The 2024 NFL season is finally here, and the Kansas City Chiefs are looking to clinch their third straight title. The competition begins with Thursday night’s game against the Ravens.

Every season brings its share of surprises. We see players exceed expectations while others fall short. Some teams make unexpected playoff runs, shocking fans and analysts, while others stumble, leading to potential coaching changes.

As the 2024-25 NFL season gets underway, we dive into five bold predictions for the Kansas City Chiefs. Which players are primed for breakout performances, and what can the team accomplish this year?

This prediction isn’t exactly a foregone conclusion, but it’s something many Chiefs fans doubted in the immediate aftermath of the draft.

Coming out of BYU, Kingsley Suamataia was seen as a bit of a project. He had the physical skills to be a long-term NFL left tackle, but most thought he would need some time to develop. A redshirt year or at least starting the season on the bench seemed likely.

Fast forward to now, and things have changed. After an impressive performance in two preseason games and an unfortunate injury to Wanya Morris, Suamataia has secured the starting left tackle position. His preseason performance was solid – allowing just one QB hurry in 22 pass-blocking snaps. Sure, he was criticized for a false start against Detroit, but overall, the rookie seemed to fit in.

Of course, this prediction depends on Suamataia’s health. But if he can avoid the injury bug, expect him to anchor the left side and protect Patrick Mahomes’ blindside all season.

Chris Jones has undoubtedly cemented his place as a Chiefs legend. His dominance on the field, charismatic personality and key role in three Super Bowl victories in five years speak volumes.

After a difficult 2023 offseason while Jones waited for a new contract, he put up solid numbers: 10.5 sacks in 16 regular-season games and 0.5 in the playoffs. While good, it wasn’t quite up to his usual stellar standards. In March, just before free agency opened, he signed a massive deal that guaranteed him $95 million.

You might expect a player to slow down after landing such a life-changing contract, but Jones is no ordinary player. He’s as hungry for a three-peat as anyone on the team (well, maybe except for Patrick Mahomes). Jones clearly has his sights set on cementing his legacy and securing his place in NFL history.

That’s why I’m betting Jones won’t slow down despite his new salary. He’s laser-focused on helping Kansas City’s quest for that third straight title. His current career-high is 15.5 sacks (set in both 2018 and 2022). While he may see some load management similar to Travis Kelce, I don’t see that stopping him from potentially hitting 16 sacks.

And with the Chiefs offense likely to score more points this season, opponents will likely have to pass more often, meaning more opportunities for Jones to chase down quarterbacks.

With Aaron Donald retired, Chris Jones is now widely regarded as the NFL’s best defensive tackle. It would be fitting if he left no doubt by setting a new personal best this season.

Rashee Rice’s rookie season was impressive, with 938 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. It’s rare to see rookie receivers excel in Andy Reid’s offense, but Rice proved he could handle the pressure. His targets per game jumped from 4.44 to 8.27 after the bye week, which showed the coaching staff’s growing confidence.

Rice’s 2024 offseason had some bumps with some legal troubles. His alleged involvement in a March 2024 crash could lead to a suspension, but with his trial scheduled for June of next year, it appears that any potential suspension wouldn’t start until the 2025 season. Barring injuries, Rice should be able to sit out the entire 2024 season.

Last year, Rice’s 938 yards in 16 games put him on pace for 997 yards in a 17-game season. While Travis Kelce is still a top-tier tight end, the Chiefs may want to consider lightening his workload, especially early, to keep him fresh for the playoffs. That could open up more opportunities for Rice, especially in the middle of the field where he thrives.

The additions of Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown to the receiving corps could be a blessing in disguise for Rice. Defenders could play more conservatively to prevent big plays, potentially creating favorable matchups that Rice can take advantage of.

Given those factors — a full season ahead, potentially fewer snaps for Kelce, and more favorable coverage — Rice could have a breakout year. After coming so close to the 1,000-yard mark in 2023, he’s well-positioned to eclipse that mark in 2024.

Trent McDuffie has been turning heads since he entered the league. He earned a 1st-Team All-Pro nod in his sophomore season, which is pretty impressive. But here’s the highlight: zero interceptions in his career. It’s a bit of a mystery, and probably the reason he missed out on a Pro Bowl selection last year. More picks, and he’d get a lot more love from fans and pundits alike.

McDuffie may not be the biggest or longest cornerback out there, but make no mistake, he’s an elite player. Steve Spagnuolo trusts him in crucial moments, and he was one of the unsung heroes of Super Bowl LVIII. Remember that crucial play just after the two-minute warning in the second half? McDuffie blitzed and broke up Brock Purdy’s pass on 3rd down. If the 49ers had converted there, they could have run out the clock and potentially scored a game-winning goal. No three-peat chase for the Chiefs if that happens.

So why might McDuffie be headed for a pick-fest this season? First, the defense could see more pressure. Just as Chris Jones could be chasing a career-high in sacks, McDuffie could see more opportunities for interceptions. As the Chiefs’ offense improves, opponents will likely get behind the plate, throw more often and take more chances. That’s a recipe for picks.

And then there’s the whole “regression to the mean” thing. After two seasons without an interception, it wouldn’t be a shock to see McDuffie make up for lost time with a bunch of picks this year.

Even with L’Jarius Sneed out of the picture, McDuffie is poised for an excellent season. Don’t be surprised if he finally gets those interception numbers up to match his All-Pro status.

The Kansas City Chiefs are on the verge of making NFL history. They have a chance to win three consecutive Super Bowls, a feat no team has ever accomplished. While a few teams have won back-to-back, no team has managed to secure that elusive third consecutive victory or even reach the Super Bowl in a third year. KC might just change that narrative.

It’s clear this team is laser-focused on another championship. I mean, the confetti was still falling after Super Bowl LVIII when Patrick Mahomes started talking about winning Super Bowl LIX. We’ve heard Chris Jones express his dedication to the three-peat , and it’s a safe bet the rest of this team shares that hunger for more.

So, why is this three-peat possible? Let’s break it down: First, the Chiefs don’t have any glaring weaknesses. Sure, they could shore up certain positions, but there are no major black holes in their lineup (no Oakland Raiders offense). Second, their wide receiver corps has improved significantly since last season, especially in terms of deep threats—a previous sore point. Second, their defense, rumored to be the MVP of their entire 2023 season, is expected to remain elite. And finally, let’s not forget that Patrick Mahomes is still their quarterback.

Many consider a three-peat impossible, and while it’s undoubtedly a Herculean task, it’s not unachievable. Seven teams have won back-to-back Super Bowls, but none have reached the third. The usual culprits? Losses of key players or coaches, injuries, or a significant roster cut. The Chiefs don’t appear to check any of those boxes—at least not yet.

Every season tells its own story, and 2024 isn’t automatically linked to 2023. While their recent Super Bowl wins don’t guarantee another, they certainly don’t rule it out either. If we look at this season in isolation, the Chiefs have the best quarterback, head coach, defensive coordinator, and an impressive roster. They have as strong a case as anyone to win Super Bowl LIX and become the first three-time champion of the Super Bowl era.