The Kansas City Chiefs are no stranger to the postseason under Head Coach Andy Reid, earning a trip to the playoffs in four of the past five seasons, and they're looking to defend consecutive AFC West titles for the first time in franchise history.
As part of an NFL.com series that breaks down every team's postseason chances, analyst Marc Sessler made the case for why the Chiefs will find themselves back in the playoffs in 2018.
Unsurprisingly, Sessler's top reason was the new man under center in quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Though just a second-year player with limited experience, Sessler believes in Kansas City's young signal caller.
"(Mahomes) showcases a raw and frenetic skill set, a shotgun arm and a flair for the big play. That was on display during last summer's preseason action and one impressive start against the Broncos in Week 17. Mahomes also needs time and experience, but teammates already believe in the young QB."
Additionally, Sessler has faith in Mahomes because of Reid. The Chiefs' head coach has developed a reputation for working with young quarterbacks over his career, leading to the article's second reason for why the Chiefs will make the playoffs next season.
"Kansas City's experienced coach has a full season of practice footage on his new quarterback to go along with hundreds of hours of tape-room study and personal interaction. Reid has been around seemingly forever, tutoring a laundry list of quarterbacks and building a host of playoff-worthy teams."
One of the factors that has made Reid so successful over the years is his ever-changing attack on offense, which adapts to the strengths of the players on the field. That consistent flexibility on offense was Sessler's third reason to believe in the Chiefs' success.
"Kansas City is leading the way when it comes to incorporating college concepts into the playbook. Reid once told Kevin Clark of The Ringer that he viewed the college game as "five years ahead" of the pro template.
"'Andy is a much more progressive, open-minded coach, in whatever area, than people give him credit for. He's always curious, always interested," former Eagles executive Joe Banner told Clark of Reid. "He's been talking about making the defense defend the length and width of the field for a very long time.'"
For Sessler's final two reasons, check out the rest of the article here.
