2024 Expectations:

Although some may focus on the loss of L’Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans, the Chiefs still have their most important IDP, defensive lineman Chris Jones. The Chiefs gave up 21 points in a loss to the Detroit Lions in the opening game of the 2023 season… they didn’t have Chris Jones that game and gave up almost four points more than their average. 

In addition to that the Kansas City Chiefs should have an improved offense this season. This will help the defense with more pressure on quarterbacks by playing with a positive game script. The AFC West could be the worst division in the NFL yet again, which should benefit the Chiefs as well.

Steve Spagnuolo is one of the greatest defensive minds to ever be associated with football, and he has four superbowl rings to prove it. In fact he is the only defensive coordinator to have four superbowl rings, and the only defensive coordinator to win for two different franchises (New York Giants and Kansas City Chiefs). He knows a thing or two about this game, and how to put his players in the best position for them to succeed.

BEST FF IDPs: In order of ranking

LB Nick Bolton
DL Chris Jones

DB Justin Reid

Nick Bolton has experienced injuries in the early start to his career, but it hasn’t stopped him from being one of the best linebackers in the NFL. He had a team leading 13 tackles in the Super Bowl, and is a true tackling machine. He recorded over 100 tackles in each of his first two seasons, including a 180 tackle mark two years ago.

In addition to that Nick Bolton is in a contract year, and will be looking to get paid like star Chris Jones did. Bolton was the first draft pick for the Chiefs in 2021 (2nd round), and with a strong performance could receive a nice paycheck with another strong season. Add N. Bolton to your team if you are looking for a high floor, three down linebacker. And honestly who isn’t?

Chris Jones may be the most important Kansas City Chiefs player. He is everything Aaron Donald used to be, if not more. He earned 10.5 sacks last year and has 75.5 for his career, which is incredibly difficult to do from the interior of the defensive line. He has a realistic chance to be in the 100 sack club, rare air for a defensive tackle.

He is a paid man, and will go down as one of the best Kansas City Chiefs of all-time. The crazy part is he’s not slowing down. Jones is entering his ninth NFL season and it appears as though he is in his prime. Another double digit sack season and 20 QB hits are well within reach as the Kansas City Chiefs seek their third Super Bowl in a row. He plays through double teams and still managed 30 tackles last year. He may not be the best weekly option, but against weak offensive centers and guards he can have a high fantasy point total.

Justin Reid becomes one of the Chiefs leaders with Sneed no longer there. He will be asked to step it up and do more in Spagnuolo’s defense even though he is coming off a career year in which he stuffed the stat sheet. He had the most tackles of his six year career (95), he had 3 sacks, and 1 interception. 

Reid has put a lot of effort into becoming an all-around hybrid defensive back In doing so he will continue to see more time inside the box, and could be lined up against pass catching tight ends in man coverage. 100+ tackles are in the works for J. Reid this season as long as he avoids injuries. Reid is worth a draft pick and due to other defensive backs being more popular you can snag him relatively late in IDP drafts. Do not hesitate to have him in your weekly starting lineup.

Tomorrow the San Francisco 49ers.
Thank you for reading, please leave any feedback here or on my X account @IDP_Iggy

Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy