STATE OF THE FRANCHISE

The Chiefs' 2014 campaign sent fans on an emotional roller coaster. After starting the season with a 2-3 mark, the team went on a five-game winning streak before going into a tailspin over the final six weeks en route to a 9-7 record that left the team out of the playoffs. The Chiefs' subpar passing attack was an Achilles' heel, with the team's 493 passing attempts (fifth-fewest in the league) amounting to just 3,182 yards in the air. Only the Jets, Jaguars and 49ers mustered less yards on that front. The team's offensive line shares some of the blame as well, allowing the seventh-most sacks (49) in the league. Despite the team's passing woes and running back Jamaal Charles' least productive full season in terms of yardage since he was a rookie, the Chiefs somehow managed to score 22.1 points per game.

While the offense had issues, the team's defense held up its end of the bargain, limiting opponents to 17.6 points and 203.2 passing yards per game, both of which were the league's second-best marks. Much of the credit goes to the team's pass-rushers, who ranked fifth in the league with 46 sacks.

Following a 2014 season in which no wideout caught a TD pass, the Chiefs predictably re-tooled their receiving corps, parting ways with Dwayne Bowe and Donnie Avery, while bringing in Jeremy Maclin through free agency and Chris Conley via the draft. The team also welcomes reinforcements along the offensive line with the return of guard Jeff Allen (who was lost for the season early in 2014) along with the additions of second-round draft pick Mitch Morse, trade acquisition Ben Grubbs and free agent Paul Fanaika. The newcomers should aid the cause of quarterback Alex Smith, who turned in an 18:6 TD:INT ratio last year, despite the lack of production from his wideouts. Travis Kelce, who recorded 862 yards and five touchdowns on 67 catches last season, is further removed from knee woes and a candidate to see more looks, with fellow tight end Anthony Fasano no longer in the mix.

On the other side of the ball, the Chiefs' core group remains largely unchanged heading into the coming season on the heels of the unit's solid work in 2014. Linebacker Justin Houston, who was franchise tagged by the team, is the most notable returnee. The team will also welcome back multiple players from injured reserve, including Mike DeVito along the defensive line, as well as linebacker Derrick Johnson. The secondary also receives a boost with the first-round selection of cornerback Marcus Peters and the addition of free agent safety Tyvon Branch.

OFFSEASON MOVES

Key Acquisitions

Jeremy Maclin - WR, Eagles
He'll reunite with coach Andy Reid and is set to serve as the Chiefs' top wideout.

Chris Conley - WR, Georgia(ROUND 3, 76th overall)
Could emerge as a rookie starter despite the presence of promising 2014 rookie Albert Wilson.

Tyvon Branch - S, Raiders
Injuries derailed his last two seasons, but the safety was highly productive for the Raiders when healthy.

Ben Grubbs - G, Saints
The two-time Pro Bowler helps solidify the team's offensive line.

Marcus Peters - CB, Washington (ROUND 1, 18th overall)
Though dismissed by his college team last season, he's viewed by the Chiefs as a top-10 talent.

Key Losses

Dwayne Bowe - WR, Browns
Parted ways with the Chiefs after another underwhelming season in 2014.

Anthony Fasano - TE, Titans
His departure should create added opportunities for ascending tight end Travis Kelce.

Donnie Avery - WR, FA
Injuries limited him to just 15 catches in four games in 2014.

TEAM NOTES

RECEIVING GAME CHANGE
Upgrading at wideout was an offseason priority for the Chiefs, and the retool started at the top, with the team bidding adieu to Dwayne Bowe, whose 60 receptions were easily tops among the team's 2014 wide receivers. Replacing him atop the depth chart will be Jeremy Maclin, who flourished under coach Andy Reid while the two were with the Eagles. Maclin racked up 1,318 yards and 10 touchdowns for Philadelphia last season and is now further removed from the torn ACL that knocked him out of action in 2013. The team also added third-rounder Chris Conley, who brings a nice blend of size and speed to the table, plus there's hope that Albert Wilson can build on the rapport he had with quarterback Alex Smith late last season. Rounding out the team's wideout unit are Jason Avant, De'Anthony Thomas, Frankie Hammond Jr., Junior Hemingway and Da'Rick Rogers.

NO DOUBTING THOMAS
The Chiefs hope to get versatile offensive weapon De'Anthony Thomas more involved in the team's attack in his second pro campaign. After missing the first four games last year due to a hamstring injury, the young blazer ended up recording 14 carries for 113 yards and 23 catches for 156 yards. This season, Thomas has been working with the Chiefs' wide receivers after being grouped with the team's running backs as a rookie last year. Whereas Thomas can be a liability at times as a blocker in the backfield, in his new assignment, the team hopes to take full advantage of his wheels in opponents' secondaries. If the switch pans out, he could earn fantasy utility in PPR formats.

KELCE TIME
When Travis Kelce fell to the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft, it wasn't due to a lack of ability. The question remained whether he could keep things together off the field. Moreover, his first season as a professional was marred by a knee issue that limited him to just one game of action and no receptions and sent him to injured reserve. However, his talent blossomed in 2014. After losing snaps to Anthony Fasano in the first part of the season (he averaged just over 32 snaps per game prior to the Week 6 bye), Kelce saw the field at a rate of 46 snaps per game in the second half of the campaign and saw a corresponding increase in production. He finished 2014 with 67 receptions for 862 yards and five touchdowns and enters 2015 as the team's undisputed top option at tight end. Kelce's elite speed and receiving skills at the position could place him among the better fantasy options at tight end this season.

VALUE METER

Rising: Opportunity knocks for Travis Kelce, whose emergence paved the way for Anthony Fasano's departure.

Declining: Knile Davis can fill in capably when Jamaal Charles misses time, but his fantasy utility is otherwise limited.

Sleeper: Albert Wilson developed a strong rapport with Alex Smith late in the season and remains a candidate to start opposite Jeremy Maclin.

Supersleeper: The Chiefs plan to take advantage of De'Anthony Thomas's speed by using him primarily as a receiver this season.

IDP WATCH

Justin Houston - LB
Coming off a 2014 season in which he racked up a whopping 22 sacks.

Derrick Johnson - LB
He could provide triple-digit tackle totals if he can remain healthy in 2015.

Ron Parker - S
Racks up tackles assisting in the run game, including 94 stops last season.