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NFL power rankings: Final 32-team breakdown ahead of the 2018 draft

By Peter Panacy

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 28: (L-R) A detailed view of the pick is in for the #1 overall pick by the Los Angeles Rams during the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University on April 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 28: (L-R) A detailed view of the pick is in for the #1 overall pick by the Los Angeles Rams during the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University on April 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – JANUARY 6: Head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs looks to the sidelines just before the Tennessee Titans run the last play of the AFC Wild Card Playoff Game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 6, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jason Hanna/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – JANUARY 6: Head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs looks to the sidelines just before the Tennessee Titans run the last play of the AFC Wild Card Playoff Game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 6, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jason Hanna/Getty Images) /

124. . . Previous: . Kansas City Chiefs. 12. team

The Alex Smith era in Kansas City came to a close this offseason, and it’s second-year quarterback Patrick Mahomes‘ show from this point onward.

The Chiefs have raved about Mahomes for a while now, so there’s plenty of pressure to perform there. Yet K.C. made some interesting moves elsewhere, which is primarily the reason why this seemingly regular playoff contender drops a spot in our NFL power rankings.

First, getting rid of All-Pro cornerback Marcus Peters was odd. Sure, he has a history of clashing with coaches. But still playing on his rookie contract, one has to wonder why the Chiefs would move on that easily. Especially considering how cap-pressed they are right now. Then dishing out big deals for wide receiver Sammy Watkins and linebacker Anthony Hitchens could cause problems down the road too.

If anything, K.C.’s defense could again be problematic this season. Cornerback Kendall Fuller, who was picked up in the Smith deal, should have a nice future. But one can still question that run defense, which was pretty bad a year ago.

The Chiefs could make the playoffs in 2018. Or they could be a sub-.500 squad. That’s how things are looking right now for head coach Andy Reid and Co.