NFL Game of the Week: Chiefs vs. Patriots
Week 3 in the NFL is officially upon us, with Sunday being filled with great matchups across the board, including the late window as the New England Patriots (2-1) visit the Kansas City Chiefs (3-0). Time to take a look at the game preview between two juggernauts of the AFC.
After losing a tough battle in the final seconds of their to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2, the Patriots looked much more balanced in a decisive 36-20 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders at home.
Meanwhile, the host Chiefs continue to prove that their Super Bowl win was no fluke. Patrick
Mahomes continues to rack up points, as the offense is averaging 30 points per game to start the year.
Mahomes’ ability to throw the football all over the field with elite accuracy, awareness and power continues to dazzle fans. Mix in these abilities with a strong wide receiver core in Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce and Sammy Watkins, and it’s a recipe for disaster for defenses to try to strategize against.
New England added former MVP Cam Newton to soften the loss of Tom Brady, but make no mistake: Newton is playing at a high level with his ability to score at will, using his big frame and homerun ability to put his team in contention week after week. Their talented running back room allows the Patriots to control time of possession, with the likes of Rex Burkhead and Sony Michel.
The Chiefs have the capability to slow down Newton, just as they were able to hold Lamar Jackson last week to an abysmal 97 passing yards and two total touchdowns. Jackson had some success running with the football, as he rushed for 83 yards on the evening. In order to prevent an offensive shootout, the Chiefs have to find a way to improve their run defense, as the team has given up 341 yards of rushing offense in the past two weeks.
The Patriots are out to prove they belong in conversation as Super Bowl contenders in the early stages of the season. New England has looked impressive in wins over the Dolphins and Raiders, but the real test will come against the reigning Super Bowl champions.
New England’s defense put Derek Carr under duress for most of the afternoon and look for the same results against Mahomes.
This exciting matchup between two elite teams of the AFC should be tight throughout, but the
Chiefs will win a close one at home.
Prediction: Chiefs 28, Patriots 24
Austin Boley is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email aob5378@psu.edu
