Kansas City Chiefs: 5 Bold Predictions for the 2011 Season

There has been a lot of buzz about the Kansas Chiefs heading into the upcoming NFL season.

Much of this has stemmed from their improbable '10 campaign where they won the AFC West title after going 4-12 in the previous season.

After another solid draft by the Chiefs earlier this year, KC has a young, talented team that is ready to prove that their success in 2010 wasn't just based off of an easy schedule.

Here are my bold predictions for the Chiefs '11 season.

Enjoy.

The Chiefs Will Get Significant Contributions from Their '11 Draft Picks

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 05: Jonathan Baldwin #82 of the University of Pittsburgh Panthers catches a pass against the Cincinnati Bearcats on December 5, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.(Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

In 2010, the Chiefs saw many rookies make any impact on their team in different ways.

Eric Berry became a Pro Bowl safety, while TE Tony Moeaki and WR Dexter McCluster helped out the Chiefs passing game.

Some are saying that KC's '11 draft class might be even better than the season before.

With the likes of stud WR Jonathan Baldwin and sack-master Justin Houston, the sky is the limit for KC rookies in '11.

The Chiefs Will Have at Least 6 Players Selected to the Pro Bowl Again

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CLEVELAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Cornerback Brandon Flowers #24 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates a touchdown with Eric Berry #29 against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Gett

Last season, the Chiefs got six players into the Pro Bowl, including rookie safety Eric Berry.

I think that getting six players to Hawaii in 2011 is a good possibility for this team.

OLB Tamba Hali and ILB Derrick Johnson both had great seasons last year for KC, and many believed that they were two of the biggest Pro Bowl snubs for 2010.

And with CB Brandon Flowers knocking on the door of his first Pro Bowl selection, there is every reason to believe that the Chiefs will get six or more players into the NFL's "All-Star" game in early 2012.

The Chiefs Will Lead the League in Rushing Again

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 26: Jamaal Charles #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with Thomas Jones #20 after scoring a touchdown during the game against the Tennessee Titans on December 26, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Phot

Last season, the Chiefs led the league in rushing behind Pro Bowl RB Jamaal Charles and veteran Thomas Jones.

Charles might be the best RB in the NFL, after he rushed for nearly 1,500 yards, while averaging 6.4 YPC for the season.

Jones should continue to help Charles stay fresh by getting some carries again this year.

There is no reason to think that the Chiefs won't lead the league in rushing again in '11, especially with a rushing attack that is spearheaded by a budding NFL star in Jamaal Charles.

The Chiefs Will Struggle on the Road

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots stands on the field during their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa

The Chiefs '11 road schedule could be one of the toughest that they have faced in franchise history.

They will face four '10 playoff teams, including two very difficult AFC East foes in the New England Patriots and New York Jets.

KC has had a tendency to struggle on the road in recent years, and this will have to change in a hurry if they want to beat some teams away from Arrowhead in 2011.

I see them going 3-5 on the road this year, which would be an accomplishment considering who they will have to face.

The Chiefs Will Return to the Playoffs

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 05: Jamaal Charles #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs in action during the game against the Denver Broncos on December 5, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Much has been said about the Chiefs difficult schedule that they will play this season.

However, I don't think it will be enough to stop them from making a second straight trip to the postseason next January.

The AFC West is still one of the weaker conferences with Denver in rebuilding mode and the Chargers and Raiders playing down to their competition much of last season.

All of these factors will contribute to the Chiefs returning to the playoffs this year, either from the Wild card or winning the AFC West for the second straight time.