Very Superstitious… My Annual Chiefs Predictions – I’ll readily admit that I am a superstitious person. Most folks probably consider them weird and almost all of them drive Mrs. Rose crazy. For example, I don’t go anywhere on the Ides of March (March 15th). If it is a weekday, I take the day off from work. Neither do I believe in leaving just one item in the sink overnight. Either I will wash that single dish or cup, or I will add a clean glass, silverware, or some other item to the sink. I’ve no idea where or when I picked up this strange habit, but I’ve done it ever since I can remember. There are others, but they’re even more bizarre, and probably best left unwritten and unspoken lest one of our readers may well have me committed to a mental facility for a 72-hour hold. Scoff if you wish, but I assure you that my strict adherence to my quirky superstitions works. I’ve been alive for 53 years!
My superstitions naturally extend to our Chiefs, too. On game day, beer is essential. I have to pop the top on the first can simultaneously with the opening kickoff. It does not matter what time the game starts, it’s a hard and fast rule. While I hate the wait when we have Sunday night games, I absolutely love Monday and Thursday night games as it gives me an excuse to drink during the week. Wearing Chiefs gear during the game is mandatory, too, as is sitting in the same spot and watching the games on the same TV each week.
Last June, I penned an article, I Will Not Predict the Chiefs Win the Super Bowl but…, that offered six predictions for the Chiefs for their 2019 campaign. A few predictions were on point, while some others — not so much. I penned a later article, Confessions of a Longtime Chiefs Fan: I Didn’t Predict a Super Bowl Win but…, where I owned up to my missed predictions. The point? I wrote a prediction article in June of the Chiefs 2019 season. The Chiefs won the Super Bowl that season. I’m not one to tempt fate, so here goes my six predictions for the Chiefs 2020 campaign.
6. There Will be Football in 2020 Despite the COVID-19 Pandemic
Mind you, the season will differ than any NFL season prior, but there will be a season. I’m not sure what all steps the NFL will implement to ensure players and fans are safe this year, but I envision no fans, or fewer fans in socially distanced stadiums. I see referees, coaches, and sideline personnel in masks. Players coming off the field will get handed a mask rather than the usual jacket or Gatorade.
While it sounds crazy, I can also envision huddles outlawed for the 2020 season. The NFL will mandate weekly, if not daily, COVID-19 testing for all players and coaches during the season.
There are sure to be other changes, too. There may be a condensed season with lesser games. They may try to minimize the amount of travel required by teams. For example, a West Coast team such as the Seattle Seahawks would be unlikely to have to fly cross-country to New England to take on the Patriots. I’m sure there will be other changes and safety measures as the NFL takes extraordinary measures to help stop the spread of the virus.
There is one silver lining in the unlikely and unfortunate event they cancel the 2020 NFL season. The Kansas City Chiefs remain the reigning Super Bowl Champs until the 2021 season. However, they neither want nor need that help.
5. The 2020 Rookie of the Year Will be… a K.C. Chief!
We’ve had extensive coverage of the Chiefs top two draft picks, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Willie Gay, respectively. Future seasons will reveal that, with these two brilliant draft picks, the Chiefs will emerge the winners of the NFL 2020 draft. I assure you that one of the two will earn the NFL Rookie of the Year, and it’s entirely possible that CEH and Gay will also garner Offensive Rookie of the Year and Defensive Rookie of the Year, respectively.
The esprit de corps I wrote of last year is even stronger this year, emboldened by a Super Bowl victory and solidified by a shared sense of hardship and comradery brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. That sense of belonging will extend to the rookies, further increasing their chances and opportunities for breakout seasons.
4. The Chiefs Will be a Top Five Defense This Year
I had compiled an extensive list of reasons the Chiefs defense promises to be a top five defense in the 2020 season. However, ArrowheadOne writer, David Beck, beat me to it and did it much better than ever I could in his excellent article, The Chiefs Defense Will Be Even Better In 2020, yesterday. The one thing that I could think to add is that a healthy Frank Clark for an entire season will be a game-changer. He alone, will be the difference in the Chiefs D being a Top Five unit as opposed to a top ten unit.
I also think Juan Thornhill will bounce back nicely from his season-ending injury suffered last year. He will continue to progress from Tyrann Mathieu’s tutelage. Thornhill’s quiet confidence, football savvy, and never-quit attitude will ensure that his 2020 season is twice as productive as was his breakout rookie year. Honey Badger — The Landlord — is the IP Man to Thornhill’s inner Bruce Lee.
3. The Chiefs Will Have the Number One Offense in the NFL
In the 2018 season, Patrick Mahomes first season as a starter, the Chiefs fielded the number one offense in the NFL, posting a 12-4 regular season record and putting up 565 points.
The 2019 saw injuries to both Mahomes and speedy receiver Tyreek Hill. Both players missed significant playing time. Obviously, the Chiefs offensive output took a hit as a result. Although they were a top ten offense and went 12-4 once again, they only put up 451 points. No matter, though. They won Super Bowl LIV and that Lombardi Trophy looks mighty spiffy at One Arrowhead Way.
This year, I expect a phenomenal year for our young men from Kansas City. In fact, I expect the Chiefs to usurp the 2011 New Orleans Saints for the best offense ever in NFL history. The 2011 Saints recorded a 13-3 record, but fell short of winning the Super Bowl that year, losing to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Divisional Playoff Game 32-36. However, that loss does not overshadow the records set by the Saints offense that year:
- Most yards gained, season, 7,474
- Most yards gained, passing, season, 5,347
- Most passes completed, season, 472
- Highest completion percentage, season, 71.3
- Most first downs, season, 416
- Most first downs, passing, season, 280
- Most points at home, season, 329
- Most points per home game, season, 41.1
That’s impressive! While Patrick Mahomes is too humble and too much a sportsman to say it, I will, “Hey, Drew Brees! Hold Pat’s beer!”
2. Patrick Mahomes Will Surpass his Breakout 2018 Season.
This prediction goes hand in hand with my previous prediction. While most Chiefs fan are well aware of MVPat’s amazing first year as a starter in the 2018 campaign (5,097 passing yards, 50 touchdowns, 113.8% passer rating). Heck, his performance during the season helped bring us to our first AFC Championship since the Joe Montana years and his gritty, determined performance in the second-half of that game almost single-handedly willed us to a win. Alas, our Achilles heel — a lackluster defense — made it all for naught. Thankfully, however, that defense is no more, replaced by a younger, rejuvenated and revived squad, with much better coaching. Did I mention that the Chiefs defense will be a top five defense this season?
Seriously, however, Mahomes will continue on his campaign for a place in Canton with his best year yet. As crazy as it sounds, I think Coach Reid will take the training wheels off and let our young gunslinger run roughshod through opponents. I predict over 6,000 passing yards, close to 60 touchdown passes, and a 120.0 passer rating.
1. Last, Pastly, Previously…
… as in my article last year, I will not predict that the Chiefs will win the Super Bowl this season. After,all, I am superstitious and I don’t want to jinx it, but…
… I predict that the maintenance staff at Arrowhead One Drive will have two additional pieces of hardware to clean this February. Another trophy case will be necessary, too.
- … I predict the entire Chiefs organization will travel to Tampa, FL the first week of February 2021, culminating in a festive atmosphere where the confetti will definitely be red and gold.
- … while I can’t predict who our President will be next spring, I can predict the POTUS will invite Andy Reid and his team for a visit to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
- … I predict Patrick Mahomes will visit Disney World in early February of next year, his second visit in two years.
So, no, I’m not predicting that the Chiefs will win the Super Bowl on February 7, 2021. I’m just saying that they’re gonna be awfully busy right around that time!
I know that there will be no minicamps this year, and that training camp has not yet even started, but Chiefs Kingdom, sleep soundly, secure in the knowledge that this Chiefs fan and Arrowhead One writer is doing his part for our beloved Red and Gold!
Michael Travis Rose — ArrowheadOne
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