The five most valuable people for Kansas City Chiefs in 2024

The Kansas City Chiefs repeated as Super Bowl champions last season, and their budding dynasty could keep rolling in 2024.

As of Wednesday, FanDuel Sportsbook lists the Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers as co-favorites for Super Bowl LIX (+600).

Here are the franchise's five most valuable people for 2024:

5. Wide receiver Xavier Worthy

The Chiefs may need Worthy (pick No. 28) to step up after fellow WR Marquise Brown dislocated the SC joint in his left shoulder during the preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Per NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the injury is expected to sideline Brown for four to six weeks, and he could miss the Chiefs' regular-season opener against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 5.

Worthy is a speedy wideout who could emerge as an explosive playmaker. He broke the 40-yard dash record at the NFL Scouting Combine (4.21) and recorded 197 receptions for 2,755 yards and 26 touchdown catches in three seasons with Texas.

Worthy only played on one drive vs. the Jaguars, logging no catches. The preseason debut shouldn't raise concerns, though, as he has made game-changing plays in training camp.

4. Cornerback Trent McDuffie

McDuffie, 23, is coming off a career year. Last season, he earned a first-team All-Pro nod despite having no interceptions in 16 games. Still, the Chiefs need him to vault to the next level in 2024.

In March, the Chiefs dealt L'Jarius Sneed — who allowed zero receiving TDs in 16 games last season, per Pro Football Focus — to the Tennessee Titans. McDuffie should assume Sneed's role as the team's No. 1 corner.

In a recent poll from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, executives, coaches and talent evaluators ranked McDuffie the No. 6 CB in the league.

"Pure, more fluid corner in space than Sneed," a coordinator said of McDuffie via Fowler."Might not be as physical as him but that's coming with experience — he has that gear. He's going to be a great one."

3. Tight end Travis Kelce

It appears Kelce — who turns 35 on Oct. 5 — no longer needs football. His romance with singer-songwriter Taylor Swift has contributed to his increased popularity, which could grant him more opportunities off the field. However, it's clear he's still passionate about the game.

"This is my sanctuary," Kelce said at the start of training camp. "Everybody may say that it is pretty grueling, but I enjoy it. There's something about this place to get you ready every single year, and I'm not going to lie, I got pretty excited as the time started counting down to get out here and get this thing rolling."

Kelce may start slowing down in 2024 but should remain critical in the Chiefs' passing attack. The future Hall of Famer has crossed the 90-reception mark for six consecutive seasons.

2. Head coach Andy Reid

Reid turned 66 in March, but he's not contemplating retirement. In April, the Chiefs announced he signed a multiyear contract to keep him with the franchise until 2029.

This bodes well for Kansas City. Reid is one of the sharpest offensive minds in the NFL. In 11 seasons with Reid at the helm, the Chiefs have ranked in the top 10 in the league in points scored eight times.

Reid's ability to adapt is another reason the Chiefs keep winning Super Bowls. Last season, their offense backtracked due in part to a receiving corps that led the league in drops (44), per Pro Football Reference. KC relied on its defense instead, allowing the second-fewest points in the league (17.3).

1. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes

At only 28, Mahomes' résumé already reads like a future HOFer. He is one of five QBs with three or more Super Bowl rings.

Although Mahomes is establishing himself as one of the best passers in league history, he couldn't overcome the Chiefs' offensive problems last season. In 16 games, he posted a career-low 63.1 QBR and threw 27 passing TDs, his lowest figure since 2019.

Mahomes should produce better numbers in 2024. The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported he has been launching "bombs" at training camp and developing a connection with Worthy.

Perhaps Mahomes will capture his third MVP this season. As of Wednesday, FanDuel Sportsbook gives him the best odds (+500) to win the award.