🚀 Check out this insightful post from BBC Sport 📖
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I’m more concerned about Joe Burrow’s window closing because since he reached the Los Angeles Super Bowl in 2022, Cincinnati has not been the same.
I don’t know if I trust their organization to draft and provide the depth they need. In Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the Bengals have the most expensive offense in the NFL, from a salary cap perspective.
He’s always been able to hum a little, but the offensive line still needs strengthening and the defensive line, in particular, has been weak.
They had this weird preseason, didn’t want to give Trey Hendrickson the contract he wanted, and they drafted some good young players, but why didn’t they do that years ago?
When the Bengals had a backup QB there, it showed how much Burrow does for the team and how he really extends the play. It is strange in nature.
He’s the type of player you want in the playoffs, in the Super Bowl, because he gets more dangerous as the season goes on. But it’s sad to think that these three players won’t be there this time.
Other teams advance, because you are drafting to beat players in your division. In the AFC North, the Pittsburgh Steelers have always been consistent, but 100% the Ravens or Bengals should have won that division this season.
The Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers have built their rosters to take on the leaders in the AFC West. What happens now that the tables have turned? What will next season look like now that the Chiefs will have more draft capital?
Hopefully they can bring in or develop some star receivers. I know they wanted Rashi Rice and Xavier Worthy as well. But in reality, since Tyreek Hill left in 2022, they haven’t had a true No. 1 threat receiver.
I like that in the last two games they will be able to get their young players real NFL experience. This will be crucial and will likely give them the upper hand in the long run.
They have been working on some younger tight ends, but if Travis Kelce retires, what would that look like? Who becomes that dependable player that Mahomes feels comfortable relying on because, especially coming back from injury, he’s going to need someone he can trust.
This is a really big recovery for him. I would be surprised if he can recover to the point where he can start next season and move around. But he will always have a chance because of who he is as a midfielder and competitor.
The Chiefs have a lot of pending free agents, so how they manage that — who they bring back and who they bring in — will be a big piece of the puzzle for them.
What worries me about them returning to the playoffs next season is that the AFC West is truly competitive. Will the Chiefs beat the Broncos twice a year? Will they beat the Chargers twice a year?
I feel more confident in the Bengals and Ravens, and in either of them winning the AFC North. The Ravens are probably the most complete team. They need two more pieces on defense.
The Bengals need a complete defense, but at least they have an offense that can be solid. I feel like the Chiefs will have to start from scratch.
But for now, the three-headed monster is gone from the AFC, so perhaps the path is open for the Buffalo Bills to finally return to the Super Bowl.
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