I understand that some people feel that way but I spoke to someone today at great length that's been a frequent contributor for two decades at both ESPN and the NFL Network that had the opposite view.

Without going into too much detail, the "League" views the Chiefs as a real playoff threat this season and the consensus is that the Alex Smith move was genius, especially when coupled with Reid. The "League" has also been extremely impressed with their moves in free agency.

I was also told that the Bills have no interest in Smith, have targeted Nassib and will take him with their second round pick, so eliminate him from contention. If there's an unlikely run on QB's, they'll be more than happy to trade up into the late first round and grab him.

Take it for what it's worth. It's not "Bible" but it was interesting and I appreciated the input, especially since we're so close to the draft.

Again, FWIW.

The Chiefs aren't a playoff threat while Peyton Manning is in the AFC West.

For shits and grins, let say the Broncos, Patriots and Ravens are solid bets to win their divisions. That leaves three spots open.

I'd be shocked if both the Texans and Colts both made the playoffs in 2013. It's not outside the realm of possibility, but it would surprise to see either take a step back.

The Steelers are on a slow train to mediocrity. The Bengals seem to be stuck in neutral. The Jets and Dolphins are going in opposite directions and the Bills are a mess. The Raiders and Chargers are crap.

It's not outside the box thinking that the Chiefs could be pushing for a playoff spot in 2013.

Those teams you mentioned - the Colts, Texans, Steelers and Bengals - have a huge advantage over the Chiefs. They aren't in year one of a new system installing a completely new offense, defense, etc.

We're an 8-8 team at best next year. 2014 we can start talking playoffs if Alex Smith isn't a disaster.

I also think the Chargers are a sleeper.

We'll wild card. Ive never doubted that. Its the choice for the future that concerns me.
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9 - 7 could win this pathetic ass division so even with shitty Alex Smith @ QB we could win the division despite the QBs.

The Broncos are probably a 14-2 team.

The AFC is terrible. If the Chiefs are even average they'll be in the hunt. I actually feel like the Bengals and Colts may be the only two truly ascending teams at this point. Bengals have a good young D, a solid QB and AJ Green. The Colts have Luck. The Ravens are a mystery because they've had so many changes. Everyone else is backtracking and/or getting older.

I think the Chargers have a shit offensive line, no reliable or game breaking running back, crap at WR and a broken down tight end. With a new head coach, they're looking at 5-11 at best (at this point).

The Steelers don't have an advantage. They've been 8-8 and haven't upgraded their roster or coaching staff. The wheels are coming off the Mike Tomlin regime, and quickly.

The Bengals have an opportunity to make some noise but somehow, they fall short. I wouldn't count them out but I wouldn't count them in, either. They have extra draft choices due to the Palmer trade in a 50 deep draft.

The Texans really took a dump in December. I'm a believer in Luck and the Colts but he did take a ridiculous amount of sacks and they're changing their offense.

Nothing is a given.

Thanks for the insight Hootie.

We're ready to believe you! /Ghostbusters style :D

They were 13-3 last year.

How many playoff games did they win?

The 2011 NY Giants won the Super Bowl with a 9-7 record.

The 2008 Arizona Cardinals were two minutes away from a Super Bowl with a 9-7 record.

All that truly matters is getting into the playoffs.

The Ravens, Giants and Packers were all wild card Super Bowl winners.

Homer Dane going HAM this offseason.