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Real, meaningful football is finally here, and it all starts off for Chiefs Kingdom this afternoon as Kansas City takes on the Jacksonville Jaguars.
We have analyzed, pontificated and sometimes argued ad nauseum leading up to this point, but now that we’re here, there’s nothing we can do but sit back and watch.
The wins and losses count now, as does the play of some of your favorite players on the field.
Are you ready, Addicts?
Here’s all the info you need leading up to game time.
Time: 12 p.m. CT
Where: Jacksonville, Fla. EverBank Field
TV: KCTV-5
Radio: FM 101.1 The Fox. You can listen to it live here.
Live Stream: You can watch the game after it’s done at https://gamerewind.nfl.com (subscription required)
Point Spread: Kansas City -4 (Bovada.lv)
Chiefs Player To Keep An Eye On: Alex Smith, QB
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This is where the rubber meets the road for Alex Smith. Up to this point, Chiefs Kingdom has basically split into two camps in regard to their new quarterback. The first camp calls him “Captain Checkdown” and believes he’s not “the guy” for this team. The other, thinks Smith has been underrated and can’t wait to watch him lead Kansas City to great things in 2013 and beyond.
We’ll find out exactly who Smith is starting today.
Chiefs Player Who Must Step Up: Eric Fisher, RT
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
This is also going to be a huge game for Eric Fisher, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2013 NFL draft. This will be his first live NFL game action where it actually means something, and to make it even more intense, Luke Joeckel, the other player KC could have drafted at No. 1, will be playing for Jacksonville.
Having a strong game against Jacksonville would be a great way for Fisher to officially start his career with Kansas City.
X-Factor: Dontari Poe, DT
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Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville’s running back, is really their biggest offensive weapon. I believe Poe has what it takes to shut him down. For more on that, read this post.
Prediction:
Chiefs win 30 to 17.
I don’t see the Jaguars defense causing much trouble for Smith and the offense.