NFL Monday Night Football Preview & Predictions: New England Patriots at Kansas City Chiefs (POLL)
The 2014 NFL season is nearly a quarter of the way complete and the only game remaining in Week 4 is between the Kansas City Chiefs and the New England Patriots on Monday Night Football.
The work and school week may have begun, but NFL fans can enjoy kicking back and watching one more Week 4 game.
Both the Chiefs and Patriots are coming off Week 3 victories against AFC opponents, and here is their time to shine on the national spotlight in front of everyone.
New England Patriots (2-1)
The Patriots are 2-1 after three games with wins over the Minnesota Vikings and the Oakland Raiders. Their lone defeat came in Week 1 to their AFC East nemesis Miami Dolphins, when they blew a big second half lead. Tom Brady hasn't been given much time to throw at all with the offensive line struggling. Brady has just 632 yards and three touchdowns on 58.8 completion percentage. It looks like trading away Logan Mankins was a bad decision.
Despite the struggling offense, the Patriots defense has stepped up. The Patriots defense has only allowed one touchdown in the last two games, alhough Adrian Peterson didn't play in Week 2. The improved secondary with Darrelle Revis has been good, but Vince Wilfork and the defensive line will have their hands full with the Chiefs running backs.
With the game being played on the road, running effectively is crucial. Stevan Ridley isn't showing signs of 2012 and Shane Vereen isn't great between the tackles on a consistent basis. Tight end Robert Gronkowski is great, but injuries always seem to come up. Patriots wide receivers such as Aaron Dobson, Kenbrell Thompkins and Brandon LaFell need to finally get open and play to the potential they're capable of.
Kansas City Chiefs (1-2)
The Kansas City Chiefs are 1-2 after losing their first two games to the Tennessee Titans and the Denver Broncos. In Week 3, the Chiefs got their first victory of the season against the Miami Dolphins in blowout fashion, 34-15. The Chiefs will be playing at home at Arrowhead Stadium in what is one of the loudest football arenas in the NFL.
The Chiefs are a run-first offensive team led by Jamaal Charles and Knile Davis. Davis has done a tremendous job filling in for an injured Charles, who is scheduled to play in this game. Quarterback Alex Smith plays it safe with high completion percentage passes, but wide receiver Dwayne Bowe has just six receptions this season so far.
The Chiefs have a good rush defense, so they will force the Patriots to throw often. Even though the Chiefs lost cornerbacks Dunta Robinson and Brandon Flowers in the offseason, they should be able to get through the Patriots offensive line. To no one's surprise, linebackers Justin Houston and Tamba Hali lead the Chiefs in sacks. Last season, the dynamic duo both led the team with 11 sacks each.
Where and When to Watch
The Patriots and Chiefs will play each other at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 PM EST with coverage on ESPN. Live streaming of the game can be seen at WatchESPN.
Predictions
The Chiefs at 1-2 are in desperate need of a win. Playing at home in one of the loudest crowds against a terrible offensive line could be a great recipe for success. The Patriots still don't have a deep threat or a great running game. Tight end Travis Kelce could be the x-factor in this game.
Chiefs win 24-17
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