to play. On a nation stage – a worldwide stage. You want to go out there and be better and so that kind of helps you out on some of those extra workouts that you don't want to do or some of the different stuff in order to get better for the next season. It kind of keeps that in your mind,' Mahomes said this week at training camp. 'But now we're here. We're here. You start over. 'How can I get better for teammates? How can I get better for the guy beside me?' And going out there and attacking so that we can find a way to win that last game and not lose it.'
The Chiefs begin training camp as a contender and the favorite in the AFC West, but there are unanswered questions -- particularly on offense -- that could prevent the club from an astounding 10th straight division title and fourth consecutive Super Bowl appearance.
Did Chiefs shore up their offensive line?
The Chiefs have an open competition at left tackle after starting four different players at the position in 2024. Kansas City is high on first-round pick Josh Simmons, who is already receiving reps with the first team. Free-agent addition Jaylon Moore is playing some at right tackle while incumbent RT Jawaan Taylor is on the PUP-list.
'You got to look for the best guy, I mean, to start with, that can fill in that spot, (so) that we can have a little consistency there. We didn't have that last year and so let's work at it and see what we come up with,' Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. 'We've got some good candidates for it, and you know, we'll just see where it goes.'
The Chiefs are kicking the tires with Kingsley Suamataia at left guard as they aim to replace Joe Thuney whom they traded to Chicago.
'These are young guys that are going to get in there and compete, and I think that's a positive thing, and we're going to come out with somebody that's a good player,' Reid said about the competitions at tackle and guard.
Kansas City's shortcoming along its offensive line was magnified during the team's Super Bowl 59 loss. Mahomes was pressured 254 times on 770 total dropbacks and sacked a career-most 36 times in 2024.
How long will Rashee Rice be suspended?
A suspension for Rice seems imminent after a judge sentenced the wide receiver to 30 days in jail and five years of probation for his role in a multicar crash last year. However, a final verdict on an NFL suspension for Rice is to be determined.
'There's no timeline. The league is reviewing the matter,' NFL vice president of communications Brian McCarthy told USA TODAY Sports.
Rice was limited to only four games last year due to a season-ending knee injury, so the Chiefs have grown accustomed to playing without their No. 1 wide receiver, but his absence does affect the team's passing game.
Chiefs' Rashee Rice sentenced to 30 days in jail for role in high-speed car crash
Mahomes averaged a career-low 245 passing yards per game last year and passed for under 4,000 yards for the first time since becoming a full-time starter.
Rice entered Week 4 of last season leading the NFL in receptions (24) and was second in receiving yards (288).
'You can't worry about stuff that's going to happen down the line. You worry about how can you get better this day and how can you get better the next day? And that's how we go about our mindset, regardless,' Mahomes said about a possible suspension for Rice. 'All that stuff will handle itself.'
Three of Kansas City's first four games are against playoff teams from a season ago.
The AFC West had three clubs earn playoff berths in 2024 and the division should be stronger this year as Jim Harbaugh enters his second season in LA, Bo Nix has a under his belt, in addition to Pete Carroll's arrival in Las Vegas.
The Chiefs' track record affords them the benefit of the doubt, but uncertainty along their offensive line and Rice's looming suspension are glaring unanswered questions as Kansas City prepares to rebound from a frustrating Super Bowl 59 loss.
Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.