Niner Noise
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NFL power rankings: 32-team post-preseason breakdown ahead of Week 1

By Peter Panacy

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterbacks Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons and Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles meet after their game at Lincoln Financial Field on November 13, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Falcons 24-15. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterbacks Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons and Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles meet after their game at Lincoln Financial Field on November 13, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Falcons 24-15. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – AUGUST 09: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws a a pass during pre-game warmups, prior to a pre-season game against the Houston Texans on August 9, 2018 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – AUGUST 09: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws a a pass during pre-game warmups, prior to a pre-season game against the Houston Texans on August 9, 2018 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /

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

Let the Patrick Mahomes era in Kansas City begin.

There’s plenty of reasons to be excited about the second-year quarterback, who takes over starting duties after the Chiefs moved on from Alex Smith during the offseason. Mahomes has all the intangibles to suggest a star in the making — poise, a cannon for an arm, mobility and playmaking ability.

But he’s an X-factor too. It isn’t as if K.C.’s start to the 2018 regular season is easy. That’ll be an interesting test.

Fortunately, Mahomes has an excellent crop of offensive weapons to support him, namely tight end Travis Kelce, wide receiver Tyreek Hill and running back Kareem Hunt.

One should be a bit worried about the Chiefs defense, however, especially knowing it could be without safety Eric Berry (heel) and linebacker Anthony Hitchens (hamstring) to start the season. Those two are essential in helping turn around what was a questionable Kansas City defense a year ago.

If both are ready to go for Week 1, and Mahomes delivers as expected, look for the Chiefs to make a nice rise up the ranks.