2018 Wild Card Game: OPEN THREAD

The day has finally come. It’s the 2018 Wild Card Game with the Tennessee Titans visiting our Kansas City Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium. Everyone and their Mark Donovan are asking fans to be in their seats early. I know how it is, if you’re tailgating and you hear the sound of fans cheering, that’s you’re usual dinner bell saying, “The Chiefs are being Served.” Apparently, it wasn’t a good look when the stadium was half-empty at kickoff a couple of weeks ago. B.J. Kissel is saying that the organization has a chance to host the NFL draft soon and if the fans aren’t going to be in their seats… it reflects badly.

In any event, there will be a football at Arrowhead today and the winner gets to move on while the loser goes home until next September.

Earthquakes of Nervousness

Every team deserves to be taken seriously in the NFL. Even the Cleveland Browns. If you may recall, Johnny Manziel almost handed the Chiefs a loss here at Arrowhead a couple of years back. That’s all to say… the Tennessee Titans are for real and will give he Chiefs a huge challenge today. That said, I believe there is only one reason to be nervous and that is Titans running back Derrick Henry. Or I should say… Derrick Henry and the Titans offensive line. If Tennessee’s offensive linemen have a good day and Derrick Henry has an excellent day… the Chiefs will have a tough time winning.

Objective El Numero Uno

First and foremost, the Chiefs must shut down the Titans running game. If not shut-it-down… then… limit it. With the one-half of their dynamic duo sitting on the bench, DeMarco Murray, the load will fall upon Derrick Henry. If he has success early and often, the possession game could tilt the Titans way and running him late could seal the Chiefs demise.

Hopes and Expectations

If the Chiefs defense can force the Titans into a passing game all signs point to a Chiefs victory. It’s not that the Titans absolutely can’t win that way… it’s just not very likely. QB Marcus Mariota has thrown 13 TDs this season but he’s also thrown 15 INTs. The more the Titans put the ball in the air, the better off it is for K.C..

I don’t foresee the Chiefs defense having a problem limiting Derrick Henry and their passing game. Sure, we COULD lose this game, but I think that would be a pretty big upset if it happens. I’m picking the Chiefs to go up early and win this one going away: Chiefs 34, Titans 17.

Are you more nervous than excited? If so… what makes you nervous about this matchup?

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