1. Kansas City

Projected Record: 12–5

Offense — B-

The Chiefs now are simply getting by on offense. Most of the reason for this is because of the void that Tyreke Hill left. Obviously, Mahomes is great but a declining Travis Kelce paired with very average receivers leaves the Chiefs passing game in limbo.

The star of the offense is probably a very solid offensive line that gives the protection needed for Mahomes to work his magic. The Chiefs probably have the best group of running backs that they have had in a while. Isiah Pacheco is a fierce runner who gets as many yards possible on each rushing attempt. Kareem Hunt is a huge step up for the Chiefs as a backup running back.

When healthy, the Chiefs are only satisfactory in terms of receivers. Marquise Brown has the most potential, but his production hasn’t lived up to it. Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice are the future at wide receiver, but that future has to take off soon. Travis Kelce is the Chief’s main receiving threat but his numbers tend to decline year after year.

The offensive line is solid, although sometimes stressed out by the Chief’s overemphasis on the passing game.

Defense — A-

This area has become the Chief’s primary strength over the last few years. The defense upfront is headlined by Chris Jones who does almost everything for Kansas City. George Karlaftis has become the best pass rusher for Kansas City, although rushing the passer is not really this unit’s biggest strength.

Derrick Nnadi does an excellent job of shutting down the run attack of rival teams. Nick Bolton is the standout among the Chief’s linebackers. He calls the signals and is great in run pursuit. Leo Chenal and Drue Tranquill are also effective against both the run and the pass.

The secondary can struggle at times giving up big plays because Kansas City blitzes so much. Trent McDuffie is the Chief’s best corner and best secondary player overall. The other corner is newcomer Jaylen Watson who certainly will be tested this year. The safeties are Jaden Hicks and Bryan Cook. The safety room has seen a lot of changes over the last few years so time will tell on how good both players will be this year.

Special Teams — B+

The star of special teams for the Chiefs is probably kicker Harrison Butker. He is fairly reliable although he had some struggles last year missing extra points. The punter is Matt Araiza who was at one time thought to be a can’t miss prospect at the position. He very well could be excellent for Kansas City.

The punt and kickoff returner is Nikko Remigio, who is solid if not spectacular in his role. The coverage teams are very good and are coached up well by the Chiefs.

2. Los Angeles

Projected Record: 11–6

Offense — B

Obviously the star of the offense is quarterback Justin Herbert. He is considered one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. His decision making is particularly impressive.

The receivers and tight ends are a mixed bag for the Chargers. Ladd McConkey is the best of them and had a tremendous rookie season for the Chargers. He has great hands and can stretch the field vertically as well. Keenan Allen returns to the Chargers and will be a solid veteran presence for this group. Finally, Quentin Johnson will be relied upon to step up his production this year.

The starting tight end is Will Dissly, but this group is an underwhelming unit as a whole. The running back room has a lot of questions as well. Najee Harris was picked up from the Steelers where he played last year. He is talented but needs to hit the hole as a back and not spend as much time trying to juke out defenders. The other back is draft pick Omarion Hampton who is a typical Jim Harbaugh running back who attacks defenders and doesn’t mess around.

Despite this unit losing JK Dobbins, they could still be very productive. The offensive line is a bit of a mess and needs to protect Justin Herbert better than last year. Unfortunately, the run blocking is also an area of weakness for this group. The Chargers can’t afford many injuries along the offensive front.

Defense — B+

The defensive line is solid if not spectacular. Outside linebacker Khalil Mack will be counted on to be the main player putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He is very talented, but needs to step up this year with the loss of Nick Bosa. Bud Dupree was picked up in free agency and will also need to step up for the Chargers to be effective.

The inside linebackers are Troy Dye and Daiyan Henley. This group needs to improve their efforts against the run this year as they struggled stopping the run against rivals like the Denver Broncos. The best part of the defense is definitely the secondary.