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CHIEFSCHIEFS
CHIEFS
2018 RECORD: 12– 4
It’s easy to forget that Patrick Mahomes entered the 2018
season with just 35 career passing attempts, because in
his first full year he made the game look easy. At age 23,
he passed for more than 5,000 yards (becoming just
the seventh player in history to do so) and threw for
50 touchdowns (the youngest ever to do it). He became
the first MVP winner in Kansas City’s 55-year history.
Repeating those numbers is going to be tough, as
Mahomes lost some of his key weapons. Running back
Kareem Hunt (824 yards in 11 games) is gone, and top
receiver Tyreek Hill faced a suspension for off-field conduct.
(He was cleared to play as of press time.) In order to keepthe Chiefs’ offense humming, Mahomes will need help.
That’s why 2019 will be an important year for fourth-year
WR Demarcus Robinson. He showed flashes of big-play
ability last year, scoring four TDs on just 22 catches. With
the departure of WR Chris Conley in free agency, Robinson
will see more time on the field even if Hill does play the
entire season. If Robinson can increase his productivity,
the Chiefs’ offense should keep humming along.
Kansas City is the clear favorite to repeat as the
division champions. The only question is how dominant
Mahomes will be now that he’s got a full season
under his belt.