The Kansas City Chiefs have had a boom or bust existence so far. From the awful 80s to regular playoff appearances in the 90s, they have always been up and down.
With the arrival of Andy Reid in 2013 they have had consistent success, and this has been boosted by the drafting of Patrick Mahomes in 2017. Last season, he won NFL MVP and has been setting records from the moment he stepped onto the field.
As a young team, they are still finding their way, but there's no doubting they are ready to win it all if things go their way.
What pieces do you need to add to build on reaching the AFC Championship last year?
Team Rating
OFFENSIVE: This team is exciting on attack, but needs help elsewhere
The Chiefs start life in Madden rated 80 OVR. With a top offensive rating of 84 OVR, but an undervalued defense on 77 OVR. They have a lot of talent in the team, with a focus on X-Factor Superstars QB Patrick Mahomes (97 OVR) and TE Travis Kelce (96 OVR).
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They also have great depth at WR, with Tyreek Hill (94 OVR), Sammy Watkins (82 OVR) and Demarcus Robinson (74 OVR). This is supported by Superstar RT Mitchell Schwartz (91 OVR) and Star RG Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (78 OVR).
On defense, they have a stacked defensive line with Stars such as RE Frank Clark (83 OVR), DT Chris Jones (89 OVR) and LE Alex Okafor (76 OVR). Alongside them are the Stars in the backfield including SS Tyrann Mathieu (87 OVR), Rookie FS Juan Thornhill (69 OVR) and CB Kendall Fuller (88 OVR).
So how can you improve this team to fight for a Lombardi trophy?
Biggest needs
The big problems you should be looking to address are focused around the Centre and the Left Outside Linebacker.
Offensive Linemen are rarer this year. You can't win a Superbowl with a choice of Austin Reiter (58 OVR, 67 run block, 62 pass block) or Nick Allegretti (58 OVR, 65 run block, 67 pass block).
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The Linebacker position lacks a bit of depth across the board, but the particular problem is in the left side. Damien Wilson (70 OVR, 52 Zone Cover, 79 Tackle) is a scheme fit player and definitely not the worst, but his Speed (81) might leave you exposed against the better offenses.
Trade Targets
Luckily, these positions are catered for in the Free Agency but if you do want to break the bank, SS is a position that has some real studs in the NFL right now.
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These are some of the best in the league, and if you can, throw all your picks at the teams to get them as it will make you a huge title favourite.
Travis Frederick, Centre (94 OVR)
GAME CHANGER: Frederick will do the dirty work for your explosive offense
Age: 28
Best Stats: Awareness (96), Run Block (95), Impact Block (95), Lead Block (93), Strength (93), Pass Block (91)
There's not many players on Madden that can be described as perfect. But seeing all the green on Fredericks rating card is pretty close. With the lack of OL talent in the game, it's a shock to hear Frederick is only the 3rd best OL on his team.
The Cowboys are stacked and that might just be the only reason they would let Frederick go - you'll have to offer multiple 1st rounders, but boy is he worth it.
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He has elite everything. Run Block (95) with Impact Block (95) and Lead Block (93) is going to give a huge boost to the run game. His strength (93) and Pass Block (91) is going to keep your star player Mahomes, alive.
As a Centre, Awareness (96) affects the performance of the whole OL, which not many players realise. Pay over the odds for this man.
Jerome Baker, Left Outside Linebacker (76 OVR)
HIDDEN VALUE: Baker will be mid 80s before you know it
Age: 22
Best Stats: Acceleration (89), Speed (89), Pursuit (84), Tackle (83). Play Recognition (76), Block Shedding (75)
This is more of an underrated gem. If you have managed to get a star safety with a huge offer, you are going to be looking to fill this slot with someone more reasonable. At 22, Baker is prime to take advantage of a lot of XP growth.
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His Speed (89) and Acceleration (89) will be a problem for defenses. His Zone Cover (65) is not the worst positionally and can be worked on. Pursuit (84) and Tackle (83) are important for this system.
Free Agency Targets
These guys won’t cost you draft picks, but you’ll need some cap space to sign them.
Mason Foster, Middle Linebacker (77 OVR)
JOURNEYMAN: Don't expect Foster to wow you, but he will do a job
Age: 30
Best Stats: Acceleration (87), Play Recognition (87), Tackle (86), Pursuit (84), Awareness (84), Hit Power (80)
Foster was a 3rd round pick in 2011 and has spent a chunk of time with the Buccaneers and Redskins. He is a league journeyman and isn't going to dominate - However, with a light Free Agency in the position he can come in and allow Darron Lee to move to LOLB and increase his rating (74 OVR, 87 Speed, 65 Zone Cover).
He's slower across the middle at (77) but does have acceleration over 10 yards (87). He will get off blocks (76) and chase down defenders with pursuit (84).
John Sullivan, Centre (72 OVR)
PLUG IN: 1 year stand in to get you to the big game
Age: 34
Best Stats: Impact Block (86), Strength (85), Lead Block (84), Awareness (80), Run Block (79), Pass Block (75)
The Chiefs have an unbalanced line. The right side is great, the left side could be better, and the centre is terrible. This is purely a one year solution to get you through the games without being destroyed from the Centre position.
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Sullivan is a strong (85), solid veteran with good awareness (80). This matters on OL, and he's still good in the running game with Run Block (79), Lead Block (84) and Impact Block (86).
Draft Targets
This team has a decent young core, which means that most drafts will be about building on this with the best players available. Any other starters on the offensive line would be valuable and cement the skill players for years to come.
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