The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ... The trade of Alex Smith to Washington clears the way for Mahomes, the Chiefs' 2017 first-round draft pick, to become the Chiefs' new starting quarterback.

Diehards Line: Mahomes’ regular-season NFL debut, a 27-24 win over the Denver Broncos on Dec. 31, was a success. Mahomes completed 22 of 35 passes for 284 yards with an interception in the game and showed poise while leading the Chiefs’ game-winning drive. “I think he’s got what it takes man,” Denver cornerback Aqib Talib said at the Pro Bowl. “He’s got a super strong arm, he can make all the throws. He made great reads in our game. I know we had a simple game plan on defense, but he made great reads and took control of the game. ..." While the timing of this development might be a surprise, the ultimate outcome, the beginning of the Mahomes Era in Kansas City, was expected.