There are going to be many predictions and possibilities thrown out before Week 1 of the NFL season begins. One such prediction is whether or not the Kansas City Chiefs will remain the team to beat in the AFC.
Though the core team for the Chiefs has stayed together, there is one glaring weakness that the team is dealing with that could impact everything.
Kansas City is used to having a strong offensive line, but losing Joe Thuney derailed that completely. Thuney is the kind of player that alleviates concerns, but with his departure, the team might be betting too much on young talent.
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In fact, the Chiefs' offensive line has emerged on ESPN's concerns list, and this concern may lead to a much harder season for the team.
"The Chiefs plan to protect the blind side of Mahomes with a rookie and a second-year player switching to a new position. Josh Simmons, the first-round pick, hasn't played a game since October, when he sustained a season-ending torn patella in his last year at Ohio State. Kingsley Suamataia is the new left guard and has played one NFL game at the position. How Simmons and Suamataia perform this season will determine much of the Chiefs' success on offense," Nate Taylor writes.
Taylor is pointing to a major concern, which is that the Chiefs are betting and hoping that Simmons emerges as the perfect replacement for Thuney. Simmons has impressed a lot in camp, and the hope is that he can step up in a big way.
There are plenty of rookies who make a splash in their first season, but Simmons will be under a lot of pressure. He must protect Mahomes' blindside, and he has some big shoes to fill.
The entire AFC will also be gunning for the Chiefs, alongside the Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, and the Los Angeles Chargers.
Simmons needs to play like a pro from start to finish and make sure that Mahomes does not go down at any point with a significant injury.
For more on the Chiefs and NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
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