Kansas City Chiefs NFL Betting Odds

2010 Season

When the Kansas City Chiefs finished last in the AFC West division two seasons ago with a poor record of 4-12, expectations were low that they would improve very much last season. But improve they did, and not only did they end the season with a winning record of 10-6, but they finished first in their division, with much credit to general manager Scott Pioli and head coach Todd Haley.

2011 Off Season

One of the first things Scott Pioli did when he was hired by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2009 was to hire head coach Todd Haley, which turned out to be a very smart move. The duo changed the culture of the team by letting it be known that no player was guaranteed a starting position, which meant - like Avis - the players tried harder, with obvious results. In fact, offensively the Chiefs even led the league in rushing yards per game last season, while defensively they held their own. In the off season the Chiefs' signed up WR Steve Breaston, FB Le'Ron McClain, OT Jared Gaither, NT Kelly Gregg, LB Brandon Siler and S Sabby Piscitelli, and used the 2011 NFL Draft to sign WR Jonathan Baldwin, LB Justin Houston, C Rodney Hudson, NT Jerrell Powe and CB Jalil Brown.

2011 Preview

After such a huge change in the form of the Kansas City Chiefs in just a single season, many NFL betting fans will be closely watching the team this season to see if they can make it to the playoffs once again, and progress beyond the first round. Kansas City have become a well-rounded team that are capable of taking on even the toughest rivals thanks to their ability to run the ball, and they'll be looking to do more of the same this season. Offensively, however, QB Matt Cassel needs to improve on his pass attempts, as last year he completed just 14 out of 57 pass attempts of 20 yards or more. But he has little to worry about in terms of RBs Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones, who both shined last season, while WR Dwayne Bowe made 15 touchdown passes. Defensively, Kansas City dazzled last season, with a number of standout players including LB Tamba Hali, CBs Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr, and even SS Eric Berry, who despite struggling some here and there, showed that he has the potential to be great. The addition of former Ravens NT Kelly Gregg in the off season should aid the defense even more this season.

2011 Prediction

If the Kansas City Chiefs play like they did last season - especially with their easy schedule in the first part of the season - they could end up in the pound seats by racking up a number of wins (and their confidence) early on, to bolster them when they have to face tougher rivals down the line. The question is whether the Chiefs will rise to the occasion this season or whether they'll fold under the pressure? Judging by their form, we suspect the former.

**Our Pick

Detractors of the Kansas City Chiefs will be hoping that the departure of the team's former offensive coordinator Charlie Weis will play havoc with their offense this season, but we doubt coach Haley - who has a handle on most aspects of the Chiefs' game - will let that happen. We see the Kansas City Chiefs top of the AFC West on 12-4.