NFL power rankings: Chiefs start 2014 season in the middle of the pack

The Kansas City Chiefs held the 20th spot in the first 2013 NFL power rankings and now the KC Chiefs hold the 15th spot in the 2014 NFL power rankings. This according to rankings voted on by SB Nation's NFL bloggers.

I know I'm supposed to disagree with power rankings that don't rank the Chiefs very high but I do feel this is a fair ranking for the Chiefs. They were an 11-win team last year so they can't drop that far, despite how many free agent losses they had this offseason. They are playing a much tougher schedule this year so it's hard to predict them much higher than No. 15.

The Steelers were the 15th ranked team at the end of last season (according to draft order) and they went 8-8. That season record meshes with what a lot of fans are picking for the Chiefs.

The Chiefs Week 1 game comes against the Tennessee Titans where they are favored by four points. Since they should win that game, it probably won't affect their power rankings much unless they lose. It's Week 2 where the Chiefs have the ability to move up when they face the Broncos in Denver.

The Chiefs were ranked 15th in ESPN's post-draft NFL power rankings and Yahoo! Sports ranked them 19th in the preseason.

Here are the AFC West rankings:

2. Denver Broncos: Seems about right.

11. San Diego Chargers: Seems a little high.

32. Oakland Raiders: Seems about right.

Read the full list of power rankings here.