Winner: QB Patrick Mahomes
The Kansas City Chiefs managed to reach Super Bowl LIX despite spending most of last season with issues along the offensive line and questionable depth at wide receiver. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes must be pleased with how much better those two position groups look ahead of Week 1.
Xavier Worthy, Marquise Brown and Rashee Rice are healthy, and Kansas City is comfortable enough with its backups that it was willing to trade Skyy Moore just before cutdown day.
With Kingsley Suamataia looking capable at left guard and rookie Josh Simmons locking down the left tackle spot, Mahomes should enjoy better pass protection this year too.
Loser: FB Carson Steele
Fullback Carson Steele got a few offensive opportunities last year as Kansas City navigated Isiah Pacheco’s leg injury. However, the 2024 undrafted free agent proved to be an inconsistent rushing option and ended up playing just 18 percent of the offensive snaps.
Steele’s experience in Andy Reid’s offense gave him a shot at sticking on Kansas City’s active roster. If he doesn’t land on the Chiefs’ practice squad, however, he could have a hard time getting back on a regular-season playing field. He has limited upside as a halfback, and few teams around the league incorporate a dedicated fullback into their offense.