This matchup may have lost some luster with the injury to Patrick Mahomes, but that does not make this game a gimmie by any means – just ask the Broncos. Here are three big points for Sunday night’s game:
Run to Victory at Arrowhead
Arrowhead is one of the loudest and toughest stadiums to play at. Up until a few weeks ago, the Chiefs had went 11-1 at home. However, they’ve dropped their last two games at home to the Colts and Texans.
So what changed?
You’ve heard “run the ball, stop the run,” right? So did the Colts and Texans. The Colts only passed for 151 yards and had to settle for 4 field goals from the red zone, but won by running for 180 yards on 45 carries (against 36 yard for the Chiefs). The Texans ran for 192 yards on 41 carries (compared to only 53 yards for the Chiefs). Running the ball slows down the Chiefs high-flying passing attack and can settle a rowdy crowd.
Prior to last week’s game against Denver, the Chiefs had given up at least 180 rushing yards the last 4 games. Expect Matt LaFleur to call a lot of runs.
Don’t Sleep on Matt Moore
Matt Moore is not an adequate replacement for Patrick Mahomes, but he’s a smart journeyman who has lots of toys at his disposal in an offense designed by a brilliant coach. Last week, he hit Tyreek Hill on a 57 yard touchdown. Hill (4.28) and rookie Mecole Hardman (4.33) are two of the fastest player in the league, Sammy Watkins is coming back from injury, LeSean McCoy has shown he still has some gas in the tank, and Travis Kelce might be the best tight end in the game. The Packers defense probably won’t be able to get by with bend but don’t break this week – these are big play guys who will break anything that bends.
Return From Injuries
If the Packers get Darnell Savage (4.36) and Tony Brown (4.35) back from injuries to play alongside Jaire Alexander (4.38) and Adrian Amos (4.37), the speed could neutralize a lot of the big play capability that Kansas City thrives on. If the Packers can get pressure, speed like that could lead to interceptions against a rusty backup who hasn’t started a game in two years, spent last season out of football, and was coaching high school football before he signed with the Chiefs merely 59 days ago.
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For more coverage of this week’s game, check out Pregame Predictions: Packers at Chiefs – 2019 Week 9