After making the playoffs in 2012, the Chiefs backslid in 2011, mostly because of being injured all season. Two Chiefs in particular were the main reason Kansas City fell so far, but both are healthy coming into this season, and both will be key members of the Chiefs. The NFL odds aren’t giving them much love to win their division, considering they have Peyton Manning to contend with. However, they still have a pretty good team. Even though they have a new coach, if Jamaal Charles and Eric Barry can stay healthy, anything can happen in the AFC West.

Charles, who tore his ACL early in 2011, looks to be back and ready for action. His injury was early enough to where he has had almost an entire year to recover from the injury. He has been participating in the Chiefs’ training camp, and reportedly he feels good. Charles rushed nearly 1500 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2010, and with no one else to take carries from him in KC, it looks as if he is ready for another great season.

Barry on the other hand had a similar injury, and he too has been participating in Chiefs training camp. Barry was the first Chiefs player to be sent to the Pro Bowl as a rookie. He had a phenomenal rookie year. He had 92 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 4 interceptions. One of those picks was returned for a touchdown. If he can improve on that, we are talking about one of, if not the best young safety in the NFL.

Both of these guys are great players, and it’s easily understandable why without them, the Chiefs went 7-9 and fired their head coach. In 2012, if healthy, they should be poised for a great season.