After an offseason that can only be described in one word - change - the Kansas City Chiefs have a handful of intriguing story lines to look forward to in 2009.  From Cassel and McDaniels to the NFC East gauntlet, the team from Kansas City figures to be in the spotlight in 2009 with these intriguing story lines.

Chiefs offense will be tested early

The Chiefs will start the 2009 season against arguably the NFL's best defense.  But it won't get any easier from there as two of their next three games are against top five defenses.  In fact, the Chiefs will face exactly ONE team without a winning record before their week 8 bye.

Todd Haley has been hailed as an offensive guru for his work in Arizona and that reputation will be put to the test early.

Hello, NFC East

In weeks three through six the Chiefs will play arguably the toughest division in football.  Take a look at this gauntlet:

• Week 3: @ Eagles
• Week 4: GIANTS
• Week 5: COWBOYS
• Week 6: @ Redskins

The schedule makers didn't do the Chiefs any favors by pitting their roughest stretch before the bye.  The NFC East has two of the top five defenses in the NFL, America's team and the wealthiest team. 

The AFL returns

The Chiefs will don throwback uniforms for games at home against the Cowboys (week 4) and the Chargers (week 7).  2009 is the 50th anniversary of the AFL which will put the Chiefs in their old Dallas Texans uniforms. 

The sentiments around here have been fairly negative considering we'll be wearing Texas uniforms against the Cowboys.  Click here for an image of the logo.

Matt Cassel and Josh McDaniels won't be reunited until December

In a strange scheduling format, the Chiefs won't face the Denver Broncos until December 6th.  The more intriguing storyline however is the Chiefs' new quarterback facing his old coach.

We know the story behind this.  McDaniels wanted Cassel which was the riding force behind Jay Cutler's adamant demands to be traded.  Cutler, of course, was sent to Chicago in a trade that could rock the balance of power in the AFC West.

Ending Easy

I wouldn't call the Chiefs last six games "easy" but in a bit of good fortune they won't play a single winning team after facing the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers in week 11.  If the Chiefs were hoping for a second half playoff surge, they've got the schedule to do it.

For a complete listing of the Chiefs preseason and regular season schedule, click here.