Game-by-Game Predictions for Kansas City's 2013 Season

With the 2012 regular season in the books, the Kansas City Chiefs know their opponents for 2013 and will learn their schedule shortly before the NFL draft.

Home: Denver, Oakland, San Diego, Houston, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Dallas, New York Giants

Away: Denver, Oakland, San Diego, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Philadelphia, Washington, Buffalo

Although many expect changes to occur from now until the season opener in eight months, we'll briefly look at each opponent with the current Chiefs roster and see how the team would do if the new season got underway today.

Since Andy Reid became the new head coach of the Chiefs, fans are excited to kick off the new season at Arrowhead Stadium. After a 2-14 season, Reid can only help the Chiefs improve in 2013.

After experiencing an unhappy fanbase at home, fans will not longer fly banners and boo the team. They will attend games, proudly sporting their red, and hope for a better homestand.

Here are game-by-game predictions for Kansas City's 2013 season.

Denver Broncos, Division Match

In both meetings against the Broncos in 2012, the Chiefs came away with only four field goals. Ryan Succop connected on three field goals in the first meeting at home and made one in the season finale in Denver.

After a 2-3 start, Peyton Manning helped lead the Broncos to an 11-game winning streak, which they hope to extend this weekend in the second round of the playoffs.

Manning, who doesn't respond well to pressure in the pocket, might find himself in trouble against the Chiefs at times. The Chiefs defense is capable of providing pressure, but the offense won't deliver.

Matt Cassel, who is still under contract for two more seasons, and Brady Quinn struggled to find their pass-catchers throughout the year. A game like this would require Jamaal Charles, who led the AFC in rushing this past season, to carry the team. And Chiefs fans know that Charles alone, as great as he is, isn't enough to carry the Chiefs.

Predictions

Home: Broncos win, 21-13.

Away: Broncos win, 31-10.D

San Diego Chargers, Division Match

The San Diego Chargers had no problems sweeping the Chiefs in 2012. The Chargers have won each meeting in San Diego since 2008 and got a chance to play the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on a non-prime-time game to get over the Monday Night Football hump.

Philip Rivers got through Kansas City's defense with ease to help the Chargers score and win big. Along with their offensive success, the defense came up with many stops and kept the Chiefs away from putting up a lot of points on the scoreboard.

Charles has struggled against the Chargers in his career. Charles might do better against the Chargers in 2013, but if he doesn't have any quarterback help, the 2013 matches against the Chargers will feel like reruns of the 2012 games.

Predictions

Home: Chargers win, 35-17.

Away: Chargers win, 31-14.

Oakland Raiders, Division Match

The Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders have had an interesting rivalry the past few years. Neither team has managed to hit the spotlight nationally or become very relevant. Even more interesting, the road teams seem to do better.

Since 2007, the Raiders have won every meeting at Arrowhead Stadium, while the Chiefs have taken eight of the last 10 showdowns in Oakland.

But because of how bad the Raiders have been, it is always expected that the Raiders will fall to the Chiefs in Kansas City each season. It's been the complete opposite, as the Raiders have come into Kansas City and forced fans to leave disappointed.

Note that Charles got the ball only five times at home against the Raiders; Reid would definitely use his best player far better than offensive coordinator Brian Daboll did.

The Raiders, who have won five of their last 19 games—three of those against the Chiefs—aren't a good team. If the Chiefs make a few adjustments, they should do well against the Raiders.

Predictions

Home: Chiefs win, 17-14.

Away: Chiefs win, 24-21.

Houston Texans, Home

The Chiefs defense has to be ready for the Houston Texans' strong passing game. Matt Schaub finished 11th in passing yards, barely surpassing the 4,000-yard mark.

Brandon Carr went on to play for the Dallas Cowboys and Stanford Routt was cut after a disappointing season. Brandon Flowers remains the only reliable cornerback on the team. Eric Berry, despite his Pro Bowl invitation, didn't make much of an impact this year coming off an ACL tear from the season before.

With the loss of Romeo Crennel, who Tamba Hali and Derrick Johnson flourished under, the defense may take a step back. Reid has not yet decided what he wants to do in terms of style of defense, but a switch to the 4-3 could hurt some of the players.

Prediction

Texans win, 41-27.

Indianapolis Colts, Home

The Chiefs showed that they can run the ball just as well as any team in the NFL. Despite losing to the Indianapolis Colts, the Chiefs ran for 352 yards and gave the Colts a run for their money before they won and earned a wild-card spot in the playoffs.

Even though Andrew Luck struggled, Kansas City's one-dimensional offense failed to take advantage and could never take the lead.

With Reid expected to make a change at quarterback, the Chiefs could find themselves possibly beating one of the top teams in the AFC. For now, it's hard to give the Chiefs the upper hand with Cassel and Quinn.

Prediction

Colts win, 28-20.

Cleveland Browns, Home

The Cleveland Browns have been on the bottom tier of the NFL, but have had good success when it comes to playing the Chiefs. Trent Richardson can only improve on his rookie season, while the special teams unit seems to have its best games against the Chiefs.

Outside of Charles' 80-yard touchdown run from the first play from scrimmage, the Chiefs never scored again against the Browns last month.

But at home, Chiefs fans would like to believe that with better coaching, a team like the Browns won't be able to walk in to Arrowhead Stadium and win easy. The Chiefs have captured only four home wins in the last two seasons combined, but a difference in coaching could help the Chiefs change that, even with the current roster.

Prediction

Chiefs win, 21-14.

Dallas Cowboys, Home

The last time these two teams played, Miles Austin established his mark after catching 10 passes for 250 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning touchdown catch-and-run in overtime.

Even so, that game is an example of the defense finding ways to limit opposing offenses and not getting rewarded for its effort by the offense. Depending on when this game is played, the Chiefs defense could have a pick-party against Tony Romo, who struggles in season finales when the season is on the line for the Dallas Cowboys.

The Cowboys, who kicked off the 2012 season by stunning the New York Giants, were very inconsistent this year. Perhaps a better-coached Chiefs team could get the job done at home.

Prediction

Chiefs win, 23-21.

New York Giants, Home

The New York Giants are a dangerous team in the postseason. However, like the Cowboys, no one knows what to expect from them in the regular season.

Eli Manning owns two Super Bowl rings and deserves to be considered an elite quarterback, but even he has a hard time making the right plays.

The two interesting matchups are Brandon Flowers going up against Victor Cruz and the Giants defensive line lining up against the Chiefs offensive line. Although Justin Tuck and Jason Pierre-Paul took a step back last season, the two shouldn't be taken lightly as they both look to rebound in 2013.

The Chiefs have to consider leaving a tight end or running back as an extra blocker to help Cassel or Quinn keep the pass-rushers away. Otherwise, it will be a long game for the quarterbacks.

Prediction

Giants win, 31-17.

Jacksonville Jaguars, Away

The Jaguars and Chiefs own the first two picks of the draft, and both teams need a lot of help this offseason.

But the Chiefs still had success from some of their individual players, as five players made the Pro Bowl. The Jaguars, on the other hand, had none.

Blaine Gabbert, who looks like he may not stick around for another year in Jacksonville, is the type of quarterback defenses love to go up against. A strong defensive stand could translate into good fortune for the offense, even if it means letting Charles take charge.

Prediction

Chiefs win, 27-3.

Tennessee Titans, Away

Although the Tennessee Titans have only four more wins than the Chiefs, they finished with double the amount of touchdowns—18—in 2012.

Jake Locker found himself below Michael Vick and Mark Sanchez in passing touchdowns, but that could change over time as he gains more experience. Locker has Chris Johnson, who finished ninth in rushing, by his side to help move the ball offensively.

No team gave up more points than the Titans, who allowed 471 points on the season. Kansas City's offense should find a way to score more points because they will be more focused and better prepared with Reid as their coach.

Prediction

Chiefs win, 34-21.

Philadelphia Eagles, Away

Welcome home, Coach Reid. Actually, you never know how Eagles fans will welcome a former key player or former coach.

With that said, the Eagles are similar to the Chiefs. Both teams have a lot of bright-eyed talent and had high expectations. Both teams are disappointed with their seasons and will have a new head coach in 2013.

Despite Vick's issues on offense, the Eagles still found ways to score, but the defense gave up too many yards and a lot of points. After a 3-1 start, the Eagles lost 11 of their final 12 games of the season.

If DeSean Jackson stays healthy, he could have a good game against the Chiefs. On the other side, Dwayne Bowe and Charles could have big games as well.

Prediction

Chiefs win, 34-31.

Washington Redskins, Away

The Chiefs learned what it was like going up against Luck last year, and have an opportunity to meet another good quarterback from the 2012 draft class in Robert Griffin III.

The Redskins concluded the regular season with a seven-game winning streak and won the division in the season finale against the Cowboys. The Redskins had the fifth-most touchdowns this year, which spells trouble for the Chiefs in a head-to-head meeting.

Not only does the defense have to step up, but the offense will have a hard time catching up to a young and high-powered Redskins offense.

Prediction

Redskins win, 45-20.

Buffalo Bills, Away

Since 2008, the Chiefs and Bills have met each season. Like the Browns, the Bills have been one of the worst teams in the NFL, yet they've had their good moments come against the Chiefs.

Kansas City's only head-to-head win since 2008 came in 2010 when they barely won in overtime.

It's safe to say the Chiefs underestimated the Bills under Herman Edwards, Todd Haley and Romeo Crennel. But there is no way Reid allows his players to think that they can walk on water against bad teams like the Bills.

Reid will coach his players up and make sure that they not only find a way to win against teams like the Bills, but that they earn it.

Prediction

Chiefs win, 28-17.

Overview; What the Chiefs Must Address in the Offseason

The Chiefs are projected to go 8-8 in this slideshow. This is all based on who they have at the moment. 

The question is, can the Chiefs get better with coaching alone? No. But can coaching make the biggest difference with the team? It sure can.

The Chiefs are already moving in the right direction after being the first team to replace their head coach among those searching for a new one.

Clark Hunt seems more serious this year after a big letdown in 2012. If Hunt, Reid and the new staff can follow up with a strong offseason and a good draft, the Chiefs 2013 season could be similar to the one they had in 2010, where they surprised many times and rose to the top of the AFC West.

For now, Reid's guidance will help the team improve. With new talent on the way, Kansas City is expected to have better years ahead.