Perhaps the Kansas City Chiefs should thank defensive tackle Chris Jones for their 6-0 start.
The Chiefs have been an offensive juggernaut in the past, featuring quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce. Through their first six games in 2024, Mahomes has more interceptions (eight) than passing touchdowns (six), and Kelce has no TD catches.
With both stars underperforming, Kansas City’s defense has stepped up, allowing the NFL’s fifth-fewest points (17.2). Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer feels Jones is one reason the unit is prospering, which should make him a Defensive Player of the Year favorite.
“There are reasons why the third piece of the core off which [head coach] Andy Reid and [general manager] Brett Veach have built the Kansas City Chiefs dynasty doesn’t get the credit he deserves,” wrote Breer Tuesday. “But I’ll try to put a stop to it here — and tell you not only that Chris Jones should be your leader in the clubhouse for Defensive Player of the Year, but he’s been as important to Kansas City’s 6-0 start as anyone.”
As of Tuesday, Jones and Houston Texans edge-rusher Will Anderson Jr. are tied for the second-best DPOY odds (+600) behind Pittsburgh Steelers edge-rusher T.J. Watt, per FanDuel Sportsbook.
Jones has 12 total tackles and three sacks through his first six games. Those numbers don’t seem astounding, but advanced statistics better illustrate his impact.
According to Pro Football Focus, his pass-rush win rate (19.4%) is tied for 10th in the league (min. 69 pass-rush snaps). He also has the seventh-most pressures (30).
“He attracts so much attention that not only is he making plays himself, he’s allowing other guys to make plays because he’s getting double- triple-teamed and guys are getting one-on-ones and free shots at the quarterback,” Chiefs safety Justin Reid told Breer Sunday. “It can’t be overstated, his impact on the game week-in and week-out.”
In free agency, the Chiefs re-signed Jones to a five-year, $158.75M deal, making him the highest-paid player at his position. The investment seems to be working out, as he could help K.C. become the first team to win three straight championships in the Super Bowl era.