The Kansas City Chiefs have lofty goals for the upcoming NFL season.
Oddsmakers have the Chiefs grouped among nine elite teams in the league with a projected win total of 10.5 or better entering the season.
To reach that threshold, they will need quarterback Patrick Mahomes to resemble a version of himself that was nonexistent last season.
For the first time in his career, Mahomes looked human. Instead of making magical plays look routine, he struggled to carry the team and had a losing record as a starter for the first time in his career.
The late season push many expected the Chiefs to make never came and Mahomes’ season ended when he tore his ACL and LCL in Week 15.
After a long offseason rehab, the three-time Super Bowl MVP is expected to return for Week 1, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. While he didn’t play in the preseason, reports out of Chiefs training camp were glowing and several reporters noted that Mahomes looked like himself months after major surgery.
All of these factors have Mahomes as the favorite to win Comeback Player of the Year this season with +200 odds at Caesars Sportsbook.
There is notable competition this season with Aaron Donald back on the Rams and Jayden Daniels returning to Washington — both players are listed at +750 — but Mahomes has the highest ceiling of any legitimate option.
Even a pared-down version of Mahomes can still be dynamic. With Andy Reid and Eric Bieniemy back together, the offense has a chance to return to its previous glory when KC could seemingly score at will.
The Chiefs have Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce as go-to passing options as well as Xavier Worthy who can stretch defenses with his speed.
Mahomes has shown the ability to raise the level of his receivers even when they are below average. He can make use of his fourth and fifth options better than almost any quarterback in history.
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They also added another Super Bowl MVP in the offseason, running back Kenneth Walker III, to boost the rushing attack.
Walker III can give the Chiefs balance as their lead rusher and offers versatility in the passing game. He could end up being the best addition Mahomes could ask for as he looks to re-integrate himself in Kansas City’s offense.
This award has overwhelmingly gone to quarterbacks in recent years. Mahomes has a great chance to reassert himself as one of the best in the league if his left knee is healed.
At +200, Mahomes is worth a bet.
The Play: Patrick Mahomes to win CPoY (+200, Caesars)
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Malik Smith has been immersed in the sports betting industry since 2017. He’s a data nerd with a particular focus on the NBA and combat sports. He spends his weeknights in the winter looking for edges on plus-money NBA player props.
