ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- One of the NFLs top linebackers may not make it back this season, his pass-rushing partner and a dynamic running back have also been on the shelf, and a Pro Bowl safety has yet to arrive for training camp after contract negotiations fell through.Yet the Kansas City Chiefs are exuding optimism about the upcoming season.Makes total sense, right?Were in a situation where we have high expectations for the team, Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said after taking in a recent practice. Were trying to build off what we accomplished last year.Hes referring to the stunning 11-game win streak that carried the Chiefs not only right into the playoffs but to their first postseason victory in more than two decades.Ive jokingly said that I expect us to get off to a better start, said Hunt, referring to a 1-5 run out of the gates, and I think that goes without saying. We do think we have a team that can compete for a championship and thats what the guys are about.It would help if Justin Houston could return from his February surgery to repair an ACL injury. And if Tamba Hali and Jamaal Charles can be productive. And if Eric Berry ever shows up.Regardless, the Chiefs believe they were close to piecing everything together last season, and they return the majority of the roster intact. So when they signed Mitch Schwartz to solidify the offensive line, made a couple of wise draft picks and signed Nick Foles this past week to provide a capable backup to quarterback Alex Smith, most of their pressing needs had been addressed.Hence the optimism that Kansas City can win its first AFC West title since 2010.Obviously a lot of that is based on the performance that we saw last year, Hunt said. The job that (general manager) John Dorsey and his staff have continued to do in terms of bringing in young players and some veteran players who can fill in and make us stronger, I think this is the most complete team weve had since Andy (Reid) and John have been here.Perhaps the most encouraging part of the first full week of training camp was the offense, which has often been the Chiefs Achilles heel. The defense has still been winning most of the workouts where starters go against each other, but there are signs that Smith and Co. can score this season.Rookie wide receiver Tyreek Hill has made numerous dazzling catches, perhaps a sign that the speedy return man is more than just a special teams ace. Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin and tight end Travis Kelce give Kansas City two dependable pass catchers. Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware have resumed with their one-two punch that proved so effective at running back when Charles went down last season.Even a veteran like Smith seems to be having a good start to training camp.Hes doing really well, co-offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said. For him to be able to make some of the throws he made, hes been doing that for years now, and hes really playing fast.Its all lip service until the first preseason game, if not the first regular season game. But that dress rehearsal is quickly approaching -- the Chiefs play the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday.It remains to be seen whether Hali, Charles or Berry will be on the field by then. In the case of the first two, Reid said, Were literally taking it day by day and seeing how theyre doing.Thats where were at on those two, Reid said.As for Berry, he cannot be fined for failing to report until he signs his franchise tag, and that can happen at any point before the regular season. But to think he will forego doing it is silly since he would be squandering the roughly $10.8 million he will make this season on the one-year deal.We were disappointed to not be able to reach a long-term contract with Eric. Hes somebody we think very highly of, Hunt said. We certainly look forward to having him be a part of the team in 2016. And as soon as we have an opportunity next year, well sit down with his representatives and see if we can work out a scenario where he can finish his career here. Jason Heyward Jersey . John Lucas, signed as a mentor for rookie Trey Burke, showed he can score if required, scoring 12 points of his 16 points in the second quarter as Utah built an 18-point lead. Anthony Rizzo Jersey . PAUL, Minn. http://www.cubsauthentic.com/cubs-david-ross-jersey/ . The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling "puts an end to my dreams of being a top player," the 27-year-old Troicki said in a statement. "I worked my entire life for it, and it has been taken away from me in one afternoon by a doctor I didnt know," said Troicki, whose ranking peaked at No. Billy Williams Cubs Jersey . The 27-year-old Scrivens will be joining his third NHL club since signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs as a free agent in 2010. The move also reunites with him with head coach Dallas Eakins from their time together with the American Hockey Leagues Toronto Marlies. Cole Hamels Cubs Jersey . Hargreaves began his career in 2008 with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and has played with the Edmonton Eskimos and last season with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.Things are looking up for Manchester United after Wednesdays 1-0 win over Watford moved them level on points with fourth-placed Manchester City and boosted their chances of Champions League qualification. Juan Matas stunning winner against the Hornets came just three days after Louis van Gaals injury-hit side secured a 3-2 victory over Arsenal at Old Trafford. It is the first time since November that they have claimed back-to-back league wins, and optimism is in the air after weeks of doom and gloom.Van Gaal insists United are still taking things step by step, but just how high can they finish? We take a look at their prospects ahead of their Super Sunday clash with West Brom live on Sky Sports… Premier League top six 2015/16 Position W D L GD Pts Leicester 16 9 3 20 57 Tottenham 15 9 4 27 54 Arsenal 15 6 7 16 51 Man City 14 5 8 17 47 Man Utd 13 8 7 11 47 West Ham 12 10 6 11 46 While United will be hoping to build some momentum on the back of their last two results, the fact remains that they have taken just 47 points from their first 28 games of the season. Ten consecutive wins would put them on 77 points, but if they continue at the same rate, they will finish the season on 64. That total would be six points lower than their tally in 2014/15, when it only would have been enough for a fifth-placed finish. It might be a different story this season given the struggles of the Premier Leagues big sides, but Van Gaal will still be hoping for considerable improvement.Remaining fixturesSo what are Uniteds chances of continuing their recent upturn in form in their remaining games? On paper, their run-in looks tricky. The Red Devils still have to travel to Man City, Tottenham and West Ham, and they also face potentially difficult home clashes against Everton and leaders Leicester. Average position of remaining Premier League opponents Team Avg position of opponents Leicester 11.9 Tottenham 10.7 Arsenal 11.dddddddddddd7 Man City 12.3 Man Utd 9.8 The average position of their remaining opponents (9.8) is higher than any of the top four, but on the plus side their fixtures throw up plenty of opportunities to close the gap on the teams above them. United can also take heart from their impressive record against teams in the top half of the table. Marcus Rashford and Juan Mata celebrate during Uniteds win over Arsenal More ominously, however, is that United took just 16 points from a possible 30 in the reverse fixtures of their remaining games - winning four, drawing four and losing two. Repeat results would see them finish the season on just 63 points.Potential fixture worry?Another potential issue facing United is fixture congestion. Van Gaals side face Liverpool in the next round of the Europa League and host West Ham in the FA Cup quarter-finals over the next fortnight, meaning they could have as many as 11 cup games to play as well as their remaining Premier League games before the season is out. Potential remaining games (including possible FA Cup replays) Team Remaining games Leicester 10 Tottenham 17 Arsenal 21 Man City 17 Man Utd 21 Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City also have domestic and European commitments to consider, but Leicester have a clear run in the league having been knocked out of the FA Cup earlier this season.Injury issuesA hectic fixture list could take its toll on Uniteds depleted squad. Their injury crisis has forced Van Gaal to promote youngsters from their academy in recent weeks, and according to Physio Room they currently have 11 first-team players out injured. Chris Smalling is one of 11 Manchester United players sidelined by an injury The number of absentees limits Van Gaals options when it comes to squad rotation, so hell need the likes of Chris Smalling, Wayne Rooney, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Phil Jones to recover as quickly as possible.ConclusionThere are plenty of obstacles facing United in the final months of the season, and Van Gaal is right to be cautious. But if they can deliver more big results against their closest rivals and get some of their injured first-teamers back into action, theyll have a chance of climbing the table. A third consecutive Premier League win against West Brom on Super Sunday would provide a platform to build on. Herrera targets top four Ander Herrera says Manchester United will fight until the end for a place in the top four. Where do you think Manchester United will finish? Leave us a comment below or let us know on Twitter @SkyFootball. Get a Sky Sports Day Pass Dont miss West Brom v Man Utd. Watch live on NOW TV for ￡6.99. No contract. Also See: Rashford rise excited Hodgson Utd v Liverpool kick-off moved ' ' '
