The Kansas City Chiefs are undefeated despite a struggling offense. Now DeAndre Hopkins, another star player, is coming – and with him a boost for the Super Bowl. A commentary.

Numbers never lie, or so they say. And yet the Chiefs, who are 6-0 this NFL season, don’t feel like 6-0 Chiefs.

This is mainly due to problems on offense. Long-term injuries to wide receivers Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown, for example, have left holes in the squad in terms of quality.

Added to that is tight end Travis Kelce, who is struggling to find his form. And star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who can’t find his teammates, but instead finds the opponent unusually often.

The fact that the defending champions are the only undefeated team is mainly thanks to their excellent defense.

Since numbers don’t lie: the injured Rice still has the most yards, even though he hasn’t caught a pass since Week 3.

And Mahomes has more interceptions (eight) than touchdown passes (six).

Kansas City Chiefs not ready for the title

That’s why the whole thing didn’t seem fully ready for the title. Until now.

Because a trade at the receiver position was necessary given the team’s ambitions, and with DeAndre Hopkins, the Chiefs have taken the logical step. For one thing, they can afford the five-time Pro Bowler, which is also due to the fact that the 32-year-old’s performance curve has peaked.

But there is no question that the future Hall of Famer still has enough in the tank to provide crucial support for the Chiefs’ offense while also taking some of the pressure off him.

Let’s not forget that Hopkins still had 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023. 173 yards this season seems puny, but it must also be seen in the context of the 1-5 Titans, who are currently not competitive.

DeAndre Hopkins: Adequate alternative for Patrick Mahomes

Hopkins doesn’t have to shoulder the Chiefs offense alone. With first-round pick Xavier Worthy and his speed, and Kelce with his experience and savvy, he will contribute his own strengths as a proven route runner with good hands and provide Mahomes with much-needed alternatives on the field.

The Chiefs will become more unpredictable again as a result.

Head coach mastermind Andy Reid will make sure that Hopkins fires up the engine again. If anyone can get the veteran to perform at his best, it’s Reid. This increases the likelihood that other problems on offense will be solved and that the Chiefs will be able to make an impact on the other side of the ball as well.

NFL: No more excuses for the Chiefs

A nice side effect: With a receiver of Hopkins’ caliber, there are no more excuses for the Chiefs offense. And with JuJu Smith-Schuster, there will soon be another option as the 27-year-old should be fit again in the near future.

The Chiefs want to make history, they are aiming for their third Super Bowl victory in a row, which no team has ever achieved. Despite the injuries, the offensive fundamentals are in good shape thanks to Hopkins. Now Mahomes and Co. have to deliver. Everyone involved will be judged on the trade and the opportunities it presents.

The good thing is that numbers (almost) never lie. Titles certainly don’t either.