2009 Kansas City Chiefs NFL Predictions

Since posting back-to-back winning campaigns in 2005 and 2006, which included a wild card berth in ’06, the Chiefs are just 6-26 the last two seasons. That was enough for the organization to request change and lots of it. Scott Pioli is in at general manager, Todd Haley has replaced Herm Edwards as head coach, and Chiefs legend Tony Gonzalez is no longer around to name a few of the big ones. With growing pains expected, find out where I have the Chiefs finishing in the AFC West in this 2009 NFL betting preview. NFL odds makers have listed the Kansas City Chiefs at +7500 to win Super Bowl XLIV.

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Offense – After a strong season in his first year as a starter since high school, Matt Cassel’s stock rose enough to land him a gig with the Chiefs. While Haley has called it an open competition between Cassel and Tyler Thigpen, Cassel is expected to be the guy when you consider that the Chiefs gave up a second-rounder to get him. Cassel stepped in nicely for Tom Brady in New England last season and led the Patriots to 11 victories. The running back position has been a strength for the Chiefs over the years with guys like Christian Okoye, Marcus Allen, Priest Holmes, and Larry Johnson, but now K.C. does not have a feature back. Johnson turns 30 this season and is no longer one of the elite runners in the league. Kolby Smith is a solid backup but he is coming off major knee injury. Because of that, Jamaal Charles could be counted on more to share carries with Johnson.

Losing Tony Gonzalez is a huge blow to the air attack. Tight end Brad Cottam is solid, but he is no Gonzalez and never will be. Bobby Engram brings his veteran leadership aboard and Dwayne Bowe appears to be the new star of the receiving unit following an 86-catch, 1,022-yard season.

The line started its improvement under the previous regime and the left side is in good shape with guard Brian Waters and tackle Branden Albert. The rest of the line will likely be pieced together with center Rudy Nswanger, tackle Damion McIntosh, and guard Mike Goff.

Defense – The Chiefs are shifting to a 3-4 defense this season, which is why their first two draft picks make perfect sense. The Chiefs scored end Tyson Jackson from LSU and tackle Alex Magee from Purdue. Jackson figures to be joined by fellow LSU alumn Glenn Dorsey at the other end and Ron Edwards is expected to take the nose. The Chiefs don’t have a proven pass rusher up front and actually set an NFL record with only 10 sacks in 16 games last season. They are hoping that the duo of Jackson and Dorsey will eventually be something special. The Chiefs have brought in experience at the linebacker spots with Mike Vrabel, Zach Thomas, and Monty Beisel. They will join Derrick Johnson to form the middle-four. Vrabel and Thomas clearly aren’t what they were, but this team should be able to benefit from their savvy and leadership.

The defensive backfield is young and still needs work, but we see more and more improvement each year. If the line can bring some more heat to give this group a chance, we could see some real strides statistically this season. Brandon Flowers is coming off a strong rookie campaign with 78 tackles and two interceptions and will start alongside Brandon Carr at the cornerback position. Jarrad Page and Bernard Pollard are both coming off solid seasons at the safety spots, combining for 181 tackles, five interceptions, and five fumble recoveries.

Prediction: 4th AFC West – I’m not so sure Herm Edwards deserved the boot so quickly, but I am a fan of the guys the organization has brought in to lead the team from the top. Growing pains are expected with all the change and the amount of young players still learning. The Chiefs should be better than they were a season ago, but not by much. The Kansas City Chiefs are listed at +1400 to win the AFC West Division at Bookmaker.

For more information on the Chiefs take a look at the 2009 Kansas City football predictions offered by another solid handicapper in Craig Trapp.

Cash in big in 2009 with world champion handicapper Jimmy Boyd’s expert football picks!

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