The defending Super Bowl Champions have their work cut out for them in 2020 and despite being the favorites to win LV, face an uphill challenge to do so.
After winning the franchises first Super Bowl in 50 years, the Kansas City Chiefs immediately turned their focus to the 2020 season.
The team decided largely on a strategy to #runitback, returning 20 of 22 starters from their championship roster, and losing only three meaningful contributors from the team. This incredible retention, coupled with the ultimate flex conveyed by drafting the best running back in the draft in the first round, have made the Chiefs the odds-on favorites to repeat as champions.
But, the reality is never that simple. Does returning the Super Bowl core ensure the Chiefs of their seat at the top of the AFC West?
While the campaign to return the team largely in tact has been a rousing success from a team management perspective, how it translates on the field is yet to be seen. They’re optimistic, but these are five signs that Kansas City may regress in 2020.
The AFC contenders, especially on defense, have gotten better
The biggest threats to the Chiefs are the Baltimore Ravens and the Buffalo Bills. The Houston Texans and the Tennessee Titans follow somewhere, distantly, after that – while both teams had nice 2019 seasons, it is difficult to see either of them repeating such performances in 2020.
But, the Bills and Ravens are legitimately good football teams who got better during the course of the offseason. Were there moves enough to close the gap, or even surpass, the Chiefs and their “Stand Pat” decision?
The answer is clearly yes, they have (at least) closed the gap.
For the Bills, the biggest components of their offseason ascension are the team being incredibly young in 2019. It should show tremendous maturation in 2020 which will lead to be a more complete effort (especially on offense) to pair with their championship-caliber defense.
Then there’s the blockbuster trade for star wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who should pair nicely with John Brown to give young quarterback Josh Allen a tremendous pair of outstanding wideouts to launch the ball too.
For the Ravens, retaining linebackers Pernell McPhee and Matt Judon, coupled with the addition of first-round pick Patrick Queen, make the Baltimore corps one of the best linebacking units in football. The league’s best rushing offense also improved, adding Ohio State superstar J.K. Dobbins in the draft’s second round.