KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (12-6)
OPEN CAMP: July 29, St. Joseph, Missouri
LAST YEAR: Started 1-5 before winning 10 straight to reach playoffs, beating Houston for first postseason win since 1993 season. Made run without RB Jamaal Charles (right ACL) and with OLBs Justin Houston and Tamba Hali dealing with injuries late in year. Defense allowed just 17.9 points per game, third best in league, to help overcome offense that once again struggled to score points under coach Andy Reid.
IMPORTANT ADDITIONS: OT Mitch Schwartz, WRs Rod Streater and rookie Demarcus Robinson, LB Jonathan Massaquoi, DT Chris Jones, OL Parker Ehinger.
IMPORTANT LOSSES: FS Husain Abdullah, SS Tyvon Branch, DT Mike DeVito, OG Jeff Allen, OT Donald Stephenson, QB Chase Daniel.
CAMP NEEDS: Test recovery of Charles and Hali from knee surgery and progress of Houston after surgery to left ACL in February. Identify backup quarterback after Daniel's departure from among Aaron Murray, Tyler Bray and Kevin Hogan. Decide how carries will be split with Charles returning to RB corps that includes Spencer Ware, Charcandrick West and Knile Davis.
EXPECTATIONS: Chiefs believe Broncos are vulnerable in AFC West, but loss of Houston to knee injury for start of season hurts chances of division title. Second straight year of earning a wild card would be another sign that Reid and GM John Dorsey have Chiefs on track for sustained success.
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