Chiefs vs. Falcons: 3 Storylines To Watch

Let me just say one more time what a game against the Broncos. From start to finish it was a game that truly epitomized who the Chiefs really are.

Hard-nosed defense and great special teams play.  We would not have won our game against the Broncos without Tyreek Hill and Cairo Santos. Both of whom were given awards this week for Special Teams Player of the Week and Special Teams Player of the Month respectively.

This Sunday, we take on the Atlanta Falcons, the unstoppable force. The Falcons rank first in points scored, and at worst are 15th in rushing. But the Falcons do have perhaps one of the better running back duos in the league in Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman. The Chiefs should be getting back Dee Ford and Steven Nelson to aid in their effort against the Falcons offense.

Now, lets take a look at the storylines entering the game this week.

Immovable Object to Unstoppable Force

Last week against the Broncos the Chiefs faced one of the top-five defenses in the league. This week they take on the No. 1 offense in the NFL in the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons are lead by MVP candidate Matt Ryan who is having the best season of his career. Aiding him in his efforts are Devonta Freeman (11th in rushing yards) and Julio Jones (first in receiving yards). Last year Matt Ryan was second in the NFL in red zone interceptions with six, but this year through 11 games he only has one interception.

It’s fair to say the Chiefs will have their hands full in stopping the Falcons offense. But against four other teams that ranked top 10 in scoring the Chiefs remain undefeated. In the five games, top scoring teams averaged just 18 points. Although the Chiefs are giving up 381.9 (28th) yards per game they rank fifth in red zone defense, and are allowing teams to score on 48.57% of attempts.

The Atlanta Falcons on the other hand rank dead last in red zone defense, and are allowing teams to score on 75 percent of red zone attempts. The Falcons are 29th in points allowed per game, and dead last in passing yards allowed per game. But the Falcons might not have much to fear as the Chiefs rank 31st in red zone scoring, and often will take the field goal versus forcing it into the end zone.

The Falcons have allowed less than 24 points just two times so far this season. The Chiefs have yet to lose when scoring at least 24 points (6-0).

Something will have to give to decide the winner.

The Injury Bug Continues

The Chiefs have suffered many impactful injuries over the last few years, and it continues today. Jeremy Maclin, Dee Ford, Dontari Poe, Jaye Howard, Steven Nelson all starters and are all dealing with injuries. In their place Tyreek Hill, Justin Houston, Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Kenneth Acker have all been serviceable or great. Jamaal Charles is also still hurt, but has a chance to return at the end of the season for a playoff run. Something Jamaal hasn’t been a major part of since 2010.

The Falcons have also been dealing with some late season injuries this year. Star cornerback Desmond Trufant is out for the year with a pectoral injury. Starting defensive end Adrian Clayborn is out this week with a knee injury. Even Punter Matt Bosher had been dealing with a right hamstring injury, and could hamper his performance this Sunday.

Statement Game

For both sides this is a statement game. A win for the Chiefs would show that they can beat just about anybody. A win for the Falcons would help to assert themselves as one of the top teams in the NFC. Both teams have dealt with questions regarding their ability to continue to beat good teams and win the games they should win. Both teams are fighting to maintain or improve on their playoff standings. The Chiefs are fighting to reclaim their spot as tops in the AFC West, and the Falcons are trying to stay ahead of the surging Buccaneers.

Who will make a statement on Sunday?