Chiefs 2015: How many games will they lose?
Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws the ball in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
50:50’s
The tough part of the Chiefs schedule in 2015 pits them against many teams of similar quality. It will be these games that define the successes of the season. The first of these games is the first game against the Broncos. The first primetime game of the season on Thursday night at Arrowhead is a crucial game for Andy Reid and his Chiefs.
Arrowhead is a notoriously difficult place to play, and if the Chiefs are finally to get one over Peyton and the Broncos, this is the game. I think the Chiefs may well just squeeze out the victory, but this will be a very close matchup.
Week 7 sees another game which could go either way. Ben Roethlisberger and the offensive powerhouse of the Pittsburgh Steelers ended the Chiefs hopes of making the postseason last year. This year, the Chiefs will face another tough Steelers team. They may have an atrociously bad secondary, but the acquisition of Bud Dupree in the draft will improve their pass rush and the return of Le’Veon Bell from suspension will provide the Chiefs’ poor run defense with plenty of problems. Another AFC wild card rival, this will be another crucial tight game.
Both games against AFC West rivals Chargers will be close. The Chiefs managed to sweep San Diego last year, but with the addition of Melvin Gordon, Philip Rivers will not have to shoulder the weight of the offense, and they will pose major problems. At Arrowhead, the Chiefs will be favorites, but in San Diego, the Chargers may well nick the victory. A 1-1 record against the Chargers would not be disastrous in 2015.
The final 50:50 game is the unpopular, unheralded and unexpected London game versus the Lions. This game has been under much scrutiny from Chiefs Kingdom due to losing a home game.
At Arrowhead, Kansas City would be expected to win. In London? This one could go either way. The Lions offense is potentially scary good, and their defense is solid if not spectacular without Ndamukong Suh anchoring the defensive line. However, there are so many external factors that will influence this game it is extremely tough to call. As an Englishman going to his first NFL game, this is the matchup I’m most looking forward to, but seeing the Chiefs chalk up another victory is far from guaranteed.
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