Quarters: Chiefs Schedule In Four Pieces – 2nd Q – After a tough first quarter of the season, the Kansas City Chiefs ease into the next quarter of their schedule with just one 2019 playoff opponent. However, that game will be a tough one, as the Chiefs face Buffalo on the road. Despite the apparent weakness of Chiefs other opponents, they will play two division games, which often prove to be close match-ups, especially early in the season: the Denver Broncos and Los Vegas Raiders, and both will be looking to set the tone for their seasons. A victory for them, could signal a more competitive future in the AFC West, while defeat maintains the status quo and lowers morale. The Chiefs final opponent this quarter, the New York Jets, will probably talk a good game, but ultimately, they’ll be pleased to get out of Arrowhead Stadium with some semblance of their dignity intact. It all starts at home, vs the Raiders.
Week 5 vs Las Vegas Raiders
John Gruden and Mike Mayock have made some progress with their roster, but nowhere near enough. For every good draft pick they make, another head scratching one waits behind it. The acquisition of Damon Arnette in the first round, certainly fits the later category. The push to build the right culture and cultivate positive attitudes makes sense, but that intensity is more fuel for frustration than catalyst for change. The Raiders don’t have the talent to hang with the Chiefs. Until they do, their alpha dogs will keep going home hungry. Chiefs win again.
Key Player: Mike Pennel
Derrick Carr doesn’t scare anyone and Marcus Mariota got run out of town by the team that resurrected Ryan Tannehill. The Raiders are going to run the ball, then run the ball, and then run it some more. The Chiefs defense has to stop it, and that starts with the man Chiefs defenders call Big Mike: Mike Pennel. He’s been a revelation since his arrival in Kansas City. Their run defense instantly improves when he sets foot on the field.
Week 6 @ Buffalo Bills
Andy Reid is absolutely brilliant with extra time. The flip-side has been true, on Thursday Night. It’s pretty much been the only time AFC West opponents have had a chance, vs the Chiefs. Josh Allen isn’t a good QB… yet, but he has some splashy performances. The presence of Mahomes last year, inspired Matt Stafford to put together his best game. I’m guessing it does the same for Allen. Chiefs face one of the league’s best defenses on the road, on a short week. If Allen performs well, the Chiefs will lose this game. At this point, that’s what I’m predicting.
Key Player: Juan Thornhill
Allen loves to chuck it deep, but his accuracy comes and goes. If he doesn’t have a stellar night, Juan Thornhill will be there to capitalize. K.C. will have a battle on their hands all night, but turning over Allen, multiple times, would be their best road to a win. Thornhill is the guy who’s best positioned to do that, so long as he’s fully healthy.
Week 7 @ Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos finally gave up on stopping the Chiefs, and are going to try to go score for score with them. Maybe that strategy pays off for them, down the road. Right now, their defense isn’t much better than it was last year, and their offensive pieces will still be getting up to speed. Maybe this turns into a fun-to-watch shoot out, but my gut tells me that the Chiefs seize an early lead and never look back. With Andy Reid having some extra time to prepare, this could be a blowout. Chiefs win, handily.
Key Player: Travis Kelce
The Broncos didn’t have an answer for Kelce last year, and that hasn’t changed. When he and Mahomes are in sync, it doesn’t really matter how hard you try to cover him, you just can’t. Kelce knows the Broncos defense really well. He’s going to eat all game long.
Week 8 vs New York Jets
First things first, Kansas City wins. Sam Darnold and Adam Gase can’t possibly compare to Andy Reid and Pat Mahomes. The Jets defense has some good pieces, but it’s not the formidable force it once was. If the Chiefs can limit Le’Veon Bell and Frank Gore, they should have no trouble controlling the game.
Key Player: Damien Wilson
Against a weak offense like the Jets, Steve Spagnuolo will likely send more heavy personnel out. Wilson will have a chance to make some key tackles, on the edge. His reliability can help Chiefs avoid giving up any explosive runs.
2nd Quarter Summary
The Chiefs reach the halfway point of the season, mostly unscathed. A lone loss to Buffalo, in adverse conditions, still leaves them in great position, to secure the one seed. They are undefeated in the division and have placed a loss on each of their rivals’ records. Better still, the only thing between them and a Bye week in the playoffs is a rebuilding Carolina Panthers team. Health will be big at this point in the year. The Chiefs were bit by the injury bug a lot last season. With better luck, on that front, this could be one of the more dominant teams the NFL has seen.
Ransom Hawthorne — ArrowheadOne
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