NFL – Kansas City Chiefs are finally Super Bowl favorites with DeAndre Hopkins – a comment

By Andreas Reiners

Numbers actually never lie. And yet the 6-0 Chiefs don’t look like 6-0 Chiefs this NFL season.

Which is mainly due to the problems on the offensive. The long-term injuries like wide receiver Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown, who have left qualitative holes in the squad.

There is also tight end Travis Kelce, who is looking for form. And star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who can’t find his teammates, often finds the opponent.

The fact that the defending champions are the only undefeated team is mainly thanks to their excellent defense.

Since numbers don’t lie, the injured Rice still has the most yards, even though he hasn’t caught a pass since Week 3.

And Mahomes has more interceptions (eight) than TD passes (six).

Kansas City Chiefs not ready for title

That’s why the whole thing didn’t seem fully developed and ready for the title. Until now.

Because a trade at the receiver position was mandatory given the ambitions, and with DeAndre Hopkins the Chiefs took the logical step. On the one hand, they can afford the five-time Pro Bowler, which is also because the 32-year-old’s performance curve has passed its peak.

But there is no question that the future Hall of Famer still has enough in the tank to provide crucial support to the Chiefs’ offense and at the same time relieve the pressure.

It’s important to remember that Hopkins still had 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023. 173 yards this season seems paltry, but it must also be seen in the context of the 1-5 Titans, who are currently not competitive.

DeAndre Hopkins: Adequate alternative for Patrick Mahomes

Hopkins doesn’t have to shoulder the Chiefs offense alone, rather he will bring in his own strengths as a proven route runner with good hands with first-round pick Xavier Worthy and his speed and Kelce with his experience and skill and offer Mahomes much-needed alternatives on the field.

This makes the Chiefs more unpredictable again.

Coaching mastermind Andy Reid will ensure that Hopkins starts the engine again. If anyone can push the veteran to peak performance, it’s Reid. This increases the likelihood that other problems in the offense will be resolved and that the Chiefs can also make an impact on the other side of the ball.

NFL: No more excuses for the Chiefs

Nice side effect: There are no more excuses for the Chiefs’ offense with a receiver of Hopkins’ class. And with JuJu Smith-Schuster there will soon be another option, as the 27-year-old should get fit again in the foreseeable future.

The Chiefs want to make history, they are aiming for their third SB win in a row, something no team has ever achieved. Despite the injuries, the offensive fundamentals are excellent thanks to Hopkins. Now Mahomes and Co. have to deliver. Everyone involved will have to be measured by the trade and the possibilities.

The good thing: Numbers (almost) never lie. Certainly not a title.