Chiefs headlines for Monday, February 17
2. 2019 Chiefs
Overall record: 15-4
Super Bowl: Def. 49ers 31-20
Kansas City’s first championship team of the century was its best one. Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill were at the top of their respective games. The Chiefs defense was seventh in the NFL in points allowed, fifth in interceptions recorded and eighth in sacks.
In the postseason, the Chiefs became the first team to win three straight playoff games after trailing by double digits, including their divisional round win over the Texans that saw them overcome a 24-0 deficit. The Chiefs’ ability to overcome sizable deficits is one of the main reasons why they came in at No. 2.
1. 2024 Eagles
Overall record: 18-3
Super Bowl: Def. Chiefs 40-22
It’s hard to match the 2024 Eagles resume. Their 18 wins are tied for the most in NFL history and most by any Super Bowl champion this century. The Eagles capped off their historic season with a decisive win over a team that was on the precipice of history.
No other Super Bowl-winning team this century had a top-10 quarterback, two top-20 receivers, a 2,000-yard rusher, a big, powerful offensive line and a second-ranked scoring defense that wreaked havoc on quarterbacks without having to blitz. That’s why they’re No. 1.
10 bold NFL predictions for 2025: Breakout team, top rookie QB, MVP, Super Bowl | FOX Sports
2. Chiefs miss the playoffs in 2025
Kansas City’s weaknesses were exposed during the team’s embarrassing loss to the Eagles in the Super Bowl. Specifically, the Chiefs failed to protect their most important asset in Patrick Mahomes.
Expect Kansas City’s chief rivals — the Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals — to use Philadelphia’s blueprint and attempt to do the same thing next season. Also, the Chiefs have won the AFC West nine straight times, but with heavyweight coaches like Jim Harbaugh, Sean Payton and now Pete Carroll in the division, the road to the playoffs will get much harder for the Chiefs.
They’ll suffer a Super Bowl hangover and miss the postseason for the first time since 2015.
Most Important Free Agent Target for NFL Teams With the Most Cap Space in 2025 | Bleacher Report
Chicago Bears: OG Trey Smith6 of 8
Projected Cap Space: $63.0 million
As was already mentioned, Kansas City’s Trey Smith is the best available interior lineman in free agency this year. Marcus Mosher of The 33rd Team expects Smith’s talent, age and relatively shallow crop at the position to land the 25-year-old a deal that sails past $20 million a season.
“The top offensive lineman in free agency is...